Why support the Voices in the Laurel?

Voices in the Laurel Children's Choirs provide an accessible, comprehensive music education and performance program that serves children in, at this point, four counties in Western North Carolina. Rehearsals focus on teaching music through choral music and developing healthy singing habits and beautiful voices. In addition to the vocal coaching and musicianship, the choir members learn teamwork, discipline, leadership, as well as history and culture through the texts of the music.

Voices in the Laurel Choirs sing many styles of music, including classical and art music, multi-cultural music from all over the world, gospel and African-American spirituals, and even Broadway and jazz numbers. The choirs are often accompanied by professional solo instrumentalists, chamber and string orchestras, and jazz trios. These are profound music experiences for these young singers, many of whom would not have these opportunities outside of Voices in the Laurel. It is the only organization of this kind in western North Carolina.

Facts and Figures:

Serves approximately 100 singers from four counties in western North Carolina.

Serves 14 schools and several home-schooled students.

Three ensembles receive over 100 hours of high caliber musical instruction and vocal training per season. 

Repertoire spans centuries consisting of choral music ranging from Renaissance motets to contemporary compositions, including art music, folk music from around the world, gospel, jazz, and some popular styles. The choir has sung in over 20 languages. They have performed classics by well-known composers and have premiered new compositions, including four commissioned pieces.

10-15 activiites annually reaching an audience of 3000-5000 people.

The Choir has 9% minority representation, including, Hispanic, Native American  and other minorities, and covers a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds.

About 20 % receive need-based scholarships.

Annual budget of  approximately $150,000

2007-2008 Income Breakdown
Tuition, tickets & performance fees 50%
Voices Merchandise 5%
Foundation/Grants 10%
Other 5% 
Individuals 30%

Voices in the Laurel is a charitable, non-profit organization under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Your gifts foster one of the premier arts organizations of Western North Carolina.

Donor Levels

Voices Supporter	$25-$99
Musician's Friend	$100-$249
Section Leader	$250-$499
Director's Circle	$500-$999
Choir Master	$1000 or more

Please contact Sharon Flushing by email or phone at 828-335-2849, for more information or with questions.