Jacksonville Children's Chorus: 2021-2022 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2021-22 SEASON

The 2021-22 Season provided a year of milestones as the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus increased opportunities and continued successful live performances – while opening the door to a new era. The Chorus’ leadership, staff, volunteers and performers delivered high quality choral music and education around the First Coast. During the season, despite ongoing pandemic-related concerns, nearly 5,000 people participated in our year-long choirs, outreach programs, and attended in-person performances. Overall, more than 36,000 people experienced our performances or programs in person or virtually.

The Concert Choir, our second-most advanced group, was reinstated with multiple classes after a pandemic-triggered suspension. We continued to offer Virtual Preschool Music Classes, which represent a successful, innovative shift created during the pandemic. The Chorus also added a third off-site rehearsal location thanks to the community’s support. As the year progressed, the efforts led by President and Artistic Director Darren Dailey along with the board, staff, and our supporters, meant we could continue the “Cool Side of Yuletide” Concert as a drive-in event, and the annual “Lift Every Voice & Sing” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration concert.

Our River City Dancing With The Stars event (RCDWTS) continued with a strong cast of stars and professionals who brought the First Coast together in support of choral arts education. Community support at RCDWTS and other events is essential as we see increasing need for scholarships to provide choral arts education to an inclusive range of children; each year, more than 33% of JCC participants qualify for need-based scholarships provided by the Chorus.

This diversity powers our growing impact at home and nationally. The Chorus’ national reputation continues to grow, as evidenced by being honored with the 2022 American Prize in Choral Performance Youth Division Award. The Chorus also won the Florida Historical Society’s David C. Brotemarkle Award, given to the most extraordinary creative expressions of Florida history through their “Songs of the Sunshine State” performances.

As we ended the season, our organization completed work on the next chapter of the JCC’s history and impact in the region. Through the generous support of VyStar Credit Union, The Chorus headquarters will return to Downtown by early 2023 with new offices and rehearsal spaces on Forsyth Street. We are grateful for this unique opportunity to help serve as a catalyst and partner for arts, culture, and Downtown’s activation.

Indeed, our energy for the future is rising as we begin another year focused on empowering, enriching and educating the lives of our students through music. Thank you to our supporters, volunteers and community leaders for the continued, generous support of the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus’ mission.

With Gratitude, David DeCamp Chair, Board of Directors

THE MISSION

The mission of the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus (JCC) is to provide high-quality choral music education for children of diverse backgrounds, fostering teamwork, selfdiscipline, accomplishment and pride while filling an important cultural need in the community and sharing the beauty of the choral art form through artistically excellent performances.

The JCC was founded in 1995 at Jacksonville University to fill a need for a children’s music program, led by Dr. Frances B. Kinne, then-JU president, and implemented by Dr. Jon O. Carlson and Jim Taylor. From 16 voices in 1995, the JCC has grown to serve nearly 1,200 singers in year-long choirs and outreach programs in FY2122.

AT THE JCC,

our goal is to provide an environment rich with diverse opportunities for children of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. We aim to develop their social, emotional, and intellectual capabilities to prepare them for success across diverse disciplines, in music and beyond.

In the 2021-2022 program year, the JCC accomplished this goal by offering six year-long choirs for differing abilities and ages.

SOCIOECONOMICS & SCHOLARSHIPS

IN

THE 2021-2022 SEASON,

the JCC’s year-long membership reached 167 singers. Throughout its expansion over the years, the JCC continues to hold true to its core values: that diversity within singer membership is essential to its mission, and that no child who wants to sing will be turned away because of their family’s inability to pay.

The JCC’s scholarship program widens access to music education and personal development for everyone. The awarded scholarships cover tuition, uniforms, and the cost of performances and trips. For some singers, these trips include international travel—the JCC opens up the world to many children who have never even left the state of Florida.

But scholarships provide more than tuition and uniforms. The JCC offers children in Northeast Florida a forum for personal expression, skill development, and music education. In many schools, music programs are defunded and devalued. Music teachers may see their students just once a month for less than an hour—certainly not enough time to become musically literate or gain the benefits that come with music education.

JCC singers, on the other hand, benefit from a rigorous and rich educational experience. They learn music theory, voice, leadership skills, positive character traits, and work ethic that follows them into adulthood. Singers learn teamwork, respect, kindness, self-discipline, and enjoy the satisfaction of an outstanding performance after months of hard work.

The JCC strives to foster excellence throughout our singers’ lives. Your support of our scholarship program advances student success beyond performance art and into the very fabric of their lives.

THE JCC HAS PROVIDED SCHOLARSHIPS

to its singers since 1998, and the commitment to its scholarship program has meant increased fundraising efforts to keep up with the growth of the organization. More than one-third of JCC singers receive full or partial scholarships each year. More often than not, the JCC is providing more tuition scholarships than what is funded by the community through the scholarship fund.

While overall enrollment and scholarships have seen an upward trend each year, the JCC has seen a dip in these numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years. However, despite the impact of the pandemic, scholarships were provided without interruption in order to meet the community’s needs. In FY2122, 33% of singers were awarded full or partial scholarships.

While the COVID-19 crisis presented many obstacles in the logistics and expenses associated with new rehearsal and performance protocols, it also inspired the generosity of our donors. For instance, the 2020 scholarships saw a gap of $70,000 in funding. However, last season the gap closed to $32,000, and it is thanks to the support and stewardship of the community that made this year possible for so many students. As the global crisis slows, the JCC is looking forward to increased fundraising opportunities and partnerships in order to continue providing financial assistance to singers.

REASONS TO IN A

▶ Singing, specifically in a choir, positively affects one’s mental health. “In a study conducted among people dealing with grief, researchers found that for those who sang in a choir, depression symptoms didn’t get worse over time and their sense of wellbeing remained stable.” 2

▶ Singing and performing increases confidence and self-efficacy. 3

▶ “Studies have shown that singing can also be a helpful tool in emotion-focused coping.” 3

▶ Choral singing can benefit people suffering from breathing conditions by strengthening the lungs and vocal chords. Research has shown that singing may even help to improve symptoms of Parkinson’s and lung disease. 1

▶ Research suggests a relationship between choral singing and an increase in life expectancy. 1

▶ “When you sing in a group, whether it’s a large choir or a smaller group, the act of collective singing causes your body to release endorphins. This hormone can help promote positive feelings, and even change your perception of pain.”2

1. 6 Psychological and Physical Benefits of Choral Singing. (2018, July). Cmuse.org. https://www.cmuse.org/psychological-and-physical-benefitsof-choral-singing/

2. HealthLine. (2020, November 10). Benefits of Singing: 10 Ways Singing Boosts Your Health. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/ benefits-of-singing#benefits

3. Sing Up Foundation | Singing & Health. (n.d.). Sing up Foundation. Retrieved October 18, 2022, from https://www.singupfoundation.org/ singing-health?gclid=Cj0KCQjwnbmaBhD-ARIsAGTPcfXbKNdPMlwBT1V 0ejdRme3TjcFa3kM13lSy7ybAW2ffY3yUQ8KWQUEaApRWEALw_wcB

AN ALUM’S STORY

I STARTED OUT IN THE JCC IN THE FIFTH GRADE

and continued all the way to graduating high school. Throughout that time, I grew immensely as a singer and musician and couldn’t be more grateful of all the amazing opportunities I was given. I was able to perform and share music I loved with people in the community and even internationally. Being a part of the JCC also allowed me to foster and form lasting friendships that I know will carry on for the entirety of my life. Darren Dailey and the rest of the JCC team helped shape the organization into what it is today and

OLIVIA DAVIS

Icouldn’tbemorethankfulto havebeeninvolvedinsomething thisimpactful.

I love looking and thinking about all of my JCC memories now as a college student.

The JCC has helped me grow into an absolute well rounded person. Whether it’s helping me in a musical standpoint or teaching me to be a responsible young woman, they teach children the ‘ins and outs’ of adulthood early on. They continue to mold children into strong adults and push them to be the best version of themselves!

-ALYNNA MORELAND, JCC Alum

As a singer in the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, I have discovered and expanded my musical talents, and learned to be a more disciplined and professional singer. I created long lasting friendships with not only the gifted singers in the chorus, but also with choirs from around the world, giving us the opportunity to come together and share our love for music. - JASMIN

MUSLIMANI, JCC Alum

JACKSONVILLE CHILDREN’S CHORUS

RACIAL

DIVERSITY STATS & AGE STATISTICS

FYE 6/30 PERCENTAGE ON SCHOLARSHIP YEAR-LONG CHOIR STUDENTS OUTREACH PARTICIPANTS ALL STUDENTS AUDIENCES ARTISTS

1213 25.0% 280 248 528 51,550 168 1314 25.2% 306 273 579 51,631 170 1415 36.7% 338 222 560 62,112 171 1516 34.7% 369 485 854 84,283 176 1617 32.8% 402 601 1,003 81,448 174 1718* 37.0% 300 418 718 260,177 129 1819 44.3% 334 578 912 91,739 126 1920** 38.7% 279 330 609 212,735*** 81 2021** 39.2% 125 647 772 104,402 37 2122 32.9% 167 1,015 1,182 34,639 57

*The drop in singer numbers was due partly to lower registrations and singers dropping after Hurricane Irma. **Decreased singer numbers due to the pandemic. *** Increase in virtual audience after cancellation of in-person performances.

JCC’s dedication to intentional diversity is admirable. Both their choir members and their selection of material demonstrates an ongoing effort to reach and support diverse audiences. The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus was an integral part of our Florida Frontiers Television episode ‘Historic Sounds of Jacksonville,’ singing ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ and ‘Orange Blossom Special,’ for that project. The experience working with this group was so positive, we collaborated on another program for public television called ‘Songs of the Sunshine State.’

DR. BENJAMIN D. BROTEMARKLE, Executive Director, Florida Historical Society

AGE DISTRIBUTION In FY2122, age distribution for the JCC’s year-long choirs and its preschool program was: 70% age 0-5, 20% age 6-10, 8% age 11-15, and 1% age 16-18. The increased popularity of our Virtual Preschool program meant that we served many more young children this season than in past years!

GENDER DISTRIBUTION

The gender distribution has come to an almost even number in FY2122. With a 42% of male singers and 58% female singers.

ETHNIC DISTRIBUTION

THE

JCC STRIVES TO BE AN ENVIROMENT THAT ACCEPTS ALL STUDENTS,

celebrates their similarities and differences, and teaches them to treat one another with respect and dignity. And this year, the JCC’s racial and ethnic makeup was even more diverse than Jacksonville’s. The U.S. Census Bureau reports, as of 2022, that 44% of Jacksonville residents are non-white. In FY2122, 51% of our year-long singers were Black, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific Islander, Mixed, or Other. In our free Virtual Preschool program, which included participants from across the globe, 77% were non-white.

Additionally, the JCC served nine children with disabilities in FY2122; ranging from mood disorders, ADHD, speech impediments, and learning disabilities, all participated fully in their year-long choirs and performances.

INNOVATION SINCE THE PANDEMIC

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC PRESENTED UNIQUE CHALLENGES TO THE JCC.

Music-making is traditionally an activity that relies on in-person collaboration and connection, and so our team was driven to devise innovative methods of following through on the JCC’s mission.

At the height of the pandemic, The Chorus swiftly adapted to the new circumstances with virtual rehearsals and performances. The JCC consistently followed CDC guidelines and recommendations from various industry institutions (e.g. ACDA and Chorus America) in order to keep our singers, staff, and families healthy.

COVID has changed people, but has also built people. We all knew that a lot of places closed due to COVID, but JCC had the top level of protection for all its members. JCC’s policies and practices made us feel confident.

— THERESA ZHANG, JCC Parent

PERFORMANCES

From unforgettable performances to educational opportunities filling niches that no other organization in town can do, this is an organization dedicated to elevating children and arts in our community.

— DR. JULIAN DAVID BRYSON Director of Choral Activities, Jacksonville University

IT IS WELL KNOWN

that performing on stage helps children expand their self-efficacy by increasing confidence and self-presentation skills, developing empathy and compassion for others, and increasing perseverance and problem solving. Performing regularly also teaches children self-reliance and that collaboration with others is necessary to reach a common goal. Many studies have proven that children who habitually perform also experience higher academic achievement and learn that there are many different pathways to develop a skill.

Thus, we are happy to share that JCC singers continued to perform through various formats, and more in-person performances returned this season.

This year, JCC was able to offer 26 different performing opportunities at 22 venues world-wide, representing a variety of languages, cultures, and venues, both live and virtual. In programming year 2021-2022, our singers sampled cultures and traditions f rom all over the world and performed in several different languages, including:

OUTREACH PROGRAMS

THE JCC IS UNIQUE

among other Jacksonville arts programs. It is the only children’s chorus of its size and professionalism in Northeast Florida, serving over 1000 children and music educators through year-long choirs and outreach programs.

The JCC was one of the few children’s choirs in the nation to continue operating during the pandemic, thanks to the support of the community and the hard work of our staff and singers. We greatly value reaching into the community to expand music education, and this year was no exception.

It’s an indescribable experience seeing your child tackle difficult music pieces, embrace solo parts with confidence, and develop lifelong friendships with her fellow singers. Eight years ago, Sarah was a girl who enjoyed singing. Now, she is a young woman thinking about studying vocal performance in college, all thanks to the JCC.

VIRTUAL PRESCHOOL MUSIC CLASSES

One of our greatest successes during the pandemic was our Virtual Preschool Program. This program serves daycares and children ages 18 months to five-years old and allows them and their caretakers to experience singing, creative movement, simple instruments, and fingerplays through traditional songs and rhymes.

The reach of these classes surpassed our expectations—by the end of the last session of the fiscal year, we had served families in 23 U.S. states, and 15 countries. The Virtual Preschool Program is entirely free, widening accessibility for low-income families across the globe.

19TH ANNUAL FIRST COAST HONORS CHOIR FESTIVAL

Created in 2003, this day-long annual festival serves area school children recommended by their music teachers from public and private schools. A Treble Ensemble features fourth through eigth graders, and a High School Women’s Ensemble serves ninth through twelth graders. Each ensemble featured a specialized Guest Conductor: Lynnel Jenkins joined us from Westminster Choir College, and Robyn Lana joined us from the Cincinatti Children’s Choir.

RIVER CITY DANCING WITH THE STARS

In April 2022, the JCC held its River City Dancing with the Stars fundraiser, an event in which community leaders are paired with professional dancers, take weeks of dancing classes, and compete against each other to raise money for the JCC. This year, the event featured seven celebrity contestants, two comedian emcees, and seven professional ballroom dancers.

FINANCIALS

EARNED REVENUE

The JCC earns revenue from several sources including income from its 26 different performances, tuition payments of yearlong choir singers, and from registrations for its various outreach programs offered throughout the year.

CONTRIBUTED REVENUE

Contributed revenue at the JCC comes from corporations, city and state governments, foundations, and individuals. These dollars provide the JCC much-needed support, contributing to JCC’s scholarships and ongoing programming so that no child who wishes to sing is turned away. The JCC spent $41,622 on tuition scholarships last year.

64%

OPERATING EXPENSES

36%

ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE

Administrative expenses directly relate to the operations of the organization such as accounting expenses –including administrative staff salaries and our annual nonprofit audit fees, fundraising expenses including staff and postage for mailing request letters, and administrative rental space so our organization has a mailing address and a place to take payments.

ARTISTIC EXPENSE

Artistic expenses include artistic staff salaries, sheet music, production expenses, instruments, fees for worldrenowned guest artists and musical experts, and rehearsal space. These expenses related directly to the production of our year-long choirs and outreach programs.

Administrative Artistic

Organizations like the JCC are rare - the musical education children receive from Darren and his staff is wholly unique and always on the cutting edge. The singers are not taught just to repeat melodies and lyrics. From the youngest ages, they are introduced to music theory and sight reading, and by the time they advance to the highest-level choirs, their skills rival those of professional musicians. Jacksonville is one of the best places in the country to be a budding singer, and there are few cities that can make that claim.

— PAUL BERTOZZI CEO, LIVE OAK CONTRACTING

THANK YOU DONORS

SUSTAINER’S DIVISIONS ($50,000 AND UP)

Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville State of Florida Division of Arts and Culture

CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE ($10,000 - $49,999)

Henry and Lucy Gooding Endowment

Kris and Julie Farmer

JoAnn Tredennick and Jack Meeks

Laura Lee Pattillo Norquist Charitable Foundation

Vystar Credit Union

Rice Family Foundation

Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund

Delores Barr Weaver Forever Event Fund est. 2015

The Haskell Foundation

Florida Blue PNC Foundation

David A. Stein Charitable Trust

Florida Blue Foundation

Josephine Bahn

Nona J. Rawls and H. Taylor Jones Foundation

Northwell Health

Jacksonville Jaguars Foundation

Live Oak Contracting

Swisher International Inc.

Jacksonville

BENEFACTORS ($5,000 - 9,999)

The Gooding-Bell Endowment

Brian Frampton

Kids Hope Alliance

The Reinhold Family Foundation

Pamela Smith

Acosta

Jacksonville Transportation Authority

John E. Anderson

Stephanie and Tim Cost Elevated LLC

Adam Corfee & Kendra Moss

For

Business Manager & Development Officer, Katherine Boling at 904.353.1636 ext. 4 or katherine@jaxchildrenschorus.org.

THANK YOU for your civic leadership and stewardship. People like you make Northeast Florida a lively place to live, work, and play, and this is why the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus is appealing to you to consider supporting its efforts.

The JCC is committed to providing an educational and accepting place for children to express themselves and develop their music knowledge. The arts are in a dire state of vulnerability, and it’s community members like you who have allowed us to continue serving out our mission. Thank you so much for your consideration.

Dear Community Leader,

It is an honor to once again present our Annual Report – thank you so much for being a part of our musical community. At the heart of everything the JCC does, The Chorus and all its singers, parents, volunteers, and donors never cease to impress me with their ability to work as one for the good of Northeast Florida. As you read this report, it is my hope you will be moved by the tremendous impact that the JCC’s artistic and administrative staff and our talented singers have had on the community.

Each year, I am overwhelmed by the earnestness and joy that even our youngest singers feel while preparing for their major concerts. Our singers perform all throughout the community and our traveling choir performs all over the world. This past year our Touring Choir toured the Mediterranean Sea. Performing on the Norwegian Cruise line before departure to Barcelona, Spain where they performed at the Basilica de la Mercè. The group ended the tour performing in Rome, Italy at the Basilica di Sant’Agostino. This was a life changing experience for our students as many had never left the country prior. It brings me so much joy to watch this program enrich the lives of these kids.

Looking forward, I am most excited for our move downtown! As you may have heard, the JCC is finally making its way back to the heart of Jacksonville. Bringing the JCC to the downtown Jacksonville area is not only benefiting our choir, but the entire community. This venture was only made possible through VyStar Credit Union and our generous donors.

Thank you for enabling the JCC to become a world-class children’s chorus that represents Northeast Florida. Please consider investing in our hardworking singers by making a donation today; your donations and support mean the world to us. With your help we will continue to create lifetransforming opportunities for our next generation of leaders.

With gratitude, Darren Dailey, President and Artistic Director

JACKSONVILLE CHILDREN’S CHORUS 31