Grantee Database
San Diego Children's Choir
Grant Year
2025-26
Grant Program
General Operating Support
Award Amount
$21,300.00
Project Description
With support from the California Arts Council, the San Diego Children’s Choir will strengthen operations and expand access to choral music education for more than 1,500 children, ages 1–18, primarily from historically and systemically underserved communities across San Diego County, including inland neighborhoods and areas ranked in the lower two quartiles of the Healthy Places Index. CAC funds will support salaries for diverse teaching artists and staff, facility costs, and delivery of inclusive, community-centered programs. Over 70% of participants receive free, culturally responsive, singing-based music education through school and community-based programming. The Choir’s weekly Kodály-based instruction and performances foster musical growth, self-expression, and belonging. This investment will sustain a vital arts workforce, deepen cross-sector partnerships, and ensure that children from all backgrounds can access transformative arts experiences—strengthening the region’s cultural vitality and future.
Organization Summary
The San Diego Children’s Choir (SDCC) offers a continuum of high-quality music education programs designed to serve children at every stage of development.
Our Introductory Music Program engages children ages 1–6 through play-based learning that builds foundational music skills and joyful expression.
The Ensemble Program provides sequential choral training for students in grades 1–12 across six levels, developing music literacy, vocal technique, and collaboration through structured rehearsals and performances held at sites across San Diego County. Performance opportunities include concerts, community events, and regional and national collaborations, offering students real-world artistic experiences. Choristers start their touring experience in elementary school with a local mini-tour, progressing to a regional tour for middle and high school age choirs, and national or international tours alternating each year for our most advanced ensembles.
The School Outreach Program delivers free, in-school music education to preschool-5th grade students in underserved communities at their Title I elementary schools, expanding arts participation for students who might not otherwise have access.
Through scholarships, geographic accessibility, and school partnerships, SDCC ensures that financial or logistical barriers never prevent a child from participating.
SDCC also presents an annual San Diego Youth Choral Festival, which brings together middle and high school choirs from across the nation for collaborative performances, cultural exchange, and advanced artistic learning opportunities that strengthen San Diego’s cultural vitality. The festival includes the premiere of a newly commissioned piece at a culminating concert presented to the community.
SDCC believes every child deserves access to high-quality music education. To advance this commitment, the organization provides affordable tuition for families, ensemble program scholarships and free in-school programming; partners with Title I schools; and offers rehearsal and program sites across geographically and socioeconomically diverse communities throughout San Diego County.
Organization
San Diego Children's Choir
Address
402 W Broadway, Suite 1240
SAN DIEGO
92101
County
San Diego
Region
Far South
Website
Congressional District
California's 52nd congressional district
State Assembly District
District 77
State Senate District
District 39
