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

2. 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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Living out the Mission and Vision

8. 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

9. 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 minute concert
Kaitlin

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. Adapting the VCC Model

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. Answers to Question 1

19. Answers to Question 2

20. Questions & Contact
Contact Amanda Stevenson
Contact Kaitlin Beck