Hans Christian Andersen once wrote, "Where words fail, music speaks."
The Variety Children’s Chorus speaks volumes about Variety and its mission. The Chorus was founded in 2000 to act as an awareness vehicle for Variety and exhibit the Variety “I Can!” spirit at numerous public appearances throughout the year. This spirit helps members of the Chorus learn and grow in self-esteem through their study of music and public performances.
The Chorus is comprised of children who receive funding from Variety, including those who receive medical equipment and those who are served by one of the agencies funded by Variety, as well as local youth without disabilities.
For more information about the chorus,
contact Barb at (314) 453-0453, ext. 115, or send her an e-mail!
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Above, the Variety Children's Chorus sings at Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis during the 2007 Macy's Holiday Festival of Lights. To see more photos from Kiener Plaza, click here.
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The Variety Children's Chorus sang the National Anthem before a St. Louis Rams pre-season football game on Aug. 30, 2007.
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Variety's performing arts programs are sponsored in part by:
History of the Variety Children's Chorus:
The Variety Children’s Chorus made its debut during the telethon on April 22, 2001. On Dec. 10, 2003, they were invited to sing a holiday concert at the White House in Washington, D.C. Each year, their performance schedule includes the Allocation Luncheon, Dinner With the Stars gala and the telethon, and other community bookings.
For eight years, the Variety Children's Chorus was directed by Nance St. James, a local vocal coach, veteran Broadway performer, and professional radio, film and television artist. She is assisted by Kathy Lawton Brown. Well-known choreographers Ruthe Ponturo and Mark Krupinski have served as choreographers for the chorus.
In the fall of 2009, chorus direction was taken over by Greg Schweizer, popular local musician and longtime friend of Variety. Greg is the music director for Visitation Academy, Shooting Star Productions and Our Lady of the Sorrows Church. He also teaches voice at Stages St. Louis.
Jerry Clinton, board member of Variety the Children's Charity of St. Louis has underwritten the chorus with a generous gift for many years. In 2002, the Jeff Clinton Foundation also began supporting the chorus. Variety board member Thelma Steward serves as chairman of the chorus.
In July 2003, a Variety Children’s Chorus Scholarship Fund was established with the proceeds of the spring concert performance held at the Sheldon Concert Hall. For the past several years, the Steve Schankman Family has generously supported the Scholarship Fund. The purpose of the fund is to offer private vocal lessons to chorus members, provide performance opportunities for the chorus, and to provide lessons and instrument rental for the study of a musical instrument.