Boston City Singers Annual Report FY11

Transcription

BOSTON CITY SINGERS
ANNUAL
REPORT
2011
Contents
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
What a thrilling year 2011 was for Boston
City Singers! An unprecedented number of
young people participated in our programming, inspiring all who heard them.
• A Message from our Founder and Board Chair
1
• Who We Are
2
Some of our most memorable highlights:
Our video response to The Boston Pops’ call
for performances of “Over the Rainbow”
was included in their public presentation.
We were thrilled to be their guests at
Symphony Hall on opening night.
• Boston City Singers
Programs
3
• What Others Say
3
• Collaborations
4
Due to the generous support of a numerous individual donors and foundations,
38 members of our Concert Chorus journeyed to South Africa, where they spent
nearly a month on a life-changing “Goodwill Tour.” Not only did they sing for packed
houses and full churches, but they had private audiences with the Archbishop of
Southern Africa and the United States Consul General. Conservation and social
justice themes were made all the more real by outstanding docents who were
passionate about imparting their experiences to our singers. And who will ever
forget the breathtaking vistas of the Cape of Good Hope and Table Mountain!
• Ethnicity/Growth in
Membership
Of our 350 singers aged 4-18 in 9 choruses, eleven singers graduated from the
chorus in May, averaging 6 years membership. One singer, Emma, joined us when
she was just 5 years old, spending a remarkable 13 years with us. All graduates
are now attending four-year colleges, including Harvard University, the United
States Air Force Academy and Boston University. Two received substantial financial
awards, made possible by their Boston City Singers membership.
Local performances included Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s State of the City
Address at historic Faneuil Hall, and the annual tree lighting on Boston Common.
Collaborations with legendary singer Livingston Taylor, Saengerfest Men’s Chorus
and Yale Alumni Chorus were memorable and brought us many new friends and
supporters. We were also excited to partner with Community Music Center of Boston
to bring affordable instrument instruction to our young singers in Dorchester.
5
• What Drives Us
6
• Alumni & Parent Stories
7
• Accomplishments
8
• Sponsors
9
• Events
9
• Press
9
• Board and Staff
10
• Donors
11
• FY11 Statement of
Financial Position
12
Many thanks to our staff, families, Board of Directors, donors, volunteers and, of
course, our inspiring singers themselves for a remarkable year!
Jane E. Money
Charles R. Tevnan, Esq.
artistic and education director
board of directors
founder
president
For additional information,
please contact
Jane E. Money
617-825-0674
[email protected]
Who we are
Our vision is to provide the highest level of musical training
and wide–ranging performance opportunities to young
people, to inspire personal development, celebrate diversity
and foster goodwill within our city and surrounding towns.
As advocates for the performing arts, we are partners with
our community and ambassadors to the world. In achieving
this, our singers will develop a lifelong love of music and
the heart to live in a world of differences.
Our singers learn and perform a dynamic, distinctive, and
challenging repertoire, supporting Boston community’s
rich artistic diversity by performing in a variety of settings
and for diverse audiences. We also foster new repertoire,
commissioning and performing music of distinction which
supports the rich diversity of our membership. Through
outstanding
music
education
and
vocal
instruction,
excellence in performance, and serving the community
through song, chorus members experience the joys of
singing, teamwork, and leadership, musical skill, and
artistic expression, which foster self-growth and enhance
their entire lives.
.2.
Boston City Singers Programs
Our goal is to provide comprehensive training to children and youth in
Boston’s disadvantaged, inner city, and neighboring communities. As
our singers progress through different age-appropriate levels, a unique
continuum of music education, and youth development activities, they
learn tolerance and cooperation,
leadership, and teamwork skills. They
experience the power of self-esteem
and self-discipline, and enjoy the
beauty of artistic expression.
Kodály Singing Classes
“Boston City Singers gave a rebirth
to my love of music.”
— Charles Hollins, President, Dorchester Board of Trade
For ages 4 - 7
Introduction to singing using games
and songs.
Locations:
• Dorchester
• Jamaica Plain
Training Chorus’
Concert Chorus
For ages 11 – 18
Our premier level offers advanced
musicianship training supported by a
wide-ranging repertoire, coupled with
positive youth development training.
The Concert Chorus participates in local,
national and international tours.
Location: Area-wide based in Dorchester
What
others
say
For ages 6/7 - 11
These programs develop essential
musical skills such as rhythm and
sight-singing techniques, using a
wide variety of music. Local
performances and strong mentorship strengthen the experience.
Locations:
• Dorchester
• Hyde Park
• Jamaica Plain • Mattapan
“Boston City Singers provides a
haven for kids who would not have
a community otherwise. We have
unbelievable opportunities and learn
skills that are crucial to everything
else in life.”
— A Boston City Singers Graduate
“Having heard many other children’s
choruses in the Boston area and
beyond, I can say without hesitation that Boston City Singers is at
the top of the list in terms of beauty
of sound, health of vocal techniques
and musicianship... All of this done
with graciousness and without
attitude. A rare commodity in this
ages of divas. It is obvious that
there is more than just music being
taught in rehearsals.”
— David Hodgkins, Artistic Director,
Coro Allegro
.3.
Key Collaborations
“We heard nothing but high praise for
Saturday’s joint concert which was
memorable in all ways. It’s a treat
to hear those pure young voices so
ably prepared. You have a wonderful
ensemble.
—Peter Fenton, President

Boston Saengerfest Men’s Chorus
“
IN FY11, Boston City Singers collaborated with a wide range
of remarkable individuals and organizations, broadening and
strengthening our reach into local and global communities
and enriching the overall experience for our members. Key
partnerships included:
• Community Music Center of Boston
• The Boston Pops
• Diocese of False Bay, South Africa
• Diocese of Cape Town, South Africa
• Berklee College of Music
• Boston Classical Orchestra
• Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy
• Saengerfest Men’s Chorus
• University of the Western Cape
• Yale Alumni Chorus
• Youth and Family Enrichment Services (YOFES)
• Zamir Choral of Boston
.4.
Ethnicity
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
White
African American
Haitian
Hispanic
Asian
Other
City of Boston (Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians-2009)
Boston City Singers
Growth in Membership
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
2011
2009
2007
2005
2003
2001
1999
1997
1995
0
.5.
What Drives Us:
Our mission to inspire young voices to become disciplined,
responsible, and confident adults through the use of music
and youth development.
5 key initiatives embedded in our programs . . .
scholarships and financial assistance. College visits are
Global
Voices
an essential part of each domestic and international
In 2011, we offered two substantial experiences a collaboration with Zamir Chorale exploring Israeli
and Arab cultures, and a month-long immersion
experience for 38 teens in South Africa.
Sing
For Good
This key initiative moves us to provide hundreds of
service hours each year singing at benefit programs,
dedications, and free community concerts. Key
recipients in FY11 included the Vitamin Angels,
Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women, and Leliebloem
House.
Teen
Mentor/Peer Leadership
Professionals train teens as mentors,
program
leaders, and administrative assistants. These teens
not only support the tasks of the organization, but
also are engaged in meaningful work experiences.
Our younger members benefit greatly from this
attention and support.
Chorus
to College
The leadership takes young people to visit college
campuses, provides guidance, and referrals during
the college application process, and advocates for
tour.
We are proud of all of our 2011 graduates, and wish
them well:
• Stephanie Brown (South Boston) – 3 years – Boston University
• Anna Butler (South Boston) – 5 years – Centre College Posse Foundation Finalist
• Caytie Campbell-Orrock (Roslindale) – 4 years – Smith College
• Emma Douglass (Dorchester) – 13 years – Lake Forest College
• Yasser El Hamoumi (Quincy) – 4 years – Union College –
Posse Foundation Winner
• Michael Gattozzi (Hyde Park) – 2 years – Drexel University
• Luke Glinski (Milton) – 4 years – United States Air Force Academy
• Meghan Magee (Brighton) – 3 years – Harvard University –
Janey Scholar
• Annika Nielsen (Dorchester) – 10 years – Harvard University
• Gabriel Paradis (Hyde Park) – 9 years – UMass Lowell
• Lena Stein (Carlisle) – 7 years – Vanderbilt University
On
Stage
From cathedrals to concert halls, we actively seek out
amazing venues and opportunities for our singers such
as The Boston Pops, Lyric Stage, the Boston Symphony
Orchestra, Zamir Chorale, Yale Men’s Alumni Chorus,
Berklee College of Music, Boston Classical Orchestra,
Saengerfest Men’s Chorus, Boston Ballet, and Discovery
Ensemble, as well as a variety of Broadway productions
and rock bands.
.6.
Alumni Impact:
“I will never forget how much Boston City Singers affected
me to my core. I’ve graduated from college, am now married
with a full time job. To this day the song “Away from the Roll
of the Sea” has a special place in my memories. It’s now my
young son’s nightly lullaby.”
- 2005 Boston City Singers Graduate
“Having grown up in Dorchester, I appreciate how Boston City
Singers broadened my horizons and allowed me to meet so
many wonderful people from in and around Boston. I owe
much to this wonderful program, having learned lessons not
merely limited to a passion for linguistics and travel. The choir
has inspired my sense of leadership. I look forward to the
next ten years of involvement with Boston City Singers.”
Parent Impact:
“Boston City Singers is family and always will be.”
incredibly powerful and positive experience you
“Boston City Singers taught me that even through the worst
of times in your life the right people and music helps you get
through it all.” - 2010 Boston City Singers Graduate
2011 Boston City Singers Graduates
Boston City Singers is the best thing I have
ever done for [my child]. This is such an
are giving her. It means so much to me and
gives me peace of mind... By being a part of
the Boston City Singers family, she has made
“When I discovered Boston City Singers in 8th grade through
my music teacher, I finally found the family I never had.”
meaningful friendships and learned to believe
“From the time I was 8 years old until I graduated from Boston Latin School, Boston City Singers was my support most of
the time - helped me with school, taught me about different
cultures and travel and developed my love of singing. It was
an escape and my favorite place to be.”
concentration, dedication, and principles she
in herself – that’s priceless! I am so grateful.
What I wish for my child is that she apply the
developed while being in Boston City Singers
to her college experience starting next year.
– A Boston City Singer Parent, 2011
.7.
2011 Accomplishments
2011 South Africa Goodwill Tour
Every three years, members of our Boston City Singers citywide Concert Chorus embark on an experience that defies
simple explanation. Much more than a performance tour, our
Goodwill Tours are year-long journeys, embracing all of the
things which make Boston City Singers unique.
We found the Cape of Good Hope, the town of Arniston, and the
towering Lion’s Head breathtaking. We lingered in Kirstenbosch
National Botanical Garden longer than we believed we would.
We strolled pathways between streams and ponds absorbing the
magnificent gardens that celebrate South African flora.
Chaperoned by seven adults, including two alumnae, we boarded
flights for South Africa in mid-July. With a brief and welcome stop
in London (Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and lunch on
the Thames!) we were then on our way to Faure in the Western
Cape, home to the Cape Town Film Studio and our home base,
St. Raphael’s Retreat Centre. It was almost incomprehensible
to us that St. Raphael’s was the site of the initial meetings in
1995 of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee, established by
Archbishop Desmond Tutu after the end of apartheid to document
the atrocities of that era.
Docent-led museum visits kept us captivated and gave us great
and wide-reaching understandings. An early morning visit to the
District Six Museum in Cape Town, devoted to the story of the
forcible removal of 60,000 residents after the area was declared
white, was made compelling by the surprise availability of former
resident Noor Ebrahim. A singer in his earlier years, he was a
special audience for our songs given in appreciation of his time.
None of us will forget the passion and
dedication of a former political prisoner, whose
vivid description of his life in the kitchens on
Robben Island alongside Nelson Mandela was
beyond compelling.
Schools welcomed us with over-whelming enthusiasm. Children
sang with us, their teachers taught us, and parents cooked for
us. The singers’ hands were constantly covered by the penned
phone numbers of hopeful South African children. Many classes
struggled to return to order after our visits!
Primarily hosted by the Anglican Diocese of False Bay, we shared
our music with congregants in the Strand, Bredasdorp, Kuils River,
Crawford and Woodstock. We offered settings of Deep River,
Psalm 23, and new favorites, Ipharadisi and Singabahamba.
We filled St. George’s Cathedral with “Dona Nobis Pacem” in
celebration of National Women’s Day. Collaborative concerts
with the Chamber Choir of the University of the Western Cape
thrilled audiences and raised money for food pantries, local
music programs and a shelter for children.
Our conservation studies took us to visit Cheetah Outreach,
SANCCOB (a seabird rehabilitation facility – hydrate first, clean
later!), African Penguins at Betty’s Bay, Aquila Game Reserve,
and an ostrich farm. We were delighted by roadside sightings of
baboons and ostriches, nervous and fascinated by an unexpected
snake-themed school assembly in Stellenbosch, and hopefully
watchful for the return of the whales to Hermanus.
To read more
about our journey,
please log onto
our website
- www.
bostoncitysingers.
org - and visit
NEWS and the
SEE + HEAR pages.
.8.
Sponsors
Press
The Boston Globe
December 7, 2011
“
By Matthew Guerrieri
Our significant events include:
• Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s
Annual State of the City Address
• The Boston Home
• Susan Ballis Assisted Living Center
• Linden Pond Retirement Community
• Carney Hospital/Steward Corporation
• Lexia Learning’s National Conference
• Still Harbor Reception
• City of Boston Tree Lighting
• St. Mary Women and Children’s Center
• Centre for the Performing Arts
University of the Western Cape
South Africa
• National Women’s Day,
St. George’s Cathedral
Cape Town, South Africa
Singers, under the direction of Jane Money, joined
with the ensemble for David Hamilton’s Dear Santa
(How’s It Looking?), sounding out St. Nicholas as
to his delivery prospects with pointed Tin Pan Alley
nonchalance. The Singers then led the audience in
Deck the Halls and We Wish You A Merry Christmas.
Those who fret over the survival of tradition would
have been pleased to hear a crowd of 21st-century
Boston youngsters well-versed in demanding that
Victorian treat, figgy pudding. True holiday treasures
endure.
MyDorchester
“
May 9, 2011
By Joel Wool | Correspondent
Congratulations to Dorchester’s Boston City Singers!
The music group, renowned for its nine urban youth
chorus programs, has been selected to be included
in the Boston Pops video collage with their rendition
of “Over The Rainbow”. This will be shown throughout the 2011 Boston Pops Season that starts on
Wednesday, May 11 and continues through Sunday,
June 26.
“
Logos
We believe it is our responsibility to change
the public’s perception of our communities,
especially Dorchester, from locations of
violence and negativity to sources of
excellence. During the past year, we have
showcased our singers in performances for
audiences large and small, from Boston to
South Africa. We have raised much-needed
funds for a wide variety of causes, met with
the Archbishop of Southern Africa, learned
about the rehabilitation of seabirds, and
made thousands of new friends.
A contingent of the grade-school-age Boston City
“
2011 Events
GLOBE CORRESPONDENT
.9.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alumni Members
Elizabeth Bonnice (2003)
Chloe Falivene (2007)
Community Members
Dr. Georgiary Bledsoe
Yves Montima, Treasurer
Dr. Mehmet Rona
Fr. Noble F. Scheepers
Emily Isaacson Tzuker
Sara Cofrin Walsh
Monica Whelan, Secretary
Parent Members
Daniel Barkowitz
Jocelyn Heywood
Jen Erbe Legget
Charlie Tevnan, President
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Jane E. Money
STAFF
Artistic Team
Jane E. Money, Founder, Artistic and Education Director
Jason Amos, Ensemble Leader
Aisha L. Bowden, Abreu Fellow
Elizabeth Higgins, Director, Jamaica Plain Training Chorus
Alysia Lee, Abreu Fellow
Helen Ward Mannix, Concert Chorus Accompanist
Ruth Ross, Jamaica Plain Accompanist
Andrew Sheranian, Musicianship Training Director
Deejay Robinson, Director, Mattapan & Hyde Park Programs
Wendy Silverberg, Director of Early Childhood Music
Timothy Whipple, Director of Vocal Studies
Tal Zilber, Concert Chorus Accompanist
Administrative Team
Melissa J. Graham, Managing Director
Ellen McGuire, Concert Chorus Manager
Elizabeth “Liz” Stefan, Training Chorus Manager
Timothy J. Nichols, Youth Development Consultant
Gillian Chase, Youth Development Director
Joseph Penella, Bookkeeping and Financial Services
Dyan Ruffen-Madrey, Human Resources Consultant
.10.
Donors
Boston City Singers engages in
fundraising activities, deriving the
significant portion of its budget
not covered by tuition from taxdeductible
contributions
from
individuals as well as support
from
generous
grant-making
organizations. Our heat felt thanks
to each and every supporter.
Corporate & Business
Ashmont Adams Neighborhood Association
Ashmont Grill, LLC
The Boston Globe
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA
Boston Firefighters Local 718
Boston Police Athletic League
Boston Properties
Byrne & Drechsler, LLP
Carney Hospital
Carriage House Restoration
Donovan Services
Dorchester Board of Trade
DotOut
Eastern Bank
Feinberg, Campbell & Zack PC
Fruit Center, Inc.
Greyhound/Boltbus
ICX Technologies
Jean Mo Transportation Services
Lexia Learning
Microsoft
Mt. Washington Bank
Schwab Charitable Trust
Tevnan|Tevnan
US Bank
Foundations
Anonymous
Amelia Peabody Foundation
A.C. Ratshesky Foundation
Arbella Foundation
Clipper Ship Foundation
Friends for Children
Homestead Foundation
Janey Fund Charitable Trust
Klarman Family Foundation
Linde Family Foundation
Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation
The Robertson Trust
Silverbridge Foundation
Government
Boston Cultural Council
Funds for Boston Neighborhoods
Massachusetts Cultural Council
Suffolk County DA Asset Forfeiture Fund
University of Massachusetts
Individuals
Anonymous
Jonathan D. & Ann M. Ablett
Jeff & Tammy Adams
Jonathan & Lauren Adams
Alex Aguilar
Bethann A. Albert
Hope S. Aldrich
Dr. Georgiary Bledsoe
Kenneth Blumberg & Sarah Weinstein
Betty B. Blume
Denise Bogosian
Dr. Giles & Dr. Judith Boland
James H. & Linda J. Burke
James W. Burns
George & Natalie Butler, Jr.
Catherine & James J. Campbell
Stephen M. Campbell
Alice P. Carpenter
Dorothy Carroll
Michael Ciccolella
David Cofrin
Edith Cofrin
Gladys Cofrin
Mary Ann Cofrin
Sara Cofrin Walsh
Cecil & Clemency Coggins, MD
Matina Colombotos
Joaquin Colon-Nava
Olivia Cox
Arthur Dahl
Dona Dann & Jesse Chase
Iva & Hermengarda DaSilva
Lillie A. Davis
Suellen Davidson
The Bob Deleo Committee
Kurt & Diane Doyle
Daniel J. Driscoll
Marie Dunell
Regina, Todd, Jeffrey & Katie Durga
Allison Eddy
Dr. Arnout & Bettina Eikeboom
Deborah & Steven Ellis
William & C. Ellen Engelhardt
Pamela Everhart & Karl Coiscou
Elsbeth Falk
The Honorable Maureen Fenney
Eileen Fenton
Susan & William Fenton
John H. Finley
Niamh Foley
Robert R. Forsberg
Harry Foster & Sarah Stahl
The Honorable Linda Dorcena Forry
Jeannette Frey & Gregory DeLaurier
Catherine & Matthew Garrett
Fay Gauthier & James Caplan
Phillip & Brenda Gaylord
Theodore D. Gaylord
William, Karen & Emily Gaylord
Michael Gevelber & Michelle Fineblum
Kevin Gillespie
Christine & Kevin Gilligan
Dr. Edward Glinski & Denise Kenneally
Deborah Goddard
Timothy G. & Deborah B.Greene
Robert Hall & Jacqueline Goggin
J. Hans
Barbara & George Gonsalves
Elizabeth Gonsalves
Kellyanne Greene
Timothy G. & Deborah B. Greene
Phyllis Guillano
Michelle Gurel
Evelynn Hammonds & Alexander Shields
Gerald & Marie Hass
Frances & G. Michael Hawkey
Alyssa Haywoode
Elissa Heard
David Hodgkins & Sheil Kibbe
Natalie G. Holtzman
Paul Holtzman & Carol Steiker
Dr. Joanna Horobin
M. Elizabeth Howard
Samuel & Cynthia Hunt
James and Joan Hurley
Christopher Ingersoll
Rosemary Jacobs
Joel Jean-Pierre
Esther Kaplan
Koletta M. Kasper
Donna L. & Thronton Kell
Carol Y. Kelley
Teresa A. & Michael E. Kelly
Ruth Kenworthy & George Ecker
Joyce J. Kinch
Patricia Kinsella
Bernard & Margarethe Kulke
The Honorable Salvatore LaMattina
Darlene Lawrence
Judy and Darren Lee
Jen Erbe Leggett
Mark Lippolt
Jeremiah Lucien
Margaret K. MacKillop
Kevin & Jennifer Mann
Ross & Sharon Mann
Herbert & Paige Manning
Aida Marshall
David B. Martin
Martha Matlaw
Kathleen Mcaleer
Douglas & Janet McGuire
Cameron & Katheryn McLeod
Pamela Hill McNichols
The Honorable Thomas M. & Angela
Menino
Christopher & Catherine Milton
Tamara K. Mitchell
Catherine Mitkus
Jane E. Money & Christopher Chase
Evelyn Moore
Beth C.J. Nagy
Charlene Neu
Patricia & David Newell
Nicholas P. Calos, Jr.
Thomas Nutt-Powell
Diedre O’Donnell-Griswold
Anne O’Donnell
Charles & Seater-Margaret O’Hara
Patricia O’Neill
Fran E. & Robert W. O’Reilly
Louise Ober-Nelkin
Eva O’Keefe
Jack Orrock & Catherine Campbell
Priscilla Paquette
Randy & Caren Parker
Amanda Payne
Amy Pett & Ellen Tibby
Craig & Allison Pfannenstiehl
Cynthia & Wayne Phoel
Javier & Patricia Piedad
Jennifer Pierre-Louis
James & Susan Powell
John & Nancy Powers
Karen Quigley & Russel Hensel
Judith Raup
Gail Ravgiala
Florence & Oree Rawls
Maggie Reichgott
Alison Reif
Marla Rhodes
David & Nancy Richardson
Cheri Robartes
Jeney Rodarmor
Thomas & Sachiko Rodes
Sean E. & Ruth Rogers
Dr. Mehmet Rona, Sr.
Patrick J. Ross
The Rottersman Family
Nadia & Jean Saintil
Joan Seligman
Roberta H. Seligman
Marva Serotkin
Paul Shackford
Karen M. Sheffler
Thornton Shepherd
A. T. Simon
Lilly Siu & Peter Zmuidzina
Fenwick Smith
Stephen & Carol Spinelli, Jr.
Patricia O. Soulard
Daniel D. & Judith M. Steiker
Francine Steiker
Dr. Eric H. Stein & Carolyn Stafford
Dr. Richard & Ellen Stein
Nancy Stockford & Mark R. Huston
Dexter Strong & Maureen Taylor
Maryellen Sullivan
Sara Sullivan & Briand Shea
Doris R. Tallos
Charles & Susan Tevnan
Floyd & Nancy Todd
Trevor & Cheryl Tom
Linus Travers
Kate True
Luke & Elisabeth Van-Reijendam
Murray Wheeler, Jr.
Monica Whelan
William White & Kathleen McAleer
Mira and James Whiting
Michael J. Whouley
Dianna Wilson
Kenneth & Theresa Woodhouse
William Wyberg and Lynda Sperry
Judith Yarnall
Prentice Zinn & Gabrielle Cobbs
Richard and Grace Zazzaro
.11.
BOSTON CITY SINGERS
Statement of Financial Position
Year Ending August 31, 2011
TOTAL ASSETS
$73,953
TOTAL LIABILITIES
$ 1,131
TOTAL NET ASSETS
$71,822
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND ASSETS
$72,953
Statement of Activities
Year Ending August 31, 2011
TOTAL REVENUES
$431,291
TOTAL EXPENSES
$385,316
CHANGE IN NET ASSETS
$ 45,975
NET ASSETS BEGINNING OF FISCAL YEAR 2011
$ 25,847
NET ASSETS END OF FISCAL YEAR 2011
$ 71,822
A special thank you to our photographers: Gillian Chase•Ian Chase•Joel Jean-Pierre•Nancy Marcel•Jane E. Money•Timothy Nichols
.12.
“
Boston City Singers has given me the confidence to get up on stage and sing, regardless of whether it’s
a hundred people, a thousand people or just on the periphery of some holiday party.
“
I’ve always felt a sense of purpose and belonging when I come to rehearsals, knowing that I will be accepted,
but also that I will be held to a very high standard. I’ll never forget Jane’s reminders not to sound like “bananas
on my counter!” or “you sound like toothpaste salesmen.” Which would always make us laugh but they really
do inspire us to sing better. The songs that we’ve sung throughout the years have inspired in me an interest in
languages and different cultures. So we weren’t limited to just boring old English or Latin. But we have sung
in languages like Finnish, Russian, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Portuguese, Vietnamese and some languages
that I had never even heard of, such as Sliammon, Sami, and Samoan. In fact, one of the first songs that I
learned when I joined the concert chorus was in Maori—which is the language of the indigenous people of New
Zealand. I never imagined that three years later I would actually be going to New Zealand on tour—But that’s
just the nature of Boston City Singers. I’ve found that being a part of this amazing group has a lot of those “I
never imagined” experiences. For example I never imagined that I would get to sing at the Boston Pops Holiday concert with Elmo—the fuzzy red monster on Sesame Street. I never imagined that I would sing at the
2004 Democratic National Convention, which was broadcast on national TV. I never imagined that I would get
to tour in four different countries before I even entered high school. And I never imagined that I would make
some of the best friends in my entire life through singing in Boston City Singers The opportunities that come
in this chorus are endless and I encourage you to get involved or stay involved because some really amazing
things are happening.
— Annika Nielsen, Boston City Singers graduate 2011, Harvard University
“
Mailing address | 17 waldeck street |dorchester, ma 02122 | 617-825-0674
Programs for young people ages 4-18 throughout boston in dorchester, jamaica plain, hyde park, and mattapan
www.bostoncitysingers.org