Spring 2025 Newsletter
Check Out What We've Been Up To!:
Dear Friends of the Chorus,
As I look forward to my 20th year as President and Artistic Director of the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus (JCC), I am filled with gratitude for the singers, families, staff, and supporters who have made this journey so rewarding. Since joining the JCC in 2006, I have watched thousands of young people discover the joy of singing, form lifelong friendships, and grow into well-rounded adults.
FROM JACKSONVILLE TO THE VATICAN:
A Historic Journey for JCC
From late December into early January, a select group of talented young singers from the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus will embark on a musical and spiritual journey that few can imagine. They will travel to Rome, Italy, to perform at the Vatican during the Papal Mass on New Year’s Day, where they will have the extraordinary honor of singing at a liturgy led by Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope in history.
A Singer’s Story
I’ve always loved to sing—it’s something that makes me feel joyful and creative! Three years ago, my mom told me about the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, and I decided to audition. I was so excited to be accepted into the Training Choir, where I learned so much and gained confidence as a singer. At the beginning of 2025, I was promoted to the Intermezzo Choir, and it has been such an amazing experience.
Parent’s Story
The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus has become a meaningful part of our family’s life. Our daughter began in the Training Choir in January 2023, and when she was promoted to the Intermezzo Chorus this past January 2025, it was a truly special moment for us as parents. We’ve watched her grow in ways we couldn’t have imagined—she’s gained discipline, self-confidence, and a love for performing that shines through every time she’s on stage.
-Torrey and Elio Pajares
DONOR PERSPECTIVE:
AND THE ANGELS SING
Over the years, I’ve attended countless JCC performances and have marveled as they’ve shared the stage with artists like Kristin Chenoweth, Audra McDonald, and the Morehouse College Choir. Two of my favorite annual concerts are the Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the beloved holiday performance, The Cool Side of Yuletide.
Beyond the performances, my connection to JCC runs deeper. Two of my favorite people joined the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus when they were just eight and nine years old—one in the Training Choir and one in the Lyric Choir. Today, they’re sixteen and eighteen and both part of the Touring Choir. I’ve watched them not only mature musically but also grow into remarkable young women—confident, dedicated, accomplished, and full of enthusiasm for what lies ahead.