Margaret Orem Scholarship Campaign

After over two decades with the San Diego Children’s Choir, our incredible Choir Director, Margie Orem is retiring. Over her tenure Margie has touched thousands of lives as a lead choir director, outreach and early music education specialist, and all-around amazing contributor.

In her honor, we’re proud to announce that we’ve started a Scholarship Campaign in her name.

These scholarships allow over 20 choristers across San Diego to receive free music education access each year —increasing their confidence and allowing them to flourish.

Donate to our 2024 Fundraiser today and help shape lives through the joy of music.

Since 1990, the San Diego Children’s Choir has provided the highest quality choral music education available in San Diego. Your gift to the Choir’s General Fund or Scholarship & School Outreach Fund will ensure that every child can ‘find their voice’ in a safe and innovative way, promoting their emotional well being as they find joy in song.

Tuition covers only half the cost to run our programs. The Choir’s General Fund covers direct program expenses like rehearsal space, rental fees, program supplies and software, insurance, staff wages, and any cost related to operating our organization not covered by tuition are covered through your donation. 

We believe all children should have the opportunity to experience the growth realized from choral singing and music education and use those benefits to expand their potential and transform the world. The Scholarship & School Outreach Fund supports two important programs:

Scholarships in our Ensemble Program (gr. 1-12): The Choir maintains an extensive need-based financial aid policy. Full scholarships are awarded to all qualifying families and aid is also available for retreats, camps and tours.

The School Outreach Program provides tuition-free music education to elementary schools in underserved communities. Donations fund direct costs for teaching, sheet music, hand-held instruments and performances for the most vulnerable members of our community. We have been teaching music in underserved communities, often in partnership with the Diamond Educational Excellence Partnership (DEEP), for over 11 years. 

In Season 2022-23, 81% of our students received tuition-free instruction through these programs.

Please note: American Express is not accepted. Our apologies for the inconvenience.

Double Your Impact: Does your company match gifts? Click here to find out.  

OTHER Ways TO GIVE

Donate by check: Mail to 402 W Broadway, Suite 1240, San Diego, CA 92101.

Donate via Venmo (@SanDiegoChildrensChoir)

Donate gifts of appreciated stock or securities. We work with Schwab to process these gifts. Click here to learn more.

Call us: To speak with someone about making a gift, please call (858) 587-1087 or email Carrie Cottriall at ccottriall@sdcchoir.org.

The San Diego Children's Choir is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Federal Tax ID 33-0488298.