Twc: Services to the Community

Outreach Singers. This group of singers from the main chorus presents free concerts that bring choral and instrumental music to the general public, as well as to the elderly or sick people who, for mobility or health reasons, cannot attend concerts at the Kennedy Center. The Outreach singers present one-hour concerts in such places as children's hospitals, hospices, veterans' homes, senior centers, and retirement homes, and strive to recreate the concert-going experience for their audiences. Along with the program, sing-alongs and rhythm instruments are offered to actively involve audience members.

The musical experience created by the Outreach Singers has a powerful and positive effect on their audiences. The performances in patient care and senior centers establish a strong link with the audience, creating a joyful experience as well as delivering a musical relaxation for patients and staff.

Music for the Deaf. The Washington Chorus is extremely pleased to be able to increase the accessibility of its Christmas concerts by providing sign language interpretation during these performances. Many people have compared this interpretation to "seeing the music dance" and these concerts are always enjoyed by the hearing and the deaf and hard-of-hearing alike.

Tickets for All. The Washington Chorus firmly believes that its music should be financially accessible to general public. Accordingly, the Chorus offers half-price tickets to students, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and every TWC performance has tickets which are priced under $20.

Pre-Concert Discussions. Prior to each performance (except Christmas), the Chorus offers a pre-concert discussion at the Kennedy Center. Hosted by local personalities, these discussions give people the opportunity to learn more about the work they are going to hear, thereby enriching their concert-going experience.

Special Services. By performing at the Kennedy Center, TWC concerts are always accessible to persons with disabilities. These include means of providing effective communication such as listening devices, large print and braille programs, and a generally solid foundation of physical accessibility such as disabled parking, accessible restrooms, elevators, etc.

We are deeply grateful for major gifts from the following without whom many of our programs would not be possible: The Official Hotel of The Washington Chorus, Sponsor of Music for the Deaf, Sponsors of Tickets for Teens. The Washington Chorus is a proud member of the United Arts Organization.

Benefits

Each year, The Washington Chorus typically holds two to three major benefits, all af which contribute greatly to bridging the gap between ticket sale and production expenses. They also help to support The Chorus' programs of education and community outreach.

Embassy Reception. Each fall, the Chorus hosts a reception at one of the embassies or ambassadorial residences to honor a person or organization that has made a significant contribution to the arts community. In recent years, the Levine School of Music and Catharina and Livingston Biddle have been honored. Receptions have been held at such places as the Residences of the Ambassadors of England and Japan.

Annual Benefit Dinner & Auction. In the spring, the Chorus presents its largest fundraising event of the year – an auction accompanied by dinner and entertainment.

Great American Barbecue Dance. For many years, the Chorus has hosted this antidote to the typical Washingtonian black-tie event at Montevideo, the home of Austin and Gogo Kiplinger. With delicious food from Smoky Glen Farm and square dancing, this event is one of the highlights of Washington's social calendar.

(www.thewashingtonchorus.org/)