CV Receives Grant from The Roundhouse Foundation

Coastal Voices, (CV) the 56-member community choir based on the central Oregon Coast,.has received a $2300 grant from The Roundhouse Foundation.  CV, in partnership with the Lincoln County School District, (LCSD) will use the funds for the SoundWaves School Choral Education Program.

CV Artistic Director Rhodd Caldwell is the head of the project, assisted by members of SoundWaves, a small ensemble drawn from the larger group. “I will be visiting LCSD middle and high schools on a rotating basis leading workshops emphasizing best practices for group singing, such as breathing techniques, good posture, and attending to the director” explains Caldwell.  “And of course we will be singing!”  He also stresses the importance of showing the students of today that school choir is an activity they can enjoy.  Says Caldwell: “Today’s young people lack role models of live singing.  They are familiar with television programs like ‘Glee’ and “The Voice,’ which set unrealistic expectations.”  Finally, Caldwell wants to share his happy musical experiences.  “As a person who has found so much peace and comfort in singing, I want Lincoln County students to discover that music can be a safe space.”

Founded in 2002, The Roundhouse Foundation is dedicated to supporting programs that inspire creativity and connect people with each other and their sense of place, emphasizing support for rural communities.  The grant to the SoundWaves Choral Education Program will provide supplies such as sheet music, music stands, stools, and educational materials necessary for this project.

Caldwell is collaborating with music educators in the district to design programs suitable for each school.  Elizabeth Soper, music teacher at Toledo Jr,/Sr. High Schools observes:  “A choir brings together students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging mutual respect and understanding.”  The Director of Band and Choir at Newport Middle and High Schools, Robbie Carr, joins her in welcoming Caldwell and SoundWaves members into his classrooms, which “will bring fresh, real world perspectives to our music students.”

Caldwell has a vision.  “I want to make Lincoln County the county that sings!” is his phrase.  “Coastal Voices members are grateful to The Roundhouse Foundation for their generous support in aid of that vision.”