My Nonprofit Reviews
BetcR
Review for Greater New Haven Community Chorus Inc, New Haven, CT, USA
This group uses the by-line "Building Community One Note at a Time!" and they really keep that as a guiding force in what they do. From building a close social community within the group through social and civic events, to building connections out in the Greater New Haven community, GNHCC views community interaction as an integral part of their mission. They support the group's mission statement through reasonably priced concerts, high school collaborations, a fantastic Choral Conducting Assistant Scholarship, Ronald McDonald House "Trees of Hope" involvement, and have offered workshops open to the larger musical community. GNHCC will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary next year and wants to support local and emerging Choral composers by commissioning two NEW Choral works inspired by this special milestone. I came to the chorus as a lone seeker and within a year found myself welcomed in to not only fond friendships, but a dedicated support system of committee and Board members. Come to our concerts and you can actually hear the sound of community!
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
Review for Greater New Haven Community Chorus Inc, New Haven, CT, USA
This chorus lives up to its motto "Building Community One Note at a Time" in many ways. The singers and professional staff are friendly to newcomers and really make an effort to make everyone feel welcomed. Members become friends and share time outside of the chorus rehearsals, too. They also reach out to the community at large.
Since they do not require auditions, anyone who loves to sing can join. Because of the efforts of Artistic Director Chris Clowdus, this works to the benefit of the individual and the group - he finds teaching points throughout the rehearsals, to help everyone improve.
On the larger community level, the Community Impact Committee has worked hard to provide opportunities for the chorus to reach out to the general population, through performances at nursing and elder living venues, and most recently by working with a chorus in a local magnet school, to present a joint holiday performance. The letters the students wrote back to the chorus make it clear how much they were affected by the opportunity. One student wrote that she wanted to pursue singing lessons now, and another wrote that he was inspired by the welcome he felt from the adults in the GNHCC. Creating opportunities to share this important cultural experience with those who might not ordinarily be able to attend such events, is a cornerstone of the chorus' mission.
The Chorus also offers workshops to the community, and a Choral Conducting Scholarship, open to a College-level music Major at area colleges and universities. A talented Yale student is the current recipient.
The Chorus has been working hard to develop these Community Impact programs, and to upgrade its accounting system and other operating facets, so that it can be more effective. An Advisory Committee was recently formed, from members of the New Haven community, to help guide the chorus to greater growth and influence over the coming years. I am proud to be involved with this group.
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I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the smiles and applause of the residents at venues where we have sung, which is always touching. The invitations to return lets us know how much our presentations are enjoyed. The letters from the students involved in the New Haven Magnet School performance brought us to tears, as did watching them perform with us for members of their own community and clients of local social service agencies - an opportunity the students had never had before.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
like to see them better able to afford to rent appropriate concert venue space, since the operating budget is not very large. The 2010 Winter Concert came very close to exceeding the capacity of the Battell Chapel, where they have performed for many years. There is also a need for money to purchase new sheet music, safer 'risers' for use during concerts, and office and sound equipment.
Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
I've made many new friends, and have had a chance to be involved in the growth of the group.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
I truly love this group!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
