Connecting the Choral Experience with Community Needs Amanda Stevenson and Kaitlin Beck, Omaha Children’s Choir 2017 NCDA Summer Conference July 10, 2017

Identifying a Local Need Equitable and accessible choral music education for all children What are the ways in which we can create a program that is accommodating? What do those accommodations look like? Amanda

Addressing the Need: Beginnings of the Omaha Children’s Choir

Start-Up Process Reserve Name (NE Secretary of State) Incorporate (NE Secretary of State) Articles of Incorporation Federal 501(c)(3) (IRS) Bylaws Board of Directors Amanda

Vision & Mission Vision: Omaha Children's Choir envisions a community where choral music education is accessible for all children Mission: Omaha Children's Choir exists to provide all children with an appreciation and understanding of our city’s diversity and to inspire social change through the power of choral music Amanda

Core Values of OCC Fiscally accommodating Commitment to new and diverse literature Fully support and encourage participation in school music programs Community engagement Facilitate positive social interaction with children of different backgrounds Serve as a source of development and enrichment for music professionals Kaitlin

Living out the Mission and Vision

Voices Creating Change Semi-annual collaborative event Give voice to important community issues Use music as a tool to inspire social change Partner with a local nonprofit 100% concert proceeds are given to the nonprofit Amanda

Choosing the Beneficiary Expectations Smaller capacity preferred If there is a religious connection, it must be interfaith Be able to tell a powerful story in a 60-90 minute concert Kaitlin

Choosing the Beneficiary Applications & Nominations Nonprofits may apply, community members may nominate Application online 30 day window Committee Selection Staff, Board, Community Members, Previous Beneficiary Kaitlin

Voices Creating Change Spring 2017 Magdalene Omaha selected as beneficiary Events Community panel on human trafficking Concert with related readings and thematic music Outcomes News recognition, 250 in attendance $2,087 raised for Magdalene! Amanda

Successes Brings awareness regarding community issues People/other organizations are inspired to get involved Opportunity to select meaningful repertoire Ability to develop an organic event each time Kaitlin

Challenges Topics How much of a risk are you willing to take? Funding Sponsorships and grants Creating (and sticking to) a timeline Lots of cooks in the kitchen, unknowns Amanda

Adapting the VCC Model

Questions for Consideration Where does your organization fit in your community? What services can you provide? What type of an event do people want to experience? What organizations are doing similar work? How can you forge relationships with community partners? Kaitlin

Ways to Collaborate Community – panel discussions, book study, art display, volunteer drive Audience engagement – pledge cards, donations instead of ticket cost, postcards with facts, social media presence, connecting personal stories Musician engagement – exposing singers to the work of the nonprofit, opportunities to volunteer Amanda

Discussion Brief background on your program (school, community, church, etc.) What are ways in which this type of event could be meaningful for your community and choir? How would you adapt the VCC model to meet your community needs? Identify three possible organizations for collaboration in your community. Text KAITLINBECK057 to 22333 Kaitlin

Answers to Question 1 https://www.polleverywhere.com/free_text_polls/cW9oqSP9acGekzh

Answers to Question 2 https://www.polleverywhere.com/free_text_polls/mbveMGd5MhtZtIj

Questions & Contact Contact Amanda Stevenson amanda@omahachildrenschoir.org 402-672-8870 Contact Kaitlin Beck kaitlin@omahachildrenschoir.org 402-957-0919