Kettering Children’s Choir Board Meeting Summary – September 25, 2025

The Kettering Children’s Choir Board met on September 25 to review choir operations, recruitment, and planning for the upcoming season.

Current Status

• Summer Travel: Planning is underway for a 2026 Norfolk summer trip, with sign-ups now open.

• Auditions: The next audition session is scheduled for Saturday (10 AM–2 PM) at Wright State University, with 6–7 singers expected.

• Enrollment: The choir currently has 73 singers (down from 106 last year).

Key Discussions

Board members focused on strengthening recruitment, outreach to local music teachers, and community partnerships to help rebuild membership and visibility.

Upcoming performances include the annual Christmas Concert on December 14 (two free performances benefiting Good Neighbor House), participation in the Mayor’s Tree Lighting and Normandy Church concert, and a potential Cleveland Cavaliers performance pending confirmation.

Financial discussions emphasized careful management of resources, with consideration of limited endowment use and the pursuit of expanded sponsorships and community partnerships to sustain growth.

Future Planning & Actions

• Recruitment: Continue targeted outreach to schools and community music leaders.

• Strategic Plan: Finalize updates before the next board meeting to strengthen future grant applications.

• Financial Oversight: Maintain regular budget reviews and consider limited endowment use for operations.

• Community Engagement: Expand partnerships, sponsorships, and public visibility.

• Feedback Gathering: Launch surveys for parents and singers to guide program improvements.

• Support Network: Engage community leaders and partners to help broaden awareness and sustainability.

The meeting reflected the Board’s shared commitment to rebuilding membership, ensuring financial stability, and advancing a strong strategic vision for the future.