Singing Company of Laporte County

aka The Singing Co   |   LAPORTE, IN   |  www.singingco.com

Mission

Fostering the personal growth of participants through meaningful experiences in music education and vocal performance.

Ruling year info

2017

Executive/Musical Director

Mr. Matthew J Nelson

Main address

104 Kingsbury Avenue

LAPORTE, IN 46350 USA

Show more contact info

EIN

82-2472314

NTEE code info

Singing Choral (A6B)

IRS filing requirement

This organization is required to file an IRS Form 990-N.

Communication

Programs and results

What we aim to solve

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

The 2015 standardized test scores for grades 2 through 8, the group our program currently serves, indicate unsatisfactory performance in comparison to the state of Indiana as a whole. Musically involved children score higher on standardized tests than their non-involved counterparts. Many children in our community likewise live with the challenges of a single parent household; our program connects them to a caring community, and thus can improve overall mental health and feelings of belonging.

Our programs

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?

Children's Chorus

Children in 2nd through 8th grades meet weekly to learn and rehearse music that will be performed in several different venues throughout the year. Most of these performances include soloists from the choir and is accompanied by an orchestra.

Population(s) Served

Where we work

Our results

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.

Number of participants attending course/session/workshop

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Related Program

Children's Chorus

Number of participants engaged in programs

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Related Program

Children's Chorus

Number of participants who would recommend program to others

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Related Program

Children's Chorus

Number of returning volunteers

This metric is no longer tracked.
Totals By Year
Related Program

Children's Chorus

Goals & Strategy

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.

Charting impact

Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.

The Singing Co. of LaPorte will engage participants in meaningful experiences of high-quality music education and performance opportunities, and maintain a strong, collaborative presence within the education and music communities throughout the area. As a recognized leader in music education, The Singing Co. of LaPorte will nurture and inspire all participants by fostering their character through music. Singers establish a lifelong relationship with music of varied genres, cultural origins, and world language through their participation in The Singing Co. of LaPorte. Participants not only gain experience in music education and vocal performance, they are also exposed to an environment that encourages self-confidence, commitment, and compassion. As an organization, The Singing Co. of LaPorte pursues innovative partnerships with members of the arts community who contribute valuable works to the field of music education, engage diverse audiences, and provide singers with memorable performance experiences. The Singing Co. of LaPorte strives to maintain relationships with local institutions that facilitate multi-faceted learning opportunities, and allow our singers to explore and practice music with knowledge and rigor.

Our season begins annually, during the first week of September, with invitations being sent home with every child in grades two through eight in both the public and private schools throughout the county. Invitations to participate are also issued via social and printed media. Within two weeks, weekly rehearsals begin. These rehearsals are used to prepare the children for a holiday concert in December and a spring concert in April. These concerts are free and open to the public. During rehearsals, children are introduced to and learn the music that they will be performing during the season. Solo auditions are also held for those that wish to have that opportunity. Music theory, basic music history, rhythm, breathing techniques, breath support, vowel shape, and sound placement are also taught during rehearsals. Resources, such as online musical selections and CDs, are provided for the children to work on the music outside of regular rehearsal time, which is an expected part of their participation.

Because the performances in both December and April have a small orchestra accompanying them, the children learn how some instruments make their sound and how the instruments work together to produce and enhance the music. The staff accompanist and the musical director lead rehearsals with the aid of two adult volunteers. The Children's Chorus has been invited to and has performed with The LaPorte Symphony Orchestra which gives them an opportunity to perform with a full-size symphony orchestra. In addition, they have been invited to perform for the opening night of Arts in the Park at Fox Park in LaPorte. Bethany Lutheran Church of LaPorte has been very supportive by providing a rehearsal and performance venue at no cost. Following our concerts in December and April, we host a reception that gives the families, friends, members of the community, and staff the opportunity to congratulate each participant on their performance.

Although the programmatic focus is on choir and performance, student participants also acquire a set of “soft skills" and socio-emotional benefits that extend beyond the musical realm. Participants learn to find their voice, develop self esteem, and self confidence. More than this, students find a caring community, where they can be part of a group and experience a sense of cohesion, in a prosocial environment. We also encourage social responsibility by having the children donate items for local food pantries, and offer other opportunities that promote civic responsibility and leadership development.

The Singing Co is best equipped to carry out this program because of the limited opportunities in the area for children. Our staff has as combined 60+ years of musical background and involvement, as well as a love for sharing music with the community. The Board of Directors is a supportive group of individuals dedicated to enriching the lives of children through music education/performance. Finally, the support of Bethany Lutheran Church has equipped us with the facilities to assist in carrying out our mission.

Thus far, in our first season, we have reached We currently serve 74 students:
25 males
49 females

Age 7 - 12 students
Age 8 - 16 students
Age 9 - 11 students
Age 10 - 17 students
Age 11 - 6 students
Age 12 - 8 students
Age 13 - 4 students

One of our goals is to continue with this current program.
Another goal is to begin an Adult Choral program consisting of those of high school age students on through adulthood. We believe the effects we hope to have on the lives of those participating in the Children's Choir will be applied to those participating in an adult program.

Financials

Singing Company of Laporte County
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Operations

The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.

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Connect with nonprofit leaders

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  • Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations

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Singing Company of Laporte County

Board of directors
as of 12/26/2018
SOURCE: Self-reported by organization
Board chair

Mrs Danielle Loucks

Nate Loucks

State Street Community Church

Beth Hoeppner

Yolanda Davis

Jon Rinkel

Jeff Weston

Matthew Nelson

Board leadership practices

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.

  • Board orientation and education
    Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? No
  • CEO oversight
    Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? No
  • Ethics and transparency
    Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? No
  • Board composition
    Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes
  • Board performance
    Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? No