Dear Friends of The Chorus,

Spring invites renewal and reflection, and this season feels especially meaningful as we build on the momentum of our 30th anniversary year. This past holiday season marked one of the most memorable moments in our history, when the Touring Choir traveled to Rome to share their voices on an international stage. Among the most extraordinary moments of the journey was the honor of singing for His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, at the Vatican……

The season also marks my 20th year with the Chorus. It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead this organization and to witness young singers grow in confidence, discipline, and community through experiences like this and countless moments closer to home…..

This past holiday season, the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus traveled to Italy for a milestone tour that will remain a defining chapter in the organization’s history. Here are just a few of our favorite moments from this unforgettable experience

Laila, Training Choir Member

What made you interested in the JCC? How did you hear about it?

“I wanted to join the JCC because my aunt told me about it, and I really love to sing. I [am] so happy to be in a singing group!”

What do you remember about your first day of rehearsal?

“On my first day of Training class, we listened to a song called The Rhythm of My Soul. We also sang Hallelujah, Get on Board. Then we sang the songs together three times! After that, we played a short game called Apple Tree and another game called Hot Potato with a toy frog. It was really fun!”

Gwen

Touring Choir Member

“As a lifelong beneficiary and advocate of childhood music education, when I saw a billboard asking the simple question “Do you know a child who loves to sing?”, I quickly made the decision to reach out to the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus to explore it as a possible outlet for my daughter. Eleven seasons later, Elizabeth has progressed from the shy seven-year-old who first auditioned and joined the Training Choir, to a mature young woman who is completing her senior year of high school, and fifth season in the Touring Choir.”

- Shakawn and Brian Jones

“My connection to the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus began through my lifelong love of music and my years at Jacksonville University, where I majored in music education. At the time, Dr. Frances Kinne, then Dean and later President of JU, was a guiding influence, and her tremendous support for the arts left an indelible mark on me. She was also one of the early champions of the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, so in many ways, my involvement feels like a continuation of her legacy and the values she instilled in all of us who believe in the power of music to transform lives.”

- Linda Berry Stein, Philanthropist