Help launch Vocal Essence of the Southern Tier (VEST)

About Vocal Essence of the Southern Tier (VEST)

Vocal Essence of the Southern Tier (VEST) is a vocal music organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to experience the transformative joy of ensemble singing. Based in New York’s Southern Tier, VEST is committed to providing equitable access to high-quality, inclusive vocal music opportunities that foster personal enrichment, musical growth, and community connection across a wide range of genres.

Mission Statement

To inspire and empower people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to experience the joy of ensemble singing. We provide equitable access to high-quality, inclusive vocal music opportunities that support enrichment and musical growth across all genres.

Vision Statement

To cultivate a vibrant, joyful, and inclusive community of singers from the Southern Tier and beyond—where individuals of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels come together through access to diverse high-quality choral and vocal music. Together, we celebrate musical excellence, human connection, and lifelong growth.

We aim to become a regional center for health and wellness through ensemble singing, partnering with creative arts therapists, NeuroArts practitioners, and allied professionals to uplift the healing, expressive, developmental, and therapeutic power of the human voice.

Statement of Purpose

Our organization exists to create equitable, high-quality vocal music experiences for children, youth, and adults. We welcome all who wish to sing, offering access to diverse musical genres—from traditional sacred and secular choral works to contemporary and popular styles. Through inclusive programming and a strong sense of community, we strive to ensure that every voice has a place and every singer can grow, connect, and belong.

Every Voice Deserves to Be Heard

In the quiet mountains of New York’s Southern Tier, something extraordinary is taking root: voices are rising—not just in song, but in confidence, in connection, and in joy.

This is Vocal Essence of the Southern Tier (VEST) — a musical movement of belonging, where every voice matters.

We Don’t Just Teach Music—We Build Community

Imagine an 8-year-old shyly entering her first rehearsal, unsure if her voice is good enough. Weeks later, she’s standing proudly on stage, eyes sparkling, surrounded by new friends who believe in her.

Picture a retired schoolteacher, recently widowed, rediscovering purpose and joy in our Adult Pop-up Choir—finding laughter, warmth, and healing in music shared with others.

Envision a neurodiverse teen joining our Singer-Songwriter Ensemble, finally given the tools to express himself through lyrics and melody—his truth heard, honored, and applauded.

This is the power of singing together. And it is made possible because people like you believe that music should belong to everyone.

Why donate to VEST?

Because at VEST, we believe singing is more than art—it’s a human right. A tool for connection. A vehicle for healing. A lifelong path of growth.

We welcome everyone—regardless of age, experience, identity, or ability. Whether you’re discovering your voice for the first time or returning to a long-lost passion, you’ll find a home here.

With choirs for children, teens, adults, and future plans that include everything from Gospel and Jazz to Intergenerational Pride Choruses and All-Abilities Ensembles, VEST is building a - musical family for all.

What Your Donation Makes Possible

Access: A low-income family’s child joins the choir because you helped cover their tuition.

Inclusion: A singer with a disability has the support they need to shine in an ensemble that celebrates their voice.

Growth: A young adult discovers the joy of songwriting in a group where their story matters.

Joy: A whole community comes alive through the magic of shared music—smiles, laughter, and teary ovations at the end of a performance.

Your Gift Echoes Far Beyond the Stage

Every dollar you give lifts a voice that might otherwise go unheard. It builds a bridge between strangers. It transforms silence into song, and isolation into belonging.

In a world that often divides, we come together—one note at a time.

Give today. Not just to a choir. But to a community that says: You matter. You belong. You are not alone.

Founding Artistic and Executive Director: Morgan Jolley, Ph.D. (she/her)

Dr. Morgan Jolley is a conductor, educator, and scholar who serves as the Founding Artistic and Executive Director of Vocal Essence of the Southern Tier (VEST), a nonprofit in Upstate New York focused on inclusive, lifelong choral music. She has taught at Queens College, Ithaca College, and the University of South Florida, and opened the choral and musical theatre program at Weeki Wachee High School. Her choirs have performed at Carnegie Hall and earned top ratings at state festivals. An international presenter and researcher, she focuses on vocal health, access, and genre diversity in music education.