Singing City: Next Generation
(SC:NG)
Singing City: Next Generation is a reimagined youth choral initiative offering joyful, accessible singing experiences for young people across Philadelphia. It explores flexible, community-based models for youth engagement while remaining rooted in Singing City’s longstanding mission.
Led by Kendra Balmer, Professor of Music Education at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance, the program emphasizes vocal development, ensemble singing, and the power of making music together.
This spring, Singing City: Next Generation will offer short, month-long residencies at locations around the city. The first residency will take place at Friends Center on Saturday mornings from February 14 through March 14 and will conclude with participating youth joining Singing City Choir in the Dream Keeper family concert on March 14.
Open to all youth from the Philadelphia region who love to sing.
Click here to register.
SC:NG Conductor
Kendra Balmer is a conductor, educator, clarinetist, and vocalist, originally from Dallas, Pennsylvania. Kendra has lectured, guest conducted, and performed across North America, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. She currently serves as Adjunct Faculty at Temple University and is a founding Teaching Artist at Sister Cities Voices, a K-12 youth choir for social change in Philadelphia and Camden.
Kendra has her BM in Music Education and MM in Choral Conducting from Temple University. Past work includes conducting the Widener University Chorale and serving as the Director of Music at K-8 schools in Philadelphia, as well as at the Herzlia Highland Primary School in Cape Town, South Africa.
Programs and Office Manager
Liv Forney: A lifelong music lover and chorister, Liv graduated from University of Delaware’s School of Music in 2020 and has since worked across the region coordinating music in retail stores, lesson studios, record labels, and event venues. Aside from SCNG, Liv is also Singing City's Programs and Office Manager. Liv also serves as an Alto 2 and board secretary of Sine Nomine, a chamber choir based in Wilmington.
EITC - Educational Improvement Tax Credit
Singing City participates in the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) administered by Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development. Under Act 4, companies can realize substantial tax credits by making a gift to educational improvement organizations like Singing City.
Donations through the EITC program to Singing City will help support
T-VOCE, therefore endorsing Singing City’s commitment to choral music education and performance opportunities for under-served students in Philadelphia. By making a contribution to Singing City, your company could save as much as 90% of the value of the gift!
