About Us:

The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus was first established in 1995 at Jacksonville University. Dr.
Jon O. Carlson and Jim Taylor helped implement the plan to create a children’s music program
in the community of Jacksonville under the leadership of Dr. Kinne. In the beginning, JCC only
had 16 voices and now it has expanded to more than 350 singers in all five choirs.

JCC developed a scholarship program to aid families who could not pay for the tuition in 1988.
Therefore, from the beginning, this organization has sought diversity among its members and
attempted to open it to all people, even less fortunate families. Since JCC began as a small arts
organization with very little exposure in the community and little financial support, it dealt with
many challenges. In 2001, JCC first achieved name recognition when it was titled “the
designated children’s chorus of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.”

Later in 2006, the Board of Directors appointed Darren Dailey as the Artistic and Executive
Director. Since then, JCC has broadened its choir programs, has hosted several self-produced
concerts that sold out and has even performed for Pope Francis at a Papal Mass at St. Peter’s
Basilica in Vatican City, Rome. They now have a Primary Choir, Training Choir, Lyric Choir,
Treble Choir, Concert Choir, Touring Choir, Young Men’s Chorus and Honors Choir. The
Touring Choir has traveled and sang in countries like Greece, Croatia, Malta and Slovenia.
Darren Dailey was then named the President and Artistic Director at his 10th Anniversary at JCC.

Ultimately, JCC strives to increase the appreciation and awareness of choral music through
outreach, performance and education. The organization values diversity and is dedicated to
offering unique experiences through music.

Our Mission:
The mission of the Jacksonville Children's Chorus is to provide a high-quality choral music
education for children of diverse backgrounds, fostering teamwork, self-discipline,
accomplishment and pride while filling an important cultural need in the community and sharing
the beauty of the choral art form through artistically excellent performances.

Key Executives:
President and Artistic Director: Darren Dailey
Visual Communications Specialist: Carolyn Bell Audije
Business Manager and Development Officer: Katherine Boling
Program Manager: Adam Hooper
Development Associate: Cat Palfrey
Executive Assistant: Kelly Rubin
Program Coordinator: Diana Wooten