Sponsorship

Dear Friends of Music,

In 1987, the late Dr. Carl King, a professor of music at East Tennessee State University, founded the East Tennessee Children's Choir to give children a chance to learn and perform a variety of choral works. In the years that have followed, our organization has grown to include the Highlands Youth Ensemble, which was founded to provide performance opportunities for high school-age youth. Now, we are pleased to announce that we will begin a music training program for entry-level choristers so that they may discover the joy of choral music and receive instructions which will enable them to join the ranks of our more experienced singers. The Mountain Empire Children's Choral Academy will now become a TOTAL musical experience for youth of all ages here in our region.

The success of the Highlands Youth Ensemble can only be called stellar and remarkable. In the few short years since their founding, they have truly made their mark in the choral world. This past May they were the only American choir to be invited to sing at the 20th International Chamber Choir Competition in Pécs, Hungary. In May 2008, a choral group from Pecs, Hungary, will be hosted by the HYE. Plans are already being formulated for a joint performance with the Hungarian chorus and our various MECCA ensembles.

As we begin our 21st year, once again we ask your assistance in helping us reach our goal of providing a unique and rewarding cultural experience for our young choristers. The monies received from tuition underwrite only a small portion of our annual expenses. Thus, your financial assistance will enable our children to develop their musical talents and motivate others to do the same. Your contribution in any amount will be greatly appreciated. On behalf of our choristers, our Artistic Director, Beth McCoy, our staff and board of directors, I thank you for your generous support.

Enclosed is a brochure announcing our Concert schedule for this season and we look forward to seeing you at all of our concerts. Your financial support, as well as your presence in the audience, is an immense source of encouragement to the future musicians of our region. Thank you for helping us to bring out the best in our young people through extraordinary choral music experiences.

Sincerely,

Tom Corum, Chair
MECCA Board of Directors

Mission of the East Tennessee Children’s Choir

To enrich the lives of participating children through the study and performance of the world's great choral literature. The ETCC provides a unique program of vocal music education and performance opportunities for musically gifted children in grades 4-7 of all socio-economic backgrounds.

Who We Are

Granted a corporate charter in 1987, the ETCC was founded by Dr. Carl D. King, now deceased, who was a professor at ETSU. The ETCC is a multi-cultural, educationally oriented, performance choral group, which is based in Johnson City, Tenn. The children represent 12 counties and every city in the greater Tri-Cities area, including Virginia.

Artistic Director Beth Perkinson McCoy, a piano and voice teacher, youth and children's choral director, has trained young musicians from preschool through the university level. She recently received the "Composer of the Year" Award, the YWCA "Tribute to Women" Award in the Arts, and the Sixth Annual Conductor Award from the Johnson City Symphony.

What We’ve Done

The choir presents many fine community concerts each season, singing at the Paramount in Bristol, the Renaissance Center in Kingsport, Seeger Chapel at Milligan College and in festivals, such as Rhythm & Roots Reunion.

The ETCC performs regularly with the Symphony of the Mountains (formerly the Kingsport Symphony Orchestra). In recent performances, the ETCC has sung Mendelssohn's "Elijah," a Halloween concert and many holiday pops concerts.

In October 2000, the ETCC sang the Continental Harmony Millennium Project commissioned composition for the state of Tennessee, "Appalachian Harmony" by Dan Kingman. In 2001, the ETCC commissioned "Five Psalms" and in 2002, "Three Songs," both sparkling works by Kenton Coe.

Help us continue this work

Please make your check payable to Mountain Empire Children's Choral Academy.

ETCC is a tax-exempt corporation under IRS 501(c)(3). Your contribution may be tax-deductible. Please consult your tax adviser for details. Please print, complete and return the contribution form to the address shown.

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