Joanne Crawford-Dunér Named Chair of LA Children's Chorus

JoAnne Crawford-Dunér has been elected Chair of the Board of Directors of the Los AngeLes Children's Chorus (LACC), one of the world's foremost children's choirs.  The Covina Hills resident, whose term began on August 1, has served on LACC's Board of Directors since 2008 and is the first non-LACC parent to serve in LACC's key leadership role.  Shesucceeds David Scheidemantle, who continues on the Board of Directors as Past Chair.  Crawford-Dunér is the Director of Marketing Communications for Nestlé USA, where she oversees public relations, digital and social media, packaging communications and consumer promotions for the Beverage Division.

"It is a pleasure to announce Joanne's election to this key post," says LACC Artistic Director Anne Tomlinson.  "A passionate advocate for LACC, she is deeply committed to fostering the organization's continued growth and artistic excellence though her tremendous business acumen, strong community focus and visionary leadership.  I am delighted to work with her at this exciting juncture in LACC's history."

"I am honored and delighted to serve as the Chair of the Los AngeLes Children's Chorus," says Crawford-Dunér.  "I greatly admire the amazing artistic abilities of the choristers and the exceptional organizational structure and professionalism of LACC.  Anne and her phenomenal artistic staff provide truly outstanding vocal training to youngsters of all musical levels.  I look forward to working closely with them, the Board of Directors and LACC staff to further the chorus' mission and to continue expanding its international prominence."

In 2009, Crawford-Dunér helped to arrange Nestlé USA's sponsorship of LACC's "First Experiences in Singing," a satellite after-school enrichment program piloted at Daniel Webster Elementary School in Pasadena.  The innovative program provides foundational musical learning to six- and seven-year-old children who might not otherwise have exposure to music or singing at this critical, formative age.  In its first three years of operation at Webster, the program has served a capacity 60 children, 13 of whom have subsequently auditioned and been accepted into one of LACC's many choir levels.  Building on the program's success and with Nestlé USA's continued support, LACC will expand into two more local elementary schools this coming school year. 

In addition to Crawford-Dunér's involvement with the Los AngeLes Children's Chorus, she has served as a member of the Circle of Wishes Board for the Los Angeles chapter of the Make-A-Wish organization, and regularly volunteers her time for myriad community projects, from serving meals at the Midnight Mission to preparing care packages for the Los Angeles Food Bank.  She recently spent a week with the Quileute Native American tribe in La Push, Washington, a tiny fishing village on the Pacific coast of the Olympic Peninsula.  Working with the Global Citizens Network, Crawford-Dunér was immersed in the culture of the tribe, working side by side with the community refurbishing homes, serving meals to the elders, and spending time with the tribe members to learn and understand their culture and traditions.  Crawford-Dunér and her husband, David, live in Covina Hills.  Her passions include fitness, gardening, cooking and spending time with family and friends. 

Described as "astonishingly polished," "hauntingly beautiful," and "one heck of a talented group of kids," LOS ANGELes ChildREN'S CHORUS is widely regarded as one of the world's foremost children's choirs.  Founded in 1986 and led by Artistic Director Anne Tomlinson, LACC performs with such leading organizations as LA Opera, LA Phil, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, LA Master Chorale, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra , Pasadena Symphony and POPs, Jacaranda, and Calder Quartet.  The chorus' roster includes more than 400 children aged 6-18 from 60 communities across Los Angeles in six choirs and "First Experiences in Singing" classes and ensemble for young singers.  LACC has toured South Africa, North and South America, China and Europe, and produced the world-premiere of "Keepers of the Night," an opera by Peter Ash and Donald Sturrock.  The chorus appeared on LA Master Chorale's Decca recording "A Good Understanding," and Plácido Domingo's Deutsche Grammophon recording "Amore Infinito" ("Infinite Love") and, in 2011, gave the U.S. premiere of Esa-Pekka Salonen's "Dona Nobis Pacem."  The subject of a trilogy of documentaries by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Freida Lee Mock, LACC is featured in the Academy Award-nominated "Sing!," about a year in the life of the choir; "Sing Opera!," documenting the production of LACC's commissioned family opera "Keepers of the Night"; and "Sing China!," chronicling its groundbreaking tour to China just prior to the Beijing Olympics.  LACC has performed with John Mayer on NBC's "The Tonight Show," and was featured on Public Radio International's nationally syndicated show "From the Top," among other credits.  Open auditions for LACC take place each May.  First Experiences in Singing is a non-auditioned program for 6-7 year olds that serves as an enriching and fun music introduction for children.

More Articles by This Author...