JAX Chamber: 15 Years Of Inspiring Young Singers Of Jacksonville

Press release from the JAX Chamber:

August 17, 2021

In August 2006, the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus’ (JCC) Board of Directors appointed Darren Dailey to the position of Artistic and Executive Director. In 2016, during his 10th anniversary with The Chorus, he was then appointed to the role of President and Artistic Director. This year, Dailey enters his 15th year of leadership and inspiring young singers through choral music education.

As founding Artistic Director of the Boston Children's Chorus, Dailey was able to begin and grow their participation to nearly 300 in just 3 years. After being recruited to Jacksonville, he was inspired by Jacksonville’s arts community and its potential. “Jacksonville’s arts community is incredibly collaborative and this drew me to lead the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus several years ago,” says Dailey. Upon entering an audition room, children are first asked, “Do you love to sing?” Having children of his own, Dailey understands how important music education is for their development, and that the skills they take away from The Chorus, along with their love of singing, last a lifetime.

Through Dailey’s leadership, the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus programs have expanded, serving thousands of children across Northeast Florida and reaching families internationally with virtual outreach programs. He has introduced opportunities for young singers to perform with guest artists such as Amy Grant, Kristen Chenoweth and Audra McDonald, and even the chance to perform internationally across Europe. The JCC has developed into a world-class organization and continues to be one of the nation’s most important providers of music education. Choral conductor and 2020 Florida Elementary Music Educator of the Year, Virginia Dickert says, “Mr. Dailey has taken a good local children’s choir and turned it into a complete professional choral program. Thanks to him, the JCC is now an internationally-recognized choral powerhouse.”

As the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus grows, Dailey continues to find more unique opportunities for young singers and plans to leave a lasting legacy. Dailey exclaims, “I am very proud to be a part of Jacksonville’s arts community and proud of the world-class organization The Chorus has become.”

This press release was produced by the JAX Chamber. The views expressed here are the author’s own.