A Different Kind of Team

How Performing Arts Impacts Youth Beyond the Stage

By Alex Gartner, Pensacola Children’s Chorus Artistic and Executive Director

This article originally appeared in Pensacola Magazine, a proud supporter of the Pensacola Children's Chorus. Read the full February 2026 issue here.

Envision, for a moment, an activity where children come together to drill fundamentals, run reps and build endurance. They’re led by highly skilled coaches who focus on technique, agility and mental fitness. Here, everyone is part of the same team, but everyone has a different role—some serve as encouraging and inspiring leaders; others are more supportive, contributing to the team’s overall success; and some, understandably, fall somewhere in between. After weeks of learning each other’s rhythm, it’s finally time to perform for a packed crowd of supportive fans. What is this team-centered, rigorous, high-spirited activity, you ask? Why, it’s choir, of course! 

For generations, many have sought to place sports and the arts on opposite ends of a spectrum. Sports teach teamwork and discipline. Performing arts teach self-expression and emotional well-being. Still, some argue there is no spectrum at all—both exhibit the innate team-like atmosphere, a commitment to personal and collective success and repeated practice that make a transformational impact on a child. So why are both viewed so differently? 

Perhaps it’s simply about one’s interests. A child need not be the most physically fit to participate in team sports, just as a child with a shy voice need not be excluded from the choir. In both instances, commitment, skill development and knowledgeable mentors can all play a part in a child’s success on the field or in the concert hall. The Pensacola Children’s Chorus (PCC) has recognized this correlation and in the process created a unique program that serves to positively impact the community’s youth. 

Time-Tested Tradition

PCC began in 1990 as an extension of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra after Susan and Allen Pote were enlisted to assemble a group of children to perform as part of the Symphony’s holiday program. What started as one ensemble has grown into 14, and many special traditions grew along the way. 

Perhaps the most beloved is Christmas on the Coast, an annual holiday spectacular that features arrangements of traditional carols and the latest holiday hits, routinely rated one of Pensacola’s best annual events. In addition to its flagship holiday production, PCC presents seasonal concerts throughout the year that showcase classical, multicultural and contemporary repertoire. 

Choir at its Core

Every organization has a “secret formula” for success. At PCC, it’s the confluence of five core competencies: responsibility, teamwork, accountability, empathy and confidence. Through a unique program framework rooted in arts education philosophy and performance, PCC proudly serves a population of over 300 singers annually—99 percent of whom identify as positive contributors to their community. This statistic, along with other practices and traditions, are what make PCC so special. 

The beating heart of PCC is the Resident Choir Program, a network of nine age-based choirs that meet in downtown Pensacola. These groups are open to eager singers in grades first through 12th who meet once per week during the school year. It’s through these weekly practices that the impact of the performing arts manifests in a child. 

The continued commitment to learning notes, rhythms and dance steps builds a child’s competency. The repeated practice of these skills strengthens confidence that resonates in other aspects of their life. Over time, they become more resilient, able to make mistakes without shame. 

Apart from week-to-week commitment, multiyear membership is perhaps one of PCC’s greatest strengths, with some singers participating over 10 years. Even so, the difference between a 1-year and 5-year member is astounding. This leads to a compelling impact: 

• 92 percent report a stronger ability to make friends

• 97 percent agree chorus helps build positive self-esteem

• 97 percent agree chorus provides a sense of identity and belonging

Parents and caregivers also routinely communicate a noticeable growth in their child’s social skills and self-confidence that leads to positive outcomes in school: 

• 92 percent observe an increase in literacy skills

• 95 percent agree chorus motivates academic achievement

• 96 percent report chorus supports good in-school behaviors

With a 92 percent retention rate, it’s clear that PCC membership is much more than an after school activity. It’s a place where like-minded children can come together to grow as musicians and humans alike. As an added bonus—it’s fun! 

The Most Accessible Instrument

Singing is arguably the most affordable of all musical practices. The instrument is biological—built-in—and doesn’t require extra purchases to obtain it. Of course, employing experts to help train a child’s voice for singing is obviously not free, nor are the operational costs of running youth musical organizations. Still, PCC commits itself to making singing an affordable musical practice. 

Nearly half of PCC’s members receive some level of financial assistance, mostly through need-based scholarships provided through the Affordable, Accessible Arts initiative, or Triple-A for short. A brief, non-invasive application can reduce tuition for many families, with the remainder of tuition funds being supported by generous donors. 

“My son has been a part of PCC since the first grade, and it has been one of the most consistent and impactful parts of his life,” Brittany, mother of 5-year member, Jackson, shared. “Structure and emotional regulation have always been challenges. Choir offers him a safe, nurturing environment where he not only thrives but flourishes. He’s formed friendships that matter and learned how to work as part of a team. 

These and other skills have carried over into both school and other activities. I cannot fully express how grateful I am for the Triple-A initiative and the doors it continues to open for my child.” 

Brittany and Jackson’s testimony is one of countless others who benefit from financial subsidy initiatives. In fact, PCC maintains a special reserve account to ensure aid can continue in times of scarcity. Since 2016, over $467,000 has been awarded towards need-based scholarships. 

Fully subsidized membership is offered through an invaluable partnership with the Escambia Children’s Trust. This partnership provides direct services, such as transportation, academic tutoring and other participation costs, for Escambia’s most vulnerable youth. 

Apart from scholarships, PCC also partners with the City of Pensacola Department of Parks & Recreation to offer low-to-no-cost choirs that meet in several neighborhood community centers throughout the year. Additionally, PCC also operates low-cost satellite groups in Century and Atmore, providing high quality musical experiences to youth who lack easy access to the downtown cultural hub of Pensacola. This network of programs personifies PCC’s commitment to making the performing arts accessible for all children while breaking down socioeconomic barriers. 

For parents and caregivers wondering what comes next, the invitation is simple: explore. Attend a performance, talk with your child about what excites them, and sample opportunities like choir, dance, theater, band or even youth orchestra programs offered throughout our community. PCC welcomes curious families year-round with auditions, open rehearsals and accessible enrollment options. More information can be found on their website at pensacolasings.org. 

Whether your child ultimately finds their home on a concert stage or a rehearsal studio, it’s important to give them the chance to try. In Pensacola, performing arts don’t have to be an either-or proposition—they are a team sport all their own. And, at PCC, there’s room for every child who’s ready to show up and sing their heart out.

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