SUCCESS STORIES

Founded in 2003, the Boston Children’s Chorus possesses a unique three-pronged mission to encourage the arts, youth development, and social healing.

With strong leadership from funders such as the Herman & Frieda L. Miller Foundation, the Chorus has become a driver of community building in a city with significant racial, socioeconomic and neighborhood tensions.

The Miller Foundation recognized the Chorus’ social healing mission as a strong fit with its funding interest in civic engagement and made several key, early grants to support the organization.

Focus on Social Healing

Through its work, the Boston Children’s Chorus delivers in a meaningful way on the connection between arts and civic engagement.

All too often in Greater Boston, different groups experience marginalization, suspicion and fear of one another. The Boston Children’s Chorus transcends social boundaries by bringing together diverse children, families, and audiences in Boston via its choir training program and inspirational performances.

In the words of the Chorus’ Artistic Director, Anthony Trecek-King, “It’s our mission to bring people from different backgrounds together. Our choir has people who live below the poverty line and people whose families make [hundreds of] thousands of dollars a year and…they really do become friends and hang out on the weekends. And I think that’s really special.”

In line with its community building goals, the Chorus’ highly successful and nationally televised signature event, “Raising the Roof!,” takes place on Martin Luther King Day to celebrate the values of hope, justice and togetherness epitomized by Dr. King.

Working with Persistence

The Chorus’ founder, staff and supporters have shown extraordinary leadership and persistence in defining and implementing the mission of the Boston Children’s Chorus.

Long-time civic leader Hubie Jones was determined to establish a youth chorus with a social change mission in Boston. Now President of the Chorus’ Board of Directors, Jones had the vision to see the need for a youth arts organization that would bridge communities in Greater Boston.

A parent of a Chorus member said, “I knew the first time I met Hubie Jones that the man dreamed big dreams and made things happen, but this is amazing everyone. With the unity and diversity in the room, there can be no question that this chorus family will maximize the power of music to create social change.”

From an initial pilot project with 20 participants, the Boston Children’s Chorus has grown to involve over 300 children from more than 50 neighborhoods in Boston.

Meanwhile, the Chorus continues to carry out its three-part mission with the support and guidance of its staff and funding partners. Staff recognize that achieving social impact requires significant time, strategy, and commitment, and since the Chorus’ founding they have redoubled their efforts to incorporate social change into the organization’s everyday work and long-term plans.

Going forward, the Chorus continues to be sought after for its inspirational messages and outstanding musicianship. Most recently, in July 2009 the Chorus toured Jordan at the request of King Abdullah, further promoting its message of social healing around the globe.

Project Name: Youth Choir Programs Inspiring Social Change
Grantee: Boston Children’s Chorus
Project Location: Greater Boston
Grantmaker: Herman & Frieda L. Miller Foundation

For More Information Contact:
Amy Segal Shorey, Herman & Frieda L. Miller Foundation, c/o GMA Foundations, (617) 391-3072
David Howse, Executive Director, Boston Children’s Chorus, (617) 778-2242 x221