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the many benefits of singing together and the values Native American Advancement Foundation (NAAF) at
of the TGC’s programming. The TGC’s main building the Tohono O’odham Nation (TON) serves students
and rehearsal location is in an affluent part of the city, through a virtual format, and aims to develop music
and although our robust scholarship program helps to education capacity in the western region of TON to
remove financial barriers, it does not address the many increase music programs in schools.
other barriers that prevent youth from accessing group TGC’s collaborations are designed to adapt to the
singing in a choral setting. characteristics of each specific community and to allow
We identify sustainability and adaptability as the two for flexibility to embark on creative initiatives. Our en-
main aspects of success in this program. The TGC’s gagement programs are co-created with school partner
Engagement Program began in 2013 with Engagement leaders, and each program looks different. Across all of
Choirs as partnerships with schools and community our programs, we’ve prioritized creating full access for
organizations throughout Tucson. The first Engage- all singers and developing culturally affirming commu-
ment Choir was in partnership with a tuition-free pri- nity collaborations. In this co-creative process, it’s been
vate school that was serving primarily African refugees. our great honor to thread connections with our singer-
Throughout this partnership, the TGC learned the leaders and their families. Our engagement families
importance of communication, flexibility, and ensur- continuously nudge us into a deeper understanding of
ing the conductor is a qualified and experienced music our own values and how to practice. We’ve built a net-
educator. The TGC’s current school partnerships are work of cultural partnerships to offer free public per-
based on relationship building and the TGC positions formances in collaboration with other community arts
itself as learners within the school community. organizations to provide relevant and culturally affirm-
After some failed attempts, a pillar success today ing concerts in our singers’ own neighborhoods.
is our sustained partnership with seven schools/com-
munities in three different school districts: Five are el-
ementary schools, including a virtual program on the
Tohono O’odham nation in partnership with the Na- Share Your Story!
tive American Advancement Foundation (NAAF), and
partnership at a middle school in south Tucson that We know so many wonderful projects are
supports students in pursuing education of all kinds, in- happening throughout ACDA. These spot-
cluding trade schools and other professional programs.
Through our Community Engagement programming, lights are just a few incredible collaborations,
we have engaged youth and families within the com- and we would love to hear about yours. How
munity in a manner that is productive and constructive. can you “Share Your Story”? Email the com-
mittee at advocacyandcollaboration@acda.
What is the collaborative element of your project?
org or visit ChoralNet to learn more: https://

The TGC’s Community Engagement Program fo- choralnet.org/archives/684896.
cuses on meaningful collaborations that provide ac-
cess to subsidized programming for K-12 students and
music educators. Engagement Choirs rehearse weekly
at partner schools in Amphitheater, Tucson Unified
School Districts, and the Guvo District at the Tohono
O’odham Nation. Partner schools facilitate communi-
cation between the TGC and families and offer logisti-
cal support and valuable insight into the unique culture
and needs of each school. TGC’s partnership with the

CHORAL JOURNAL October 2024 Volume 65 Number 3 79