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Federal Way Chorale 

Description

The goal of the Federal Way Chorale is musical excellence. Through our performances, we seek to become recognized as one of the Northwest's premier choral organizations. The Federal Way is composed of approximately 70 singers, ranging from high school students to senior citizens, all of whom have a love of chorale music. The Federal Way Chorale performs primarily for a South King County audience, but also reaches outside this area through participation in choral festivals.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Federal Way Chorale, an auditioned community choir, is to provide Federal Way and its surrounding area with an inspirational musical experience:

  • For talented vocalists to team and to perform music in a variety of styles in a quality manner, bringing together musicians of diverse backgrounds, teenagers through senior citizens, without regard to amateur or professional status.
  • To inspire and encourage interest and participation in the performing arts.
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Federal Way Chorale
PO Box 26182 
Federal Way 
WA
98093-3182 
(253) 250-3326 

Bob Dockstader 
Board President 

Programs

Federal Way Chorale Programs

The Federal Way Chorale peforms three concerts a year. A concert during the Christmas season highlights music of that season. A late spring concert welcomes summer with lighter fair, such as choral versions of light opera. In early spring, the Chorale works have a masterworks concert in collaboration with other musical groups in South King County, such as the Federal Way Symphony and the Auburn Symphony.

The Federal Way Chorale seeks to promote the continuation of the love and performance of music through its scholarship program. Currently the Chorale offers $2000 scholarship to a senior graduating from a high school in Federal Way or surrounding communities who intends to major ro minor in college in the study vocal music performance, music education or musical theater.

In additon to its scholarship program, the Federal Way Chorale seeks to promote music among young people by encouraging talented high school singers to audtion for and participate in the Chorale. Each season, we have high school participants, several of whom have continued with the Chorale after graduation.l

Recent Successes and Current Challenges

In 2008, the Chorale performed "The Bartered Bride" in collaboration with the Auburn Symphony. The Seattle Times stated that the Chorale sang with "verve and polish." Our recent performance of a concert version of "Porgy and Bess" resulted in enthusiastic standing ovations from our audience.

Like other arts organizations in the current economy, we are operating on a very tight budget. We have managed our finances to ensure that we continue to bring our music to the community. We are also constantly on the look-out for talented singers, and particularly men to fill out our bass and tenor sections. Further, the Chorale, along with other arts organizations in South King County desires that this area receive greater recognition from the Seattle media as an area with a vibrant arts culture.

Evaluation


The Federal Way Chorale (FWC) is a valuable resource for South County vocalists seeking performance experience and the opportunity to share their work with the community at large.

Proven Success
The Chorale encourages local youth to appreciate and advance the performing arts, especially through its annual high school scholarship program.

Collaboration
The FWC works regularly with other South County performing arts organizations, performing with the Auburn Symphony Orchestra and the Federal Way Symphony in 2010-11. The Chorale is also exploring partnerships with other ethnic/cultural groups (e.g., Korean, Russian/Ukrainian, and Hispanic churches) through collaborative performance programs.

Financial Health
Despite the economic downturn, the Chorale experienced growth in ticket sales in 2010. Chorale leaders attribute this to their commitment to regularly survey audiences to better understand their demographics, preferences, and their ideas for improving performances.

Grant History with The Seattle Foundation:

Grants Awarded through The Seattle Foundation Grantmaking Program:

DateAmountPurpose
6/27/2008 $3,000.00purchase equipment and support general operating expenses.

Financials

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