National Boys Choir Convention/ Proposal
National Boys Choir Convention PROVIDING A SUBSTANTIVE ARTISTIC AVENUE FOR YOUNG BOYS AGED 8-18 WITH FUNDAMENATALLY SOUND LIFE SKILLS AND OPPORTUNITIES
National Boys Choir Convention June 23rd-25th
University of Louisville www.westlouisvilleboysandgirlschoir.com 1
National Boys Choir Convention/ Proposal
Table of Contents Cover Letter
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Program Abstract
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Community Needs/Program Impact
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Convention Activities
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Evaluation/ Management
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Budget
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Objectives
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National Boys Choir Convention/ Proposal
Dear Potential Sponsor: The West Louisville Boys Choir is hosting the National Boys Choir Convention on June 23rd- 25th at the University of Louisville. The choir’s mission focuses on providing a substantive artistic avenue for young boys aged 8-18, which will aide in the development of academic potential and basic life skills. The National Boys Choir Convention will serve as, yet, another opportunity for youth to engage in artistic development, fair competition, and vocal training via performance. We are proud to host a gamut of nationally recognized choirs such as the Kansas City Boys Choir and Pittsburgh Boys Choir, amongst others. In addition, the convention will give the participants a chance to get a sneak peak at college life, and tour major Louisville landmarks such as the nationally recognized Muhammad Ali Center and Churchill Downs. Please join us in our efforts to create positive avenues that will aide in the development of our youth’s potential. For more information about the convention, please contact Tarsha Semakula @ 502-992-9476 or McDaniel Bluitt @ 502-376-7840 forward an email to wlbc_wlgc@yahoo.com. Sincerely, McDaniel Bluitt Founder and Director/ West Louisville Boys and Girls Choir www.westlouisvilleboysandgirlschoir.com
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National Boys Choir Convention/ Proposal
Program Abstract
The National Boys Choir Convention falls in step with the mission of the West Louisville Boys Choir which puts an emphasis on providing a substantive artistic avenue for young boys aged 8-18. This three day event will create an avenue that will give the participants an opportunity to engage in choral competition, be introduced to campus life, and become local ambassadors to the visiting choirs via a mini tour of metro Louisville. It (choir) develops an appreciation not only for great music but also for teamwork. Musical performances require individuals to sing in harmony as an ensemble or team under the direction of a leader or conductor. Understanding the principles of teamwork (networking), and leadership is a valuable lesson in life (Choir Benefits). The convention will leave an indelible impact on our youth, but also, ultimately, on our local community. Funding in the amount of 60,000 is requested for program development and to purchase the required equipment and resources needed for the convention. Organization: West Louisville Boys and Girls Choir Contact: Tarsha Semakula, Program Consultant Email: buttafly100@yahoo.com Ph. 502-992-9476
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National Boys Choir Convention/ Proposal
Educational Needs
In reading and math, the majority of white and Hispanic students in the Jefferson County Public Schools score at proficient or higher levels, while the majority of black students score lower. (Greater Louisville Project).
Louisville’s relatively low level of education attainment remains its most consequential liability (Greater Louisville Project).
Program Benefits A direct correlation has been found to exist between arts-based programs and enhanced student achievement. Music has been found to improve the intellectual functioning of all children and is now known to be essential for optimal cognitive development (Rauscher, 1996). Music class immersion can positively address many of the concerns educators share. These concerns include such issues as creativity and higher-order thinking skills, diverse learning styles and teaching strategies, self-esteem, students at-risk, literacy, and cross-cultural understanding. (Center for Arts in Basic Curriculum).
Community Needs
Thirty-percent of West Louisville residents are under 17 years old
West Louisville sits in two of the top three districts, in regards to violent crime (Louisville Metro Police).
Program Benefits The National Boys Choir Convention provides a creative outlet for youth aged 8-18 who are provided few options due to the lack of opportunities presented in their neighborhoods There has been a direct correlation between a reduction in crime due to the implementation of arts programming in major U.S. Cities..For Example ..The City of Fort Meyers Police claim a 28% drop in juvenile arrests since the inception of the STARS Program which provides recreational and artistic outlets (The Arts Play A Role In Crime Prevention/Arts Network).
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National Boys Choir Convention/ Proposal Convention Activities The National Boys Choir Convention will be a three day event that promotes the creative potential of area youth. National and local choirs have been invited to participate in an event that will involve them in the following: Choral competition, performance, and skill development Cultural engagement of the local community Networking and Relationship Building (as it relates to bonding with national/international visiting choirs) Introduced to the benefits of secondary education and campus life via the University of Louisville The convention will focus on developing the following skills per its participants:
Teamwork Participants will learn to work as a team, this includes keeping good attendance, good peer relationships, displaying a winning attitude, performance etiquette, developing good sportsmanship, playing fair, following the rules, and listening to the choir director. Choir Skills Participants will be expected to be proficient with the following: interpretation, intonation, diction, and performance. Participating choirs will be judged by these criteria. Participants will learn how to think critically, as it relates to certain vocal ranges, group harmony, and performance. Knowledge of Musical Genre Participants will develop a healthy knowledge of the following genres: jazz, gospel, classical, and pop. Participants will learn how to utilize a choir format, as it relates to performing these genres. Cultural Knowledge Participants will gain a good understanding of the local culture via local tours of area museums and landmarks June 23rd/Thursday 5 pm- Choir Registration/ Check-in/U of L Dorms 6 pm- Meeting @ the Gathering Place/Dinner (KFC) Official Welcome Performance /West Louisville Girls Choir
JuneConvention 24th/Friday Schedule
June 25th/Saturday
8 am – Breakfast
8 am- Breakfast
9 am- U of L Game Room Activities
9 am- Pack up/Prepare for Awards Luncheon
10-12pm- Choir Warm Ups
12 pm/-Awards Luncheon –Trophies will be awarded and the University of Louisville’s Dean of the School Music will acknowledge the convention participants.
12-3 pm- Louisville Mini Tour (Muhammad Ali Center, YUM Center, 4th Street Live, Churchill Downs, Expressions of You Café)- This includes lunch.
3-5 p.m.- Choirs will prepare for evening competition 5-8 pm- Choir Competition/University of Louisville- School of Music Comstock Hall 8pm- Gathering Place/Dinner (Papa Johns).
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2pm- Visiting choirs depart, convention ends.
National Boys Choir Convention/ Proposal
Evaluation It is important to measure the impact that the convention will have on our youth and the community. The following tools will be utilized to measure the success of the convention. Youth Experience Surveys that measure the followingWhat was learned from participating in the convention? What was learned about the local community? How did the convention enhance their current education as it pertains to music and performance? Data Reports that measure the followingThe number of participants The number of participants who pursue a college education @ U of L after participating in the convention The number of participants who pursue a college education at a university other than U of L The academic progress of convention participants via info recorded on report cards and progress reports
Management
The convention will be managed by the Board of Directors of the West Louisville Performing Arts Academy. The Board has had a long standing reputation of providing excellent fiscal management and program development for this local nonprofit. Day to day activities will be overseen by McDaniel Bluitt. Mr Bluitt is the founder and director of the West Louisville Boys and Girls Choir and has successfully seen to the growth of an organization that has positively impacted the community of West Louisville for over twenty-years.
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National Boys Choir Convention/ Proposal
Budget
Meals Registration Lodging Awards Luncheon Music Hall Rental/Rehearsal Rooms Marketing/Promotion
13,500 1,500 15,000 3,000 1,000 2,500
Awards (Director)- Travel Expenses Convention Planner Fieldtrip Girls Choir Performance Volunteers and Staff Transportation Administration Equipment/Materials Program Consultant Misc
1,000 2,000 1,000 1,500 1,500 3,000 2,000 5,000 3,000 3,500 500
Total- 60,000 Other Funding Sources
LGE-KU Catholic Charities Metro Louisville Individual Patrons/Donors Fund For The Arts Participating Sponsors University of Louisville Men Building Men Buttafly Communications WHAS- Channel 11 Bellarmine University Muhammad Ali Center Expressions of You Cafe 8
National Boys Choir Convention/ Proposal Convention Objectives
Fall in step with one of Jefferson County Public School’s core beliefs which states that students should… make connections to their learning experiences, their school community, and the world at large.
Give local youth a viable avenue for self expression, while also engaging them with new ideas, subject matter, and cultures
Utilize the arts as a way to broaden a participant’s perspective on traditional academics
Give participants an opportunity to experience college life, and be introduced to the options available, via secondary education
Utilize healthy competition as way to build the following: character, personal discipline, and critical thinking skills
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