"Creating spaces for authentic expression, interconnection,
and healing through song and music."
Though we as individuals may feel powerless to change conditions for the 70+ million people displaced by wars, famine, and natural disasters, we are not powerless to ensure that those who find themselves in our community are welcomed and loved.
WE ARE NOT YOUR TYPICAL CHOIR
While singing is a key part of the experience, our primary objective is to create space where meaningful relationships can develop and members can uplift one another. We use music as a tool to engage members and open the door for authentic expression, interconnection, and healing. New members often comment on the love and genuine welcome they feel upon joining us.
The Tacoma Refugee Choir is firmly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and strives to embed these principles in everything we do. This includes our approach to singing.
To provide a more equitable and welcoming space:
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No audition is required
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Musical training is not needed
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Participation is free
Our songs include songs that speak of love, hope, social justice, commitment, and belonging. Many songs are sung in English and members will sometimes share songs in their native tongues. Additionally, we co-create original songs with members based on their stories and experiences. One of our favorites, sung at every Tacoma Refugee Choir event, is
"Everyone Can Love Someone."
We believe in the power of music
to Uplift, inspire, and unite people of
all cultures, colors, and religions.
COVID-19 has limited our ability to meet in person but it certainly has not stopped us from singing and supporting our community. We continue to meet online every Tuesday to sing, laugh, mourn, talk, uplift, and creatively connect with one another. While we can't wait to sing together in person again, we have created a special online experience with a tangible sense of love and unity that allows us to connect and support one another while protecting the health of our beloved members and the broader community.
As this pandemic continues, we continue to welcome new members and reach out to those who are most impacted by the isolation and challenges of these extraordinary times.
As one of our songs reminds us, "We are all in this together."
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WE ARE GROWING!
In addition to our flagship program, we are creating additional spaces to share the love and message of the Tacoma Refugee Choir. This includes:
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Tacoma Teen Choir- We began with Tacoma School District teachers and students grades 6-12 singing in community online at a time when we need singing the most. Beginning in late-January, the choir will expand to include Puyallup, Federal Way, and Summer-Bonney Lake school districts and independent students. Online on Wednesdays 4-5:15pm
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Healing Holiday Blues Through Music- a new music therapy class with Megumi Azekawa of Puget Sound Music Therapy.
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Share Culture Not COVID- Several projects this fall promoted culturally-grounded public health messaging and community engagement with Latinx, Pacific Islander and African immigrant communities in partnership with Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Latinx Unidos of South Sound, Asia Pacific Cultural Center, and cultural leaders.
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Refugee Integration Nights with recent arrivals in collaboration with Lutheran Community Services Northwest (our area's primary refugee resettlement agency).
DONATE TO TACOMA REFUGEE CHOIR
The Tacoma Refugee Choir is able to provide these programs thanks to the generous support of donors like you! This generosity has allowed us to keep our programs FREE of charge and reduce barriers that often limit participation by members from marginalized communities.
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"I know that if anything happens, there is a community of people who will be right there to come help me — or anyone else.
ABOU,
CHOIR MEMBER
“The choir healed my mistrust…the choir gave me a reason to do hard things….I will make you proud.”
ADENIKE,
CHOIR MEMBER
"It’s a beautiful place. I love the energy. I love the diversity. I love the
togetherness. It makes me feel happy. It makes me feel at
home. I love it!