Jorell Chavez Grad School Fund

Greetings,


              I hope this finds you well after the pandemic. For myself, it was a time for reflection, growth and “ah ha!” moments. It was the moment I realized “what next?”.  Here is my story:


               I am a first generation Mexican- American. The first to be college educated and so very proud to soon become the first to receive his master’s. It all began back in Santa Ana, CA where I grew up. I began taking piano lessons at age 8 and sang in the school choir. When in high school, I had the most revolutionary musical experience that ultimately changed my life. That’s when I discovered what I wanted my life's work and purpose to be: to use music as a vessel to inspire and change lives by working with and conducting choirs. That dream brought me to San Francisco as well as overseas to Paris, France where I spent 3 years studying and singing. I was a student at La Sorbonne and was accepted at the Conservatoire Frédéric Chopin in the 15th arrondissement to train as a classical singer. What I experienced in Paris ignited a flame that will light my life’s path, and used to inspire the students and artists that I work with. It has been almost 7 years since finishing my undergraduate degrees and teaching credential at San Francisco State. I have spent those years building and directing vocal ensembles in underserved communities in the Bay Area, primarily in San Francisco. In that time I also spent much time musical directing and working as a piano accompanist for musical theatre productions and vocal concerts. During the COVID-19 quarantine, I had the opportunity to reflect on “what next?”. 

               

                     After much thought I came to the conclusion that what I truly wanted was to return to the classroom -- but as a student. My “what next?'' was realizing that I was ready for the next level. Not wanting to leave the Bay Area I began to research programs nearby. I immediately thought of  Dr. Jefferey Benson, San Jose State University’s Director of Choral Activities directing  the All City Honor Choir a couple years back. My memories of how he connected with our students and made music that shimmered from his attention to human connection was captivating. He graciously agreed to meet via Zoom. I asked my questions and I applied. The audition process was one like I had never undergone: voice audition, piano solo audition, interview, leading a collegiate choir rehearsal as well as submission of past videos of me conducting. What followed was an offer I would have never imagined. I am proud to say that I have been accepted on a full ride that includes a teaching position at San Jose State University.

 

               As grad school is going to take up 100% of my time, I am to raise $20,000 that will support me through the entire program. I will present my master’s recital and graduate in Spring 2023. This financial support will be used mainly to pay for my larger expenses such as rent, utilities and transportation. Four days a week I will be traveling from San Francisco to Piedmont High School where I will continue to direct the Chamber Singers throughout my graduate studies. Then, get back on the road that morning to SJSU for class and rehearsals all day. Ending with a final stretch drive back home to San Francisco. This financial support would mean being able to spend my evenings and weekends preparing and focusing on my studies. 


                The two unfortunate realities that are truly at the heart of this next chapter that I am hoping to positively impact are:  The lack of Latinx visibility in higher education environments and creating space and access for young Latinx students in the arts education. Your support will not only allow me to reach my goal, it will in turn, allow me to pay it forward to the youth in Bay Area communities. It will inspire, lift up and aid in minimizing the disparities in postsecondary outcomes across race and ethnicity. In addition to disparities by race and ethnicity, large gaps in educational attainment are present by socioeconomic status and first-generation college status. Your support can help me positively alter this statistic! 

With Gratitude,

Jorell