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Fa l l 2 0 1 4 I s s u e
From the Artistic and Executive Director
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.”
T
--William Butler Yeats
A new piece of music presents a challenge;
but they do not waiver from the desire
to master it; they persevere. To make a
particular song come to life they know they
must sing it over and over; they practice.
Being a part of The Chorus also requires
young people to be organized. They must
prioritize their responsibilities and devise
a plan to complete these requirements.
As they put these skills to work with The
Chorus, it most definitely spills over into
their school lives, family and social times.
he mission of the Jacksonville
Children’s Chorus is to provide
high-quality music education to the
children of our community. I am proud of
this mission and the many accomplishments
The Chorus has made throughout the years,
but membership in JCC is so much more
than learning to read music and honing
performance skills. When a child joins The
Chorus wonderful things begin to happen; a
fire is indeed lit.
Children that participate in JCC, even
if they only stay with the organization a
year, develop skills that will carry them
well into adulthood, making them better
and more active citizens. The challenge
of learning to read music and then taking
those notes on the paper and transforming
them into beautiful sound is the beginning
of the transformation of the individual.
This transformation fuels the desire
to learn….to learn as much as possible. I
have personally seen the benefits, beyond
the world of music, that children in our
program enjoy. Since joining The Chorus
it has been my honor to work with more
than 1,000 singers. I have seen a very shy
young girl, who would not look me in the
eye, become more and more confident
with each passing season. Today, this
young lady is a leader among our singers
and she takes such care in mentoring the
younger ones.
I have also witnessed singers who
are struggling with their school work and
grades. Once they become a part of our
program they quickly learn the importance
of perseverance, practice and organization.
This year, with both our Training and
Treble Choirs being at enrollment capacity,
I believe the community is realizing what
we here at JCC have known and our singers
have proven time and time again. We
are more than a place of music; we are a
place where children develop an insatiable
desire to learn. They are the leaders of
tomorrow. h
Sincerely,
Darren Dailey
A Singer’s Perspective by Emma
W
hen I auditioned for the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus (JCC) at the beginning of my freshman
year of high school I had no idea what kind of incredible journey I was about to take. I thought
it would be like the school choruses I had been a part of in the past. To the contrary, the JCC
has been much more than a chorus to me; it has been an opportunity for me to expand my horizons and
deepen my passion for music.
In the JCC, I experienced things that I never would have dreamed of before I joined. During my time
in The Chorus I have sung four different voice parts, been to three foreign countries, performed in two
famous basilicas in Italy and made one Facebook friend from Greece! I have gotten to know children of a
variety of ages, personalities and backgrounds. Had I never auditioned for the JCC, I would have missed
out on a plethora of opportunities to try new things, travel to faraway places and meet a number of
talented young people.
I always knew I really liked to sing, but my experience in the JCC has made me love to sing. Through The Chorus I have discovered the
reasons why singing is such a pleasure: the satisfaction of learning a new song, the thrill of sharing a song with others and the fact that one
can sing at any time, in any place, on any occasion. After being in The Chorus I am not only a better musician; I now have a more profound
appreciation for music.
The JCC is more than just a chorus; it is truly a life-changing experience. I feel when I look back on my time in high school, The Chorus
will be among my fondest memories. The JCC has opened me to new experiences, provided me with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and
helped me to discover that singing is not just one of my interests but rather a lifelong passion. h
A Volunteer’s Perspective by Ed Sowers
I
began to serve as a volunteer five years ago when my daughter Sophia began her participation as a member of the Training Choir.
We were attending our first “Cool Side of Yuletide” concert. I noticed a line at the ticket table and realized that there was a need for
assistance. I was welcomed by the staff as they accepted my offer to help. Throughout the afternoon, I observed and recognized the
level of dedication and determination the staff had in making sure the event was a success. I realized after helping out and watching all
the choirs perform that day that this was a noteworthy organization and I wanted to help. I decided to call the various members of the
organization asking how I could help the remainder of the year.
Throughout the last five years, I have had the occasion to serve as a greeter,
chaperone, usher and ticket taker. I have also distributed flyers to the various schools in
the area. The involvement with the organization has also provided me with the chance
to gain a greater appreciation for the wide variety of music performed by The Chorus.
I have also had the pleasure to listen to guest artists such as Justin Hines, Ebenezer
Baptist Church Choir, African Children’s Chorus and Amy Grant; all who performed with
the various choirs.
I have also recognized the strong dedication and love Mr. Dailey shares with the
members of each choir. I have witnessed the interaction with the children and the
response and respect they provide by giving back with all their efforts.
My daughter, Sophia, is now a member of the Touring Choir. Sophia has grown in
her admiration of the various types of music she has been exposed to. She has learned
to sight read music, dance and sing in many different languages. Mr. Dailey has instilled
in her the importance of working together as a group as well as providing support to
each member of her choir.
One of the greatest gifts The Chorus has given me was this year when my family had
the opportunity to listen to the Touring Choir perform at St Peter’s Basilica in Rome on
Father’s Day. I look forward to continuing to serve as a volunteer for such a tremendous
organization. h
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Jacksonville Children’s Chorus Bravo! Newsletter - Fall 2014
From the
Board of Directors
by Erica Willie
H
ello, I’m Erica
Willie and I am
excited to serve
on the Jacksonville
Children’s Chorus (JCC)
Board of Directors for
the second year.
I am proud and excited to be involved
with The Chorus because it serves children,
our community and it enhances the cultural
experience in Jacksonville. I have been
involved in the arts both on volunteer and
professional levels for over 10 years. As a
new mommy, it is important to support
entities such as JCC so that my daughter and
the next generation of children can find their
“voices” as they grow older.
When I moved to Jacksonville from
San Francisco, I was looking to get involved
in activities that brought art, culture and
color to this great new city of mine. I was
automatically drawn to The Chorus because
of the dedication, professionalism and
discipline these young talented children
display before, during and after each
performance. After I attended my first JCC
concert, I was in awe. I immediately wanted
to be involved.
Not only does The Chorus educate
children about music and diverse cultures,
but I see the members of the Jacksonville
Children’s Chorus as ambassadors for
Jacksonville. They have traveled to Orlando,
Seattle, Alaska and Ireland. This past
summer the Touring Choir performed in
Rome, Venice and Greece; including St.
Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. This year, New
Orleans and the northeast United States are
performance destinations.
I must say my favorite performance
from JCC was “Celebramos” where the
majority of songs were sung in Spanish! I
look forward to another successful year and
I hope to see you at some of the children’s
spectacular performances this season. h
From the Artistic Staff
by Sachiko Frampton, Accompanist
I
joined the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus in 2012.
We had recently moved from Pheonix, Arizona and
I was working with Douglas Anderson School of the
Arts. Mr. Dailey attended one of the programs. We
started to talk and I knew I wanted to be a part of
The Chorus.
The Chorus provides so many opportunities and
experiences for the children. They learn all types
of music, choreography and discipline. The children all understand that they must
practice and come prepared to rehearsals and performances. It really does prepare the
children for all aspects of life.
My favorite part of working with The Chorus is to see the progress the children
make. When they first get a new piece of music you see nothing but determination on
their faces that they will succeed. Even when you can see them struggling they help
one another and the music comes out! They are truly professionals working toward
the same goal. I call this the “Darren Magic.”
I was so pleased when my daughter, Yuki, said she wanted to join The Chorus.
She started in the Treble Choir and this year was promoted to Concert Choir. She has
made so many special friends. She is only 10 and the older singers really look out for
her. That is something that is so important to Mr. Dailey, he wants everyone to feel
included. There are few places in the world where children can experience that.
Music is such a positive force in a child’s life. Aside from learning to read and
perform music, children in The Chorus learn to work with others, to set a goal and
achieve it as a team. With The Chorus everyone is important. h
“It is gratifying the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus
program covers so much of what is not available to
children in the Duval Public Schools. The children who
have an opportunity to participate in your Chorus are
very fortunate to have this outstanding musical training
available to them. The entire community benefits from
your talent and that of the children.”
Dr. Frances B. Kinne
—
Chancellor Emeritus and Past President, Jacksonville University
Jacksonville Children’s Chorus Bravo! Newsletter - Fall 2014
3
A Parent’s Perspective
by Christian and Elaine Bourne
B
orn into a musically talented family, Christian was immediately
introduced to the sounds of the piano, voice and guitar. By age five it
was evident he had an ear inclined to music and that singing brought
him much joy and happiness. Wanting to encourage this interest we sought
musical opportunities for him to simply enjoy singing and develop good
friendships. Never did we imagine that our precious boy, who was born
with a permanent birth defect that would never allow him to walk, would
also be given the gift of perfect pitch.
Knowing we needed to develop his musical ear, we immediately enrolled him in private piano
and voice lessons and began to look for opportunities that would allow him to develop strong
foundational music skills. With guidance from his voice teacher, Christian auditioned for the
Jacksonville Children’s Chorus and joined the Training Choir in 2013.
Being a part of the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus has not only allowed Christian to experience
the fun, excitement and pleasure of singing with friends, it has also helped him to develop a sense
of confidence that comes from life skills of hard work and perseverance. Over the last year, it has
truly been a joy to watch Christian’s musical skills develop and to see his love for singing grow. We
are excited to once again be a part of the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus and look forward to what
the future holds for our little musician. h
2014-2015 Season Highlights
January 16, 2015
2015 Annual MLK Breakfast, Prime Osborn
Convention Center
March 14, 2015
North Florida Community College Artist
Series, Madison, Florida
March 24, 2015
Jewish Family & Community Services, Hyatt
Regency, Jacksonville
April 28, 2015
November 15, 2014
Jacksonville’s Dancing with the Stars,
Lazzara Performance Hall at the
University of North Florida, 8:00pm,
www.JaxDWTS.com for info and tickets.
December 6, 2014
Feast of Carols, University of North Florida
December 9, 2014
91.7 The Promise Christmas Caroling Party
Live Radio Show, Jacksonville
December 20, 2014
The Cool Side of Yuletide Holiday Concert,
Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 3:00pm
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January 31, 2015
20th Anniversary Celebration Concert with
guest TBA, Lazzara Performance Hall at the
University of North Florida, 7:30pm
Honors Choir Festival, Mandarin
Presbyterian Church, 5:00pm, Guest
Conductor Melissa Malvar-Keylock
June 5, 2015
February 8, 2015
Domestic tour with stops in Atlanta,
Georgia; Boston, Massachusetts; Bar
Harbor, Maine; Quebec City, and Montreal,
Canada.
Holocaust Concert, Jacksonville
February 21-24, 2015
St. Louis Cathedral Choir Festival, New
Orleans, LA
February 28, 2015
Sixth Annual “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing”
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert,
Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 3:00pm,
Guest Choir from Hampton University
Jacksonville Children’s Chorus Bravo! Newsletter - Fall 2014
Eve Awards, Hyatt Regency, Jacksonville
June 2015
A Message From JCC Alumni
by Paul John Rudoi, Singer and Composer
I
t is easy for musical organizations devoted to young singers or musicians to focus on making the
musical product rather than developing musicianship skills, since the latter often takes more intensive
time, energy and education. My experience as a young chorister in the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus
proves this is not always the case. Through hard work, discipline and an organic excitement for the music
and the process of learning, JCC truly helped me become the musician I am today, instilling in me a
desire to learn, to practice and to enjoy all that music has to offer a young singer.
If it was not for the JCC, I would not have gone on to audition for and become a member of the American Boychoir. Nor would I have
majored in vocal performance during my years at The Hartt School. Nor would I have landed a job singing full-time with the vocal
ensemble Cantus while pursuing a career as a composer.
It all boils down to those few years when my mother drove me from Keystone Heights to Jacksonville, knowing I was participating in
one of the most influential and engaging children’s choruses around. I would not trade the experience for the world. It stemmed the
musical career I have today! h
Editor’s Note: Paul is fast becoming an important force in the worldwide music community. Frequently supported through grant
programs from the American Composers Forum, the Minnesota State Arts Board and the Jerome Foundation, Paul’s works have
been commissioned and performed by various ensembles including Cantus, VocalEssence, the Vancouver Chamber Singers,
the British Trombone Society, the Young New Yorkers Chorus, the Milwaukee Choral Artists, and the National Lutheran Choir.
Paul holds a degree in vocal performance from The Hartt School. He has performed and recorded as a tenor vocalist in the male
ensemble Cantus.
A Donor’s Perspective
by David McGehee, President of Mac Papers
I
want to express my appreciation for the quality experience Mr. Dailey and the Jacksonville
Children’s Chorus gives the children of our community who love music. The Jacksonville
Children’s Chorus is certainly a jewel in our community’s crown!
This year, for the first time, I attended some of the season’s performances. Each time I left
amazed at the outstanding quality of music the children, under the leadership of Mr. Dailey,
provided. I also noticed the diversity of the choirs that comprise The Chorus. It is heartwarming
to see children from all walks of life working together to present a magical product. There are
many things that enrich life in a community and I can honestly say that the Jacksonville Children’s
Chorus does just that. It is obvious the children work very hard, remain focused and have a strong
desire to be the best singers possible.
As music and art programs are continually cut from public schools, the Jacksonville Children’s
Chorus and similar programs fulfill a need that cannot be ignored. Through the effort of The
Chorus and its unique programming, young musicians in our community are being molded in to
the artists and leaders of tomorrow. h
Jacksonville Children’s Chorus Bravo! Newsletter - Fall 2014
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Our Sponsors/Donors:
Richard Hadden, Chair
Contented Cow Partners
Chantelle Quick, Treasurer
Stein Mart
Delores Barr Weaver
fund
Henry and Lucy Gooding
Chartrand
foundation
Endowment
The Cummer Family
foundation
Fanny Landwirth
Foundation
Jevon Bartley, Secretary
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Nick Courtney, Past Chair
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Lee Haramis
Gray Robinson and Associates
Kathryn &
David McGehee
The Gooding-Bell
Endowment
Erica Willie
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Send Special JCC Birthday Wishes!
We all enjoy wishing our Facebook friends, co-workers and family
“Happy Birthday” when their special days roll around. The Jacksonville
Children’s Chorus has a way for your greetings to really stand out!
Simply download for video: http://www.youtu.be/7gsAs0FwSTk
For audio: http://m.soundcloud.com/jaxchildrenschorus/happy-birthday
Enjoy…pass it along!
www.JaxChildrensChorus.org
904.353.1636
225 E. Duval Street
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Jacksonville, FL
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