Our Mission Statement
The First Coast Chorus' mission is to better our community by building social consciousness through quality entertainment and sharing of financial support.
Concert Beneficiaries
Each season we select a local organization to donate a portion of our performance proceeds. The mission of the chorus is to give back to the community. Since the first concert (October 23, 1999), the group has given over $13,000. back to the Jacksonville community. Below is a list of our more recent beneficiaries.
Second Harvest Food Bank
St. Johns Riverkeeper
NAMES Project of NE FL
Community Hospice
JASMYN
Jacksonville Humane Society
Holiday Helpers
Women's Center of Jacksonville
Our History
The idea for First Coast Chorus evolved from a desire to sing. The spring of 1999 saw a group of six meet to discuss the formation of a new chorus for Jacksonville and Florida's First Coast. These six individuals and later seven more formed a Steering Committee to guide the formation of this new group....
Original Steering Committee:
Back Row: Aaron Rosenberg, Mark Goltiao, Nancy Gilliom, Dennis Mesenhimer, Bobbie WestcottFront Row: Casey Berney, Stephen Wilson, Sue Illingworth, Stephanie Stark, Micki Gaffron
Not Pictured: Jerry Rosenberg, Dee Taboada
After several organizational meetings, July 19th was picked as the start date. The Steering Committee held its breath collectively as they opened the doors for a combination wine and cheese/voice placement party. To their delight, 39 showed up that first night to sing!
Artistic Director
We are pleased to welcome to the First Coast Chorus Family our new artistic director, Mr. A.J. Neaher. Mr. Neaher holds a Bachelors of Music Education degree from Jacksonville University and is currently Director of Choral Activities and Department Chair of Fine Arts for Robert E. Lee High School.
As we welcome A.J. we also would like to give a "BIG THANK You" to our past directors.
Casey Berney
Founding Director
Jim Moody
Past Director
