In June, the Saint Thomas Church Vestry approved sixteen organizations to receive a grant to support their work. These organizations comprise new and recurring applicants, most of which support arts and children’s programs in underserved communities. Pamela Lewis, Chair of the Grants’ Committee of the Vestry, is pleased to share information on the six first-time grantees:
BCBC Initiative, Inc.
Begun in 2020, Bel Canto Boot Camp (“BCBC” is a high-level training program for young singers, instructing them in the art of unamplified singing. Begun in 2020 as a way to create an online community among musicians, and to continue developing the voice during the isolation that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. Its 2025 training courses “Nurturing the Art of Unamplified Singing,” will accommodate 30-60 young singers guided by an impressive roster of guest mentors representing among the world’s best classical music institutions, such as Covent Garden, The Metropolitan Opera, and Teatro Nuovo. Bel Canto Boot Camp endeavors to democratize access to high-level vocal training and create a global community in order to share advice and further the techniques of healthy, unamplified singing.
Christ Church Community Youth Programs, Staten Island
Participants in Christ Church Community Youth Programs learn choral singing, ukelele, and/or African drums (djembe). They also learn basic music theory, how to read music, ensemble playing, and how to follow the direction of a conductor, as well as musical practices and techniques applicable to their discipline. The ensembles also perform in the wider Staten Island community, providing exposure to various musical genres to those who have limited or no access to music performance. Our grant will help to provide cottas (a waist-length surplice), choir robes, ukuleles, an accompanist, and support for junior assistants.
Delaware Company of New York, Inc.
Established by a hardy group of Connecticut farmers in 1755, the Delaware Company’s mission is to promote and support the history and historic landmarks of the Upper Delaware River Valley through education, education, and fundraising. The Company is forming a fife & drum corps with the goal of providing music instruction and physical exercise for the Sullivan County population, which has consistently ranked among the poorest and unhealthiest in all of New York State. By forming the fife & drum corps, The Delaware Company will not only provide musical instruction, but the unique opportunity to march in parades and demonstrations outdoors, as well as teach participants about the role of fife & drum music throughout history.
We are grateful to the Vestry for its approval of grants to these organizations that will help to enhance their respective programs.
