The St. John’s Choir School is a large undertaking, and could not be possible without the support of so many generous individuals.
We welcome all to support this exciting program with time, talents, or financial gifts!
Budget
The budget for the St. John’s Choir School is currently separate from all other ministries at St. John’s. Beginning in 2024, St. John’s Operating Budget (SJOB) assumes the program costs gradually, starting at 25%, and growing annually by 25% increments until the full cost of the ministry is absorbed into the operating budget in 2027 (see the table below). Until St. Johns fully funds the Choir School in 2027, the Choir School Fund (CSF), made up of your donations, funds the difference.
The choir school budget covers line items for vocal instructors, curriculum materials, marketing costs, salaries, etc. Money to cover the costs in 2022-2023 came totally from the restricted Choir School Fund (CSF), established in 2020. Donations to the Choir School Fund are welcome in any amount and will help us bridge the gap until 2027.
| CS Year | Fiscal Year | Choir School Budget Total | % from SJOB | $ from SJOB | $ from CSF |
| 0 | 2022 | $17,626.00 | 0.00% | $0.00 | $17,626.00 |
| 1 | 2023 | $72,948.00 | 0.00% | $0.00 | $72,948.00 |
| 2 | 2024 | $72,773.00 | 25.00% | $18,193.25 | $54,579.75 |
| 3 | 2025 | $72,973.00 | 50.00% | $36,486.50 | $36,486.50 |
| 4 | 2026 | $72,373.00 | 75.00% | $54,279.75 | $18,093.25 |
| 5 | 2027 | $71,873.00 | 100.00% | $71,873.00 | $0.00 |
In-kind donations
Much of the support for the choir school comes from in-kind donations with a range of value from 10s to 1000s of dollars. These donations allow the Choir School to provide piano lessons, safeguarding chaperones, and snacks at no additional cost to the program.
For more information about the Choir School budget, please reach out to Marissa Hall, Assistant Director of Music and Director of the Choir School. To make a tax-deductible gift online, please click “make a donation” button below. To see volunteer opportunities and get involved in the day-to-day activities of the St. John’s Choir School, please click the “volunteer” button to be directed to our volunteer sign-up.
Amy K. Ray Memorial Fund
A special Fund has been initiated for the St. John’s Choir School in honor of the memory of Amy Kahlil Ray who passed away on November 12, 2022 from Neuro-Endocrine Tumor (NET) a rare form of cancer. Music was always an integral part of Amy’s life beginning with proficiency on the piano, a talented voice and accomplishments on the guitar, handbells and her favorite the baritone ukelele. She even tested her skills on the bagpipes and oboe! No family gathering was complete without an Amy instigated and orchestrated singalong.
As a life-long Episcopalian, Amy lived her faith and shared her love of music by involving herself in the choirs at St. John’s (Tallahassee) and Grace in the Mountains (Waynesville, NC) as well as being a member of the handbells at St. Martin in the Fields (Atlanta). In high school she honed her vocal skills in the Leon High Chorus attaining recognition as a member of the Florida High School All-State Chorus.
Another passion of Amy’s life was children. She spent her early career years as an exceptional-ed. teacher, managing a large child-care center, and as a consultant for the Big Bend Early Learning Coalition. She also doted on her 2 nephews Harper and Myles Bishop (Waynesville, NC)! Amy later made a career change into the technology field and at her death was employed by an international computer security company as a sales executive.
This fund has been established by Amy’s mother, Martha Ray-Brooks and is intended to provide the educational materials used by the students in the St. John’s Choir School. Its aim is to perpetuate Amy’s enthusiasm and love for music, youth and worship.
Contributions are welcomed! Please indicate on your gift “In Amy’s memory for the St. John’s Choir School”.
