Mission
Foothills Community Choir is a non-audition chorus in Denver, Colorado with the goal of community enrichment. The Choir works to create an environment of joy, laughter, and fun while maintaining the credo of respect and inclusiveness. FCC strives to develop choral excellence within a supportive and nurturing community environment.
Vision
The vision of FCC is to move the Choir toward becoming a well-established and lasting entity within the community. The organization desires to grow artistically and expand its member base while giving back to the community through outreach and performance opportunities. In doing so, the Choir will continue to create and spread joy through love of choral music.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility
Foothills Community Choir believes in the transformative power of music to unite people from all backgrounds and walks of life. We celebrate the visible and invisible differences in everyone that enrich and strengthen our community, both through our music and in all our operations. We are committed to creating and maintaining an environment where everyone feels valued, welcomed, and empowered to participate fully in our musical community.
The Choir strives to learn and perform music representing a broad range of styles, cultures, observances, and experiences, and the individuals who created that music. While the Choir could never comprise people of every identity, we can, do, and will honor music that brings the unique perspectives of as many as possible into our community. Each concert creates a journey through the soundscapes of worldly experience, inviting participants and audiences alike to explore the complex and beautiful mosaic of humanity’s diverse musical heritage.
All of FCC’s goals and activities are intended to increase the Choir’s individual and social impact through diversity of identity, experience, personality, thought, and music. We apply the principles of equity, inclusion, and accessibility in our pursuit of that aim.
Diversity
Diversity refers to the wide range of social and cultural human qualities and attributes among individuals, groups, organizations, or societies. These qualities include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, ability status (e.g., physical, social, emotional, etc.), religious beliefs, nationality, and cultural backgrounds. We embrace diversity in all its forms. We recruit and welcome individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and identities, recognizing that diversity enriches our musical repertoire and strengthens our alliances.
Equity
Equity is the presence of and commitment to fair treatment, access, and opportunity for all, where individuals are not at a disadvantage because of their identities. We are dedicated to providing fair and equitable opportunities for all members of our choir. This includes ensuring that everyone has equal access to resources, leadership positions, and performance opportunities. We actively work to identify and address any barriers that may prevent individuals from fully participating in our choir activities.
Inclusion
Inclusion is the practice and feeling of including people in our musical activities who come from diverse backgrounds. We take intentional action to foster feelings of belonging and show each person that their unique identity is welcomed, valued, and supported within our community. We promote open dialogue, listen to diverse viewpoints, and create spaces where all voices are heard and valued. We reject discrimination, harassment, mistreatment, and bias in any form and are committed to fostering an open and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Accessibility
Accessibility is the practice of actively creating conditions that allow as many people as possible — irrespective of ability or identity — to acquire equivalent experience, information, and interactions. We are dedicated to creating an environment that offers every individual the opportunity to access our choir regardless of their physical abilities, socioeconomic status, or other barriers. This includes providing accommodations for rehearsals, performances, and other choir activities to ensure that everyone can participate fully. We also strive to make our music accessible to audiences of all backgrounds by performing in diverse venues and reaching out to underserved communities.
These values are integral to FCC’s purpose and operations. We are proud to share our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility through the following actions:
- Including a statement reflecting this commitment in all public marketing, solicitation, recruitment, performance, and similar materials;
- Actively increasing the scope of recruitment to welcome and encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds and abilities to join the Choir;
- Remaining a non-audition chorus so singers of all musical talents and comfort levels have an open opportunity to participate;
- Ensuring our rehearsal and performance spaces are physically accessible and inclusive for individuals with disabilities;
- Collaborating with community organizations and stakeholders to promote diversity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives both within our choir and in the broader community; and
- Appointing an Inclusivity Advisor to support the Choir’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility commitments.
Music is a universal language that has the ability to bring people together, regardless of their differences. By promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, we believe that our choir can serve as a beacon of unity and inspiration in our community. Together, we commit to creating a musical environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to share their voice and passion for music.
Nondiscrimination
FCC does not and shall not discriminate against any person or organization based on age, race, sex, color, creed, religion, national origin, native language, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, gender, veteran status, military status, political service, affiliation, or disability. This applies to all FCC activities and operations including, but not limited to: appointment to and termination from its Board of Directors, hiring and release of employees and independent contractors, Choir membership and participation, selection of volunteers, selection of vendors, and services provided.
These protections apply to all individuals associated with the Choir and any of its stakeholders including, but not limited to: members, employees, independent contractors, volunteers, program participants, patrons, visitors, and vendors. Likewise, FCC does not and will not tolerate any such individual engaging in discrimination as described above.
