South Shore Children's Chorus: Building a Community Through a New Mobile App

The South Shore Children's Chorus (SSCC), a cornerstone of musical education in the South Shore since 2016, is taking a significant step into the digital age. In partnership with Suffolk In the Hub (SITH) agency, SSCC is developing a cutting-edge mobile app to enhance communication and community engagement. This innovative app will provide a seamless platform for parents, students, and staff to connect, stay informed, and participate in the vibrant SSCC community.

Musical Roots and Community Impact

Founded by Kirsten Oberoi, who grew up in Quincy, SSCC has grown rapidly. From a humble beginning, it now nurtures close to 200 students. The chorus operates on a non-audition basis, emphasizing inclusivity and ensuring that every child who walks through its doors receives top-notch vocal training and musical education. Last June, the chorus organized a summer camp, further cementing its role in enriching the local music scene.

In a previous collaboration with SITH, SSCC benefited from strategic marketing plans that significantly boosted its visibility and community reach. Building on this momentum, the new members' app aims to streamline communication and foster stronger connections among the families and the administration of SSCC.

Design and Development Journey

Suffolk In the Hub's involvement in this project is pivotal. The agency brings fresh, innovative ideas from bright minds studying at Suffolk Sawyer Business School. The design and development process will prioritize ease of use, ensuring that the app remains accessible to all members of the SSCC community, regardless of their tech-savviness.

The app’s layout plans to feature direct links for event registrations, donations, and a third-party store for merchandise, creating a comprehensive digital experience that mirrors the chorus’s community-oriented ethos.

What can you expect from the SSCC app?

• Educational and Social Resources: The app will feature a calendar of events, a section for educational resources, links to purchase merchandise, and Google forms for tuition assistance. Additionally, it will incorporate a gallery for sharing photos from events and activities.
• Seamless Communication: Stay informed about upcoming events, rehearsals, and important announcements through push notifications and reminders tailored to specific age groups.
• Connect with the SSCC Community: The app will offer a space for parents and members to connect with each other, whether it's carpooling for rehearsals or discussing upcoming fundraisers.
• Direct Communication with SSCC: The app will feature a chat function with a 24-hour response window from the SSCC admin team, ensuring your questions and concerns are addressed promptly.
• Extended Community Engagement: Beyond logistical support, the app will include forums for parent-to-parent communication, social networking features, and sections for news and blogs, enriching the SSCC community's online presence.

Harmonizing Technology and Community

This collaboration between SSCC and SITH represents a significant step forward in using technology to enhance community engagement in the arts. By developing this app, SSCC not only aims to make communication and participation easier for its members but also sets a precedent for how community choruses can integrate technology to benefit their members and broader community. With this initiative, SSCC continues to sing a tune of inclusivity and innovation, striking a chord that resonates well into the future.