GOLD2023

Kern River Chorus

Catch the Music!

Lake Isabella, CA   |  kernriverchorus.org
GuideStar Charity Check

Kern River Chorus

EIN: 30-1277562

Mission

The Kern River Chorus is a newly established community chorus composed of men, women, boys, and girls who enjoy working hard at sharing the joy of music throughout the Kern River Valley. We meet regularly to practice, perform and sing all kinds of music - choral, jazz, and acapella music. At each weekly rehearsal the chorus , facilitated by its experienced musical director, provides its members the opportunity to train in vocal education, create new friendships, and serve the Kern River Valley by providing musical entertainment for people and organizations in our area.

Notes from the nonprofit

Barbershop singing is unaccompanied, four-part acapella harmony. Although barbershop-style music is relatively easy to sing, the acapella ear training necessary for independent part singing is the most challenging and rewarding accomplishment of the vocal ensemble. When the music is sung with proper breath support and vocal technique, barbershop harmony produces overtone vibrations that create a resonant ringing form of music. We also sing traditional choral music with accompaniment, in the soprano, alto, tenor, and bass format. The synergy of voices, talents, and experiences creates the space for an exciting ensemble. We hope to help all people Catch the Music with us!

Ruling year info

2022

Mrs.

Francine Stirling

Mrs.

Debby Fieber

Main address

PO Box 569

Lake Isabella, CA 93240 USA

Show more contact info

EIN

30-1277562

Subject area info

Arts education

Nonprofits

Musical ensembles and groups

Vocal music

Performance art

Population served info

Adults

Adolescents

Preteens

Children

NTEE code info

Educational Services and Schools - Other (B90)

IRS subsection

501(c)(3) Public Charity

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

In an under-served, low-income rural area, there are limited opportunities for music education and enrichment. The Kern River Chorus exists to address our community's need for the musical arts - specifically singing. As the only community chorus in our area, we strive to provide men, women, and children the vocal education and performance opportunities that are lacking in our community - all free of charge.

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?

Where We Work/Serve

We serve the greater Kern River Valley- Wofford Heights, CA; Lake Isabella, CA; Kernville, CA; Weldon, CA; Bodfish, CA.
We provide vocal education and opportunities to sing melody and harmony in a choral setting, either acapella or with accompaniment. We are open to singing any type of music and currently sing many genres of music including barbershop, pop, jazz, patriotic and rounds.

Population(s) Served

Where we work

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.

1) Provide education and training for its members in singing four-part harmony, barbershop style, without instrumental accompaniment, the parts being tenor, lead, baritone, and bass. Accompanied choral and jazz will also be sung
2) Give public and private performances to promote an interest in the development and general appreciation of all things pertaining to the art form of barbershop harmony and singing in general
3) Doing any and all things necessary to accomplish these purposes.

The main purpose of the Kern River Chorus is to get out and perform for our community. We put on annual shows, deliver singing telegrams at Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and anniversaries and Singing Christmas Cards anywhere in the world via phone.
In addition to sharing our music with others, another passion of ours is learning more about the art of singing. Vocal instruction is a regular part of chorus rehearsals, and a very important component of the chorus experience.
We also provide opportunities to form lasting friendships with others of different ages and experiences.

There are two main ways in which we are capable of meeting our goals:
1) By using the talents, knowledge and passion of our musical director with her over 50 years of directing experience
2) By soliciting donations from individuals and business partners and participating in fundraising activities, we can provide all of our services free of charge for our members.

We have put on a number of fun and exciting shows in our area which were very well attended, as well as provide entertainment for local community groups and events such as the Heartwalk, opening day for little league baseball, Peddler's Fair and Women's club. As we strive to give back to our community, we have participated in several celebrations at our local cemetery for Veteran's Day, Memorial Day and Wreaths Across America. Our membership has grown but we continue to try and reach others that might want to sing with us. We put on several yearly fundraisers as well so that we can remain free of charge for our members, pay our musical director, buy sheet music and accompaniment tracks, and maintain our website.

Financials

Kern River Chorus
Financial documents
2022 Kern River Chorus Audit Statement 2022

Financial data

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Kern River Chorus

Revenue & expenses

Fiscal Year: 2022

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Revenue
Contributions, Grants, Gifts $1,750
Program Services $0
Membership Dues $0
Special Events $8,633
Other Revenue $0
Total Revenue $10,384
Expenses
Program Services $0
Administration $0
Fundraising $0
Payments to Affiliates $0
Other Expenses $0
Total Expenses $0

Kern River Chorus

Balance sheet

Fiscal Year: 2022

SOURCE: Self-reported by organization

Assets
Total Assets $16,210
Liabilities
Total Liabilities $0
Fund balance (EOY)
Net Assets $19,517

Operations

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

Documents
Letter of Determination
Form 1023/1024 is not available for this organization

Mrs.

Francine Stirling

Francine has never known a time in which music and singing were not a part of her life. Being born into a very musical family gave her the talent and inclination to pursue her musical aspirations. She directed a Sweet Adeline chorus for 50 years during which she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with an emphasis in band and vocal singing. Francine continued by teaching band in her local middle school and now is the musical director of Kern River Chorus. Overall Francine has been directing for over 50 years. Her skills include music education, music arranging vocal teaching, accounting and gardening.

Mrs.

Debby Fieber

Debby is currently our President, as well as one of our chorus members. She sings bass in our chorus, and her skills are webmaster of chorus website, educator, music arranger, and excellent pianist.

There are no officers, directors or key employees recorded for this organization

There are no highest paid employees recorded for this organization.

Kern River Chorus

Board of directors
as of 10/12/2023
SOURCE: Self-reported by organization
Board of directors data
Download the most recent year of board of directors data for this organization
Board chair

Mrs. Debby Fieber

President of the Board

Term: 2022 - 2024

Debby Fieber

President

Francine Stirling

Treasurer

Paula R Davis

Secretary

Tiana Casper

Membership

Theresia Ross

Sunshine/Host

Carolynn vanBenthuysen

Bylaws