Pensacola, Fla. – August 2023 – The Pensacola Children’s Chorus (PCC) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Escambia Children’s Trust (ECT) to support its pioneering project, Sing to Succeed. This transformative initiative aims to harness the power of music to empower underserved youth, build their confidence and self-esteem, and foster social and emotional growth.
Sing to Succeed, made possible through the generous funding from ECT, will provide tuition-free membership to PCC’s Resident Choir Program for up to 60 low-income or at-risk youth. Through rigorous weekly rehearsals and dynamic performances, participants will develop essential life skills, such as responsibility, teamwork, accountability, empathy, and confidence. This initiative recognizes the profound impact of choral singing on academic performance, learning aptitude, social skills, and overall well-being.
“We are excited and deeply grateful to the Escambia County Children’s Trust for their support of the Sing to Succeed initiative,” Artistic and Executive Director Alex Gartner said. “This grant will enable us to provide valuable music education experiences to underserved youth, helping them discover their potential and achieve success in various aspects of their lives.”
Participants in the Sing to Succeed initiative will also receive individualized pre-rehearsal instruction in music theory and aural skills. Moreover, it will provide homework help, study and life skill development, and subject area assistance, enabling singers to engage in rehearsals with greater focus and enthusiasm.
“This initiative aligns with the mission of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus to foster personal and social growth among young individuals,” Gartner said. “We believe that by offering access to high-quality music education experiences, we can equip young people with the skills they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.”
The initiative also addresses barriers to participation by providing critical infrastructure improvements, including transportation planning, procedural auditing, and professional development. By creating a supportive environment, the project aims to ensure that low-income and at-risk youth have equal access to transformative music education experiences.
The Pensacola Children’s Chorus has a rich history of providing impactful music education programs to youth. Through Sing to Succeed, the organization aims to extend its reach to a broader demographic and contribute to the positive development of young individuals in the community. Young singers, incoming grades 1–12, who are interested may audition for the Pensacola Children’s Chorus by September 15, with more opportunities to join in December and January. Email Juliana Child at jchild@pensacolasings.org to schedule an audition.
For more information about Sing to Succeed and the Pensacola Children’s Chorus, please call 850-434-7760 or visit PensacolaSings.org/sing-to-succeed.
About Pensacola Children’s Chorus The Pensacola Children’s Chorus (PCC) is a non-profit, community-based arts education program which uses music and performance to inspire and nurture a new generation of young leaders. Serving 300 young musicians from over 60 schools across Northwest Florida and Southwest Alabama, PCC uses music education to provide opportunities for personal growth, friendship, and community service. Formally established 1990 as a program of the Pensacola Symphony, the now-independent organization continues to pursue diversity of talent, repertoire, and performance to enhance and enliven the cultural fabric of our community. To fulfill its role as the preeminent regional youth music education program, PCC presents a full season of outreach, educational programs, and performances each year for thousands of children, youth, and adults.
About the Escambia Children’s Trust The Escambia Children’s Trust (ECT) is a special district of government established by the voters of Escambia County in 2020. The ECT exists to support educational, preventative, developmental, or rehabilitative services that further the well-being of all children in Escambia County.