BOSTON CITY SINGERSA N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 1 1

Charles R. Tevnan, Esq.presidentboard of directors

C o n t e n t s

• A Message from our Founder and Board Chair

• Who We Are

• Boston City Singers Programs

• What Others Say

• Collaborations

• Ethnicity/Growth in Membership

• What Drives Us

• Alumni & Parent Stories

• Accomplishments

• Sponsors

• Events

• Press

• Board and Staff

• Donors

• FY11 Statement of Financial Position

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For additional information, please contact Jane E. Money617-825-0674jmoney@bostoncitysingers.org

Due to the generous support of a numerous individual donors and foundations, 38 members of our Concert Chorus journeyed to South Africa, where they spent nearly a month on a life-changing “Goodwill Tour.” Not only did they sing for packed houses and full churches, but they had private audiences with the Archbishop of Southern Africa and the United States Consul General. Conservation and social justice themes were made all the more real by outstanding docents who were passionate about imparting their experiences to our singers. And who will ever forget the breathtaking vistas of the Cape of Good Hope and Table Mountain! Of our 350 singers aged 4-18 in 9 choruses, eleven singers graduated from the chorus in May, averaging 6 years membership. One singer, Emma, joined us when she was just 5 years old, spending a remarkable 13 years with us. All graduates are now attending four-year colleges, including Harvard University, the United States Air Force Academy and Boston University. Two received substantial financial awards, made possible by their Boston City Singers membership. Local performances included Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s State of the City Address at historic Faneuil Hall, and the annual tree lighting on Boston Common. Collaborations with legendary singer Livingston Taylor, Saengerfest Men’s Chorus and Yale Alumni Chorus were memorable and brought us many new friends and supporters. We were also excited to partner with Community Music Center of Boston to bring affordable instrument instruction to our young singers in Dorchester. Many thanks to our staff, families, Board of Directors, donors, volunteers and, of course, our inspiring singers themselves for a remarkable year!

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

What a thrilling year 2011 was for Boston City Singers! An unprecedented number of young people participated in our program-ming, inspiring all who heard them.

Some of our most memorable highlights:Our video response to The Boston Pops’ call for performances of “Over the Rainbow” was included in their public presentation. We were thrilled to be their guests at Symphony Hall on opening night.

Jane E. Moneyfounderartistic and education director

Who we areOur vision is to provide the highest level of musical training

and wide–ranging performance opportunities to young

people, to inspire personal development, celebrate diversity

and foster goodwill within our city and surrounding towns.

As advocates for the performing arts, we are partners with

our community and ambassadors to the world. In achieving

this, our singers will develop a lifelong love of music and

the heart to live in a world of differences.

Our singers learn and perform a dynamic, distinctive, and

challenging repertoire, supporting Boston community’s

rich artistic diversity by performing in a variety of settings

and for diverse audiences. We also foster new repertoire,

commissioning and performing music of distinction which

supports the rich diversity of our membership. Through

outstanding music education and vocal instruction,

excellence in performance, and serving the community

through song, chorus members experience the joys of

singing, teamwork, and leadership, musical skill, and

artistic expression, which foster self-growth and enhance

their entire lives.

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Boston City Singers ProgramsOur goal is to provide comprehensive training to children and youth in Boston’s disadvantaged, inner city, and neighboring communities. As our singers progress through different age-appropriate levels, a unique continuum of music education, and youth development activities, they learn tolerance and cooperation, leadership, and teamwork skills. They experience the power of self-esteem and self-discipline, and enjoy the beauty of artistic expression.

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Kodály Singing Classes For ages 4 - 7 Introduction to singing using games and songs.Locations: • Dorchester • Jamaica Plain

Training Chorus’ For ages 6/7 - 11 These programs develop essential musical skills such as rhythm and sight-singing techniques, using a wide variety of music. Local performances and strong mentor-ship strengthen the experience.Locations:• Dorchester • Hyde Park• Jamaica Plain • Mattapan

Concert Chorus For ages 11 – 18Our premier level offers advanced musicianship training supported by a wide-ranging repertoire, coupled with positive youth development training.

The Concert Chorus participates in local, national and international tours. Location: Area-wide based in Dorchester

What otherssay“Boston City Singers gave a rebirth to my love of music.”— Charles Hollins, President, Dorchester Board of Trade

“Boston City Singers provides a haven for kids who would not have a community otherwise. We have unbelievable opportunities and learn skills that are crucial to everything else in life.” — A Boston City Singers Graduate

“Having heard many other children’s choruses in the Boston area and beyond, I can say without hesita-tion that Boston City Singers is at the top of the list in terms of beauty of sound, health of vocal techniques and musicianship... All of this done with graciousness and without attitude. A rare commodity in this ages of divas. It is obvious that there is more than just music being taught in rehearsals.” — David Hodgkins, Artistic Director, Coro Allegro

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Key Collaborations

IN FY11, Boston City Singers collaborated with a wide range of remarkable individuals and organizations, broadening and strengthening our reach into local and global communities and enriching the overall experience for our members. Key partnerships included:

• Community Music Center of Boston

• The Boston Pops

• Diocese of False Bay, South Africa

• Diocese of Cape Town, South Africa

• Berklee College of Music

• Boston Classical Orchestra

• Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy

• Saengerfest Men’s Chorus

• University of the Western Cape

• Yale Alumni Chorus

• Youth and Family Enrichment Services (YOFES)

• Zamir Choral of Boston

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We heard nothing but high praise for Saturday’s joint concert which was memorable in all ways. It’s a treat to hear those pure young voices so ably prepared. You have a wonderful ensemble. —Peter Fenton, President

Boston Saengerfest Men’s Chorus

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Growth in Membership450

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Ethnicity

White African American Haitian Hispanic Asian Other

City of Boston (Mayor’s Office of New Bostonians-2009) Boston City Singers

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Global Voices In 2011, we offered two substantial experiences - a collaboration with Zamir Chorale exploring Israeli and Arab cultures, and a month-long immersion experience for 38 teens in South Africa.

Sing For Good This key initiative moves us to provide hundreds of service hours each year singing at benefit programs, dedications, and free community concerts. Key recipients in FY11 included the Vitamin Angels, Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women, and Leliebloem House.

Teen Mentor/Peer Leadership Professionals train teens as mentors, program leaders, and administrative assistants. These teens not only support the tasks of the organization, but also are engaged in meaningful work experiences.

Our younger members benefit greatly from this attention and support.

Chorus to CollegeThe leadership takes young people to visit college campuses, provides guidance, and referrals during the college application process, and advocates for

scholarships and financial assistance. College visits are an essential part of each domestic and international tour.

We are proud of all of our 2011 graduates, and wish them well: • Stephanie Brown (South Boston) – 3 years – Boston University• Anna Butler (South Boston) – 5 years – Centre College - Posse Foundation Finalist• Caytie Campbell-Orrock (Roslindale) – 4 years – Smith College• Emma Douglass (Dorchester) – 13 years – Lake Forest College• Yasser El Hamoumi (Quincy) – 4 years – Union College – Posse Foundation Winner• Michael Gattozzi (Hyde Park) – 2 years – Drexel University• Luke Glinski (Milton) – 4 years – United States Air Force Academy• Meghan Magee (Brighton) – 3 years – Harvard University – Janey Scholar• Annika Nielsen (Dorchester) – 10 years – Harvard University• Gabriel Paradis (Hyde Park) – 9 years – UMass Lowell• Lena Stein (Carlisle) – 7 years – Vanderbilt University

On StageFrom cathedrals to concert halls, we actively seek out amazing venues and opportunities for our singers such as The Boston Pops, Lyric Stage, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, Zamir Chorale, Yale Men’s Alumni Chorus, Berklee College of Music, Boston Classical Orchestra, Saengerfest Men’s Chorus, Boston Ballet, and Discovery Ensemble, as well as a variety of Broadway productions and rock bands.

5 key initiatives embedded in our programs . . .

What Drives Us: Our mission to inspire young voices to become disciplined, responsible, and confident adults through the use of music and youth development.

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Alumni Impact:“I will never forget how much Boston City Singers affected me to my core. I’ve graduated from college, am now married with a full time job. To this day the song “Away from the Roll of the Sea” has a special place in my memories. It’s now my young son’s nightly lullaby.” - 2005 Boston City Singers Graduate

“Having grown up in Dorchester, I appreciate how Boston City Singers broadened my horizons and allowed me to meet so many wonderful people from in and around Boston. I owe much to this wonderful program, having learned lessons not merely limited to a passion for linguistics and travel. The choir has inspired my sense of leadership. I look forward to the next ten years of involvement with Boston City Singers.”- 2009 Boston City Singers Graduate

“Boston City Singers is family and always will be.” - 2008 Boston City Singers Graduate

“Boston City Singers taught me that even through the worst of times in your life the right people and music helps you get through it all.” - 2010 Boston City Singers Graduate

“When I discovered Boston City Singers in 8th grade through my music teacher, I finally found the family I never had.” - 2010 Boston City Singers Graduate

“From the time I was 8 years old until I graduated from Bos-ton Latin School, Boston City Singers was my support most of the time - helped me with school, taught me about different cultures and travel and developed my love of singing. It was an escape and my favorite place to be.” - 2010 Boston City Singers Graduate

2011 Boston City Singers Graduates

Parent Impact:Boston City Singers is the best thing I have

ever done for [my child]. This is such an

incredibly powerful and positive experience you

are giving her. It means so much to me and

gives me peace of mind... By being a part of

the Boston City Singers family, she has made

meaningful friendships and learned to believe

in herself – that’s priceless! I am so grateful.

What I wish for my child is that she apply the

concentration, dedication, and principles she

developed while being in Boston City Singers

to her college experience starting next year.

– A Boston City Singer Parent, 2011

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2011 AccomplishmentsWe found the Cape of Good Hope, the town of Arniston, and the towering Lion’s Head breathtaking. We lingered in Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden longer than we believed we would. We strolled pathways between streams and ponds absorbing the magnificent gardens that celebrate South African flora.

Docent-led museum visits kept us captivated and gave us great and wide-reaching understandings. An early morning visit to the District Six Museum in Cape Town, devoted to the story of the forcible removal of 60,000 residents after the area was declared white, was made compelling by the surprise availability of former resident Noor Ebrahim. A singer in his earlier years, he was a special audience for our songs given in appreciation of his time.

To read more about our journey, please log onto our website - www. bostoncitysingers.org - and visit NEWS and the SEE + HEAR pages.

2011 South Africa Goodwill Tour

Every three years, members of our Boston City Singers city-wide Concert Chorus embark on an experience that defies simple explanation. Much more than a performance tour, our Goodwill Tours are year-long journeys, embracing all of the things which make Boston City Singers unique.

Chaperoned by seven adults, including two alumnae, we boarded flights for South Africa in mid-July. With a brief and welcome stop in London (Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and lunch on the Thames!) we were then on our way to Faure in the Western Cape, home to the Cape Town Film Studio and our home base, St. Raphael’s Retreat Centre. It was almost incomprehensible to us that St. Raphael’s was the site of the initial meetings in 1995 of the Truth and Reconciliation Committee, established by Archbishop Desmond Tutu after the end of apartheid to document the atrocities of that era.

Schools welcomed us with over-whelming enthusiasm. Children sang with us, their teachers taught us, and parents cooked for us. The singers’ hands were constantly covered by the penned phone numbers of hopeful South African children. Many classes struggled to return to order after our visits!

Primarily hosted by the Anglican Diocese of False Bay, we shared our music with congregants in the Strand, Bredasdorp, Kuils River, Crawford and Woodstock. We offered settings of Deep River, Psalm 23, and new favorites, Ipharadisi and Singabahamba. We filled St. George’s Cathedral with “Dona Nobis Pacem” in celebration of National Women’s Day. Collaborative concerts with the Chamber Choir of the University of the Western Cape thrilled audiences and raised money for food pantries, local music programs and a shelter for children.

Our conservation studies took us to visit Cheetah Outreach, SANCCOB (a seabird rehabilitation facility – hydrate first, clean later!), African Penguins at Betty’s Bay, Aquila Game Reserve, and an ostrich farm. We were delighted by roadside sightings of baboons and ostriches, nervous and fascinated by an unexpected snake-themed school assembly in Stellenbosch, and hopefully watchful for the return of the whales to Hermanus.

None of us will forget the passion and dedication of a former political prisoner, whose vivid description of his life in the kitchens on Robben Island alongside Nelson Mandela was beyond compelling.

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Logos

The Boston GlobeDecember 7, 2011

By Matthew Guerrieri

GLOBE CORRESPONDENT

A contingent of the grade-school-age Boston City Singers, under the direction of Jane Money, joined with the ensemble for David Hamilton’s Dear Santa (How’s It Looking?), sounding out St. Nicholas as to his delivery prospects with pointed Tin Pan Alley nonchalance. The Singers then led the audience in Deck the Halls and We Wish You A Merry Christmas. Those who fret over the survival of tradition would have been pleased to hear a crowd of 21st-century Boston youngsters well-versed in demanding that Victorian treat, figgy pudding. True holiday treasures endure.

MyDorchesterMay 9, 2011

By Joel Wool | Correspondent

Congratulations to Dorchester’s Boston City Singers! The music group, renowned for its nine urban youth chorus programs, has been selected to be includedin the Boston Pops video collage with their rendition of “Over The Rainbow”. This will be shown through-out the 2011 Boston Pops Season that starts on Wednesday, May 11 and continues through Sunday, June 26.

Press

2011 Events We believe it is our responsibility to change the public’s perception of our communities, especially Dorchester, from locations of violence and negativity to sources of excellence. During the past year, we have showcased our singers in performances for audiences large and small, from Boston to South Africa. We have raised much-needed funds for a wide variety of causes, met with the Archbishop of Southern Africa, learned about the rehabilitation of seabirds, and made thousands of new friends.

Our significant events include:• Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino’s Annual State of the City Address• The Boston Home • Susan Ballis Assisted Living Center• Linden Pond Retirement Community• Carney Hospital/Steward Corporation• Lexia Learning’s National Conference • Still Harbor Reception• City of Boston Tree Lighting • St. Mary Women and Children’s Center • Centre for the Performing Arts University of the Western Cape South Africa • National Women’s Day, St. George’s Cathedral Cape Town, South Africa

Sponsors

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

STAFFArtistic TeamJane E. Money, Founder, Artistic and Education Director Jason Amos, Ensemble LeaderAisha L. Bowden, Abreu Fellow Elizabeth Higgins, Director, Jamaica Plain Training Chorus Alysia Lee, Abreu FellowHelen Ward Mannix, Concert Chorus Accompanist Ruth Ross, Jamaica Plain Accompanist Andrew Sheranian, Musicianship Training Director Deejay Robinson, Director, Mattapan & Hyde Park Programs Wendy Silverberg, Director of Early Childhood Music Timothy Whipple, Director of Vocal Studies Tal Zilber, Concert Chorus Accompanist

Administrative TeamMelissa J. Graham, Managing Director Ellen McGuire, Concert Chorus Manager Elizabeth “Liz” Stefan, Training Chorus Manager Timothy J. Nichols, Youth Development ConsultantGillian Chase, Youth Development Director Joseph Penella, Bookkeeping and Financial Services Dyan Ruffen-Madrey, Human Resources Consultant

Alumni MembersElizabeth Bonnice (2003)

Chloe Falivene (2007)

Community MembersDr. Georgiary Bledsoe

Yves Montima, Treasurer

Dr. Mehmet Rona

Fr. Noble F. Scheepers

Emily Isaacson Tzuker

Sara Cofrin Walsh

Monica Whelan, Secretary

Parent MembersDaniel Barkowitz

Jocelyn Heywood

Jen Erbe Legget

Charlie Tevnan, President

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Jane E. Money

Donors Boston City Singers engages in fundraising activities, deriving the significant portion of its budget not covered by tuition from tax-deductible contributions from individuals as well as support from generous grant-making organizations. Our heat felt thanks to each and every supporter.

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Corporate & BusinessAshmont Adams Neighborhood AssociationAshmont Grill, LLCThe Boston GlobeBlue Cross Blue Shield of MABoston Firefighters Local 718Boston Police Athletic LeagueBoston PropertiesBoston Saengerfest Men’s ChorusByrne & Drechsler, LLPCarney HospitalCarriage House RestorationDonovan ServicesDorchester Board of TradeDotOutEastern BankFeinberg, Campbell & Zack PCFruit Center, Inc. Greyhound/BoltbusICX TechnologiesJean Mo Transportation ServicesLexia LearningMicrosoftMt. Washington BankSchwab Charitable TrustTevnan|TevnanUS Bank

Foundations AnonymousAmelia Peabody FoundationA.C. Ratshesky FoundationArbella FoundationClipper Ship FoundationFriends for ChildrenHomestead FoundationJaney Fund Charitable TrustKlarman Family FoundationLinde Family FoundationMark Wahlberg Youth FoundationThe Robertson TrustSilverbridge Foundation

GovernmentBoston Cultural CouncilFunds for Boston NeighborhoodsMassachusetts Cultural CouncilSuffolk County DA Asset Forfeiture FundUniversity of Massachusetts

IndividualsAnonymousJonathan D. & Ann M. AblettJeff & Tammy AdamsJonathan & Lauren AdamsAlex AguilarBethann A. AlbertHope S. AldrichDr. Georgiary BledsoeKenneth Blumberg & Sarah WeinsteinBetty B. Blume Denise BogosianDr. Giles & Dr. Judith BolandBoston Saengerfest Men’s ChorusJames H. & Linda J. BurkeJames W. BurnsGeorge & Natalie Butler, Jr.Catherine & James J. CampbellStephen M. CampbellAlice P. CarpenterDorothy CarrollMichael CiccolellaDavid Cofrin Edith Cofrin Gladys CofrinMary Ann CofrinSara Cofrin WalshCecil & Clemency Coggins, MDMatina Colombotos Joaquin Colon-NavaOlivia CoxArthur DahlDona Dann & Jesse ChaseIva & Hermengarda DaSilvaLillie A. DavisSuellen DavidsonThe Bob Deleo CommitteeKurt & Diane DoyleDaniel J. DriscollMarie DunellRegina, Todd, Jeffrey & Katie Durga Allison EddyDr. Arnout & Bettina EikeboomDeborah & Steven Ellis William & C. Ellen EngelhardtPamela Everhart & Karl CoiscouElsbeth FalkThe Honorable Maureen FenneyEileen FentonSusan & William FentonJohn H. Finley Niamh Foley Robert R. ForsbergHarry Foster & Sarah StahlThe Honorable Linda Dorcena ForryJeannette Frey & Gregory DeLaurierCatherine & Matthew GarrettFay Gauthier & James CaplanPhillip & Brenda GaylordTheodore D. GaylordWilliam, Karen & Emily GaylordMichael Gevelber & Michelle FineblumKevin GillespieChristine & Kevin GilliganDr. Edward Glinski & Denise KenneallyDeborah GoddardTimothy G. & Deborah B.Greene

Robert Hall & Jacqueline GogginJ. HansBarbara & George GonsalvesElizabeth GonsalvesKellyanne GreeneTimothy G. & Deborah B. GreenePhyllis GuillanoMichelle GurelEvelynn Hammonds & Alexander ShieldsGerald & Marie HassFrances & G. Michael HawkeyAlyssa HaywoodeElissa Heard David Hodgkins & Sheil KibbeNatalie G. HoltzmanPaul Holtzman & Carol SteikerDr. Joanna HorobinM. Elizabeth HowardSamuel & Cynthia HuntJames and Joan HurleyChristopher IngersollRosemary JacobsJoel Jean-PierreEsther KaplanKoletta M. KasperDonna L. & Thronton KellCarol Y. KelleyTeresa A. & Michael E. KellyRuth Kenworthy & George Ecker Joyce J. KinchPatricia KinsellaBernard & Margarethe KulkeThe Honorable Salvatore LaMattinaDarlene LawrenceJudy and Darren LeeJen Erbe LeggettMark LippoltJeremiah LucienMargaret K. MacKillopKevin & Jennifer MannRoss & Sharon MannHerbert & Paige Manning Aida MarshallDavid B. MartinMartha MatlawKathleen McaleerDouglas & Janet McGuireCameron & Katheryn McLeodPamela Hill McNicholsThe Honorable Thomas M. & Angela MeninoChristopher & Catherine Milton Tamara K. MitchellCatherine MitkusJane E. Money & Christopher ChaseEvelyn MooreBeth C.J. NagyCharlene NeuPatricia & David NewellNicholas P. Calos, Jr.Thomas Nutt-PowellDiedre O’Donnell-GriswoldAnne O’DonnellCharles & Seater-Margaret O’HaraPatricia O’NeillFran E. & Robert W. O’ReillyLouise Ober-Nelkin

Eva O’KeefeJack Orrock & Catherine Campbell Priscilla PaquetteRandy & Caren ParkerAmanda PayneAmy Pett & Ellen TibbyCraig & Allison PfannenstiehlCynthia & Wayne PhoelJavier & Patricia PiedadJennifer Pierre-LouisJames & Susan PowellJohn & Nancy PowersKaren Quigley & Russel HenselJudith RaupGail RavgialaFlorence & Oree RawlsMaggie ReichgottAlison ReifMarla Rhodes David & Nancy RichardsonCheri RobartesJeney RodarmorThomas & Sachiko RodesSean E. & Ruth Rogers Dr. Mehmet Rona, Sr.Patrick J. RossThe Rottersman FamilyNadia & Jean SaintilJoan SeligmanRoberta H. SeligmanMarva Serotkin Paul ShackfordKaren M. ShefflerThornton ShepherdA. T. SimonLilly Siu & Peter ZmuidzinaFenwick SmithStephen & Carol Spinelli, Jr.Patricia O. SoulardDaniel D. & Judith M. SteikerFrancine SteikerDr. Eric H. Stein & Carolyn StaffordDr. Richard & Ellen SteinNancy Stockford & Mark R. HustonDexter Strong & Maureen TaylorMaryellen SullivanSara Sullivan & Briand SheaDoris R. TallosCharles & Susan TevnanFloyd & Nancy ToddTrevor & Cheryl TomLinus Travers Kate TrueLuke & Elisabeth Van-ReijendamMurray Wheeler, Jr.Monica WhelanWilliam White & Kathleen McAleer Mira and James WhitingMichael J. WhouleyDianna WilsonKenneth & Theresa Woodhouse William Wyberg and Lynda SperryJudith YarnallPrentice Zinn & Gabrielle Cobbs Richard and Grace Zazzaro

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BOSTON CITY SINGERS

Statement of Financial Position Year Ending August 31, 2011

TOTAL ASSETS

TOTAL LIABILITIES

TOTAL NET ASSETS

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND ASSETS

Statement of Activities Year Ending August 31, 2011

TOTAL REVENUES

TOTAL EXPENSES

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS

NET ASSETS BEGINNING OF FISCAL YEAR 2011

NET ASSETS END OF FISCAL YEAR 2011

$73,953

$ 1,131

$71,822

$72,953

$431,291

$385,316

$ 45,975

$ 25,847

$ 71,822

A special thank you to our photographers: Gillian Chase•Ian Chase•Joel Jean-Pierre•Nancy Marcel•Jane E. Money•Timothy Nichols

Mailing address | 17 waldeck street |dorchester, Ma 02122 | 617-825-0674prograMs for young people ages 4-18 throughout boston in dorchester, jaMaica plain, hyde park, and Mattapan

www.bostoncitysingers.org

Boston City Singers has given me the confidence to get up on stage and sing, regardless of whether it’s a hundred people, a thousand people or just on the periphery of some holiday party.

I’ve always felt a sense of purpose and belonging when I come to rehearsals, knowing that I will be accepted, but also that I will be held to a very high standard. I’ll never forget Jane’s reminders not to sound like “bananas on my counter!” or “you sound like toothpaste salesmen.” Which would always make us laugh but they really do inspire us to sing better. The songs that we’ve sung throughout the years have inspired in me an interest in languages and different cultures. So we weren’t limited to just boring old English or Latin. But we have sung in languages like Finnish, Russian, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Portuguese, Vietnamese and some languages that I had never even heard of, such as Sliammon, Sami, and Samoan. In fact, one of the first songs that I learned when I joined the concert chorus was in Maori—which is the language of the indigenous people of New Zealand. I never imagined that three years later I would actually be going to New Zealand on tour—But that’s just the nature of Boston City Singers. I’ve found that being a part of this amazing group has a lot of those “I never imagined” experiences. For example I never imagined that I would get to sing at the Boston Pops Holi-day concert with Elmo—the fuzzy red monster on Sesame Street. I never imagined that I would sing at the 2004 Democratic National Convention, which was broadcast on national TV. I never imagined that I would get to tour in four different countries before I even entered high school. And I never imagined that I would make some of the best friends in my entire life through singing in Boston City Singers The opportunities that come in this chorus are endless and I encourage you to get involved or stay involved because some really amazing things are happening.

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— Annika Nielsen, Boston City Singers graduate 2011, Harvard University

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