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UPDATE: If you are just finding our GoFundMe, your donation can still make a difference in the lives of young singers! Every contribution will now go directly toward scholarships and will ensure that we can provide tuition for every interested singer.
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We reached our tour goal! Thank you to each of the donors who made it possible for all YCNS singers and their families to attend our upcoming tour. We are so grateful!
For the first time, we are taking our young singers and their families on tour! In the spring of 2024 we are heading to St. Louis, where our singers will be inspired by renowned music educator Maria Ellis and will share their gift of song with a local nursing home. Those of you who have ever been on a tour with a musical organization know what a profound impact it can have on you as a musician and a person.
We are asking for donations because our tour fees are based on economic and moral equity. We believe it is our collective responsibility to make sure that all singers can participate, and that no family feels singled out or burdened by the cost of participation.
Any additional funds beyond our tour goal will go toward our other impactful work.
Now in its 8th year, Youth Chorus of the North Shore has been able to thrive because of the active support of friends, family, and community members who believe in what we do for young people and the community. Like many not-for-profit organizations, YCNS relies on donations to meet our fiscal responsibilities. Because tuition only covers 50% of our annual budget, we simply cannot exist without your support.
Despite our modest size, we make a big impact on our young singers and the local community:
- In addition to offering music literacy instruction, age-appropriate vocal training, a varied repertoire, and performance opportunities, YCNS develops young singers’ leadership, planning, and public speaking skills. All this is done in an inviting, screen-free space in which singers learn that their voice matters.
- At YCNS, we provide access to musical opportunities to children across differences of race, age, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability/abilities, and socioeconomic background. We strive to create an environment where mutual respect is intrinsic, and believe that by incorporating all that makes each participant distinctive, we can enrich our community for the better.
- Our tuition scale is based on economic and moral equity. We believe it is our collective responsibility to make sure that all singers can participate, and that no family feels singled out or burdened by the cost of participation. During the registration process, families have the opportunity to indicate a realistic financial commitment. We then provide scholarships to all families who need one to complete their tuition.
- In addition to singing, YCNS elevates young people’s voices in other ways. By joining our Student Advisory Board, singers make decisions about the chorus and plan events. They have the joy of seeing their ideas transform into action.
- We organize and host free community singing events. During the pandemic, we hosted free online classes for kids in grades K-12. Taught by local music teachers, topics included singing the blues, the science of singing, and exploring books with music. Last season, the Student Advisory Board organized a karaoke sing-along at the Evanston Public Library.
- YCNS hosts roundtables for area music teachers. These social and professional events allow teachers to bond and share ideas with one another. Many of these teachers also volunteer their time to be on our Community Singing Advisory Board.
Thank you for your donation and all the ways you support YCNS!
Organizer
Youth Chorus of the North Shore
Beneficiary