Business Details
21 Years
experience
VOCE: Hartford's Premier Choral Experience
Founded in 2005, VOCE has dedicated two decades to advancing choral music, education, and community engagement in Hartford. Our mission centers on fostering musical excellence, promoting arts appreciation, and supporting local nonprofits through immersive performances and educational programs. Under Artistic Director Mark Singleton, we've expanded to include the Hartford Youth Chorus and Voices of Hartford, serving over 70 families and creating intergenerational opportunities for musical growth.Our performances prioritize audience connection, emphasizing music's power to unite and uplift. With partnerships like Andrea Bocelli's tours and recordings on Signum Classics, we maintain national recognition while staying rooted in community impact. Our commitment to transparency and donor stewardship ensures every contribution directly supports music education and community-building initiatives.
Services
Chamber Choir Performances
Youth Chorus Program
Voices of Hartford
Music Education
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- 20 years of choral excellence recognized by composers like Eric Whitacre
- Free transportation and accessible music education for youth participants
- National touring experience with artists like Andrea Bocelli
- Kodly-based curriculum for musical literacy development
- Community-focused performances with measurable social impact
Services
Chamber Choir Performances
VOCE's professional chamber choir delivers nationally recognized performances that blend technical precision with emotional depth. Our concerts feature diverse repertoire from classical to contemporary works, creating immersive experiences that connect audiences through music. Each season includes collaborations with renowned artists and composers.
Hartford Youth Chorus
This educational initiative provides grades 1-8 students with Kodly-based music training and performance opportunities. The program includes free transportation, expert instruction, and concert participation, nurturing the next generation of musical leaders in the Hartford community.
Voices of Hartford
This intergenerational choral program creates performance opportunities for adult singers while connecting with youth participants. Focused on diversity and inclusion, it ensures continued musical engagement for singers beyond youth programs through Hartford's cultural institutions.
Music Education
Our educational initiatives combine Kodly methodology with practical performance experience. Programs emphasize musical literacy, ear training, and expressive performance while providing mentorship from professional musicians and access to high-quality choral resources.
Community Outreach
Through performances and partnerships, we build community connections across Hartford. Our outreach includes free concerts, school collaborations, and initiatives that use music to address social challenges while creating inclusive spaces for cultural expression.
People
Mark Singleton
Artistic Director
Co-founder and Artistic Director of VOCE, Mark Singleton has led the ensemble since 2005. Recognized by Eric Whitacre as 'one of my favorite choirs in the world,' he has expanded VOCE's national presence through recordings and collaborations with artists like Andrea Bocelli.
Tom Cooke
President
VOCE Board President Tom Cooke has been involved since the organization's founding in 2005. A founding singer and current board leader, he helps guide strategic direction while maintaining connection to the choir's original artistic vision.
Cheryl Tierney
Co-Director, Hartford Youth Chorus
With 39 years of music education experience, Cheryl Tierney directs the Hartford Youth Chorus. She holds advanced degrees in Kodly pedagogy and has shaped the program's educational framework since its 2024 launch.
Schauntice Shepard
Executive Director
Executive Director Schauntice Shepard oversees VOCE's operations and strategic initiatives. She manages organizational growth while ensuring alignment with the founding mission of using music to build community connections.
NicDaniel
Artistic Coordinator
Bass-Baritone NicDaniel serves as Artistic Coordinator for Voices of Hartford. A Hartt School student with extensive choral experience, he bridges professional and community programs while performing with regional ensembles.
Questions
How does VOCE use donations?
Contributions support music education programs, community outreach initiatives, and professional performances. Donors directly enable youth participation through transportation assistance and free programming.
What is the Hartford Youth Chorus?
This 2024-launched program provides grades 1-8 students with Kodály-based music education and performance opportunities, including free transportation to weekly rehearsals at Asylum Hill Congregational Church.
How can singers join VOCE programs?
Auditions are available for adult singers. Youth participants enroll through school partnerships. Visit voceinc.org for current audition schedules and registration details.
Are concerts open to the public?
Yes, all performances are open to the public. Tickets are available through our website for events at St. Alban's Episcopal Church and Immanuel Congregational Church locations.
What community initiatives does VOCE offer?
Our outreach includes intergenerational programming connecting youth and adult choirs, school partnerships, and free community concerts that create inclusive spaces for cultural expression.
Videos