About Northwest Associated Arts

Our Mission Statement

Northwest Associated Arts provides performances that enliven, enrich, entertain and educate members and audiences alike while appealing to a variety of musical tastes. Members are energized by an environment that fosters bonds of community, serving and respecting people of all ages, cultures and ethnic groups.

History

Northwest Associated Arts was founded in 1984 as Highline Civic Chorale in response to the need for a vibrant, diverse south-end (Seattle) chorus that would bring quality choral music into the community while challenging experienced singers. In 1986, the Chorale changed its name to ChoralSounds Northwest (CSN) and co-founder Mark A. Adrian was engaged to conduct the ensemble.

In 2000 Cantaré Vocal Ensemble was added to the organization in part to provide CSN singers with an opportunity to sing and perform classical choral repertoire in intimate settings. Cantaré separated from NWAA in 2010, and is now an independent chorus in the north end of Seattle.

In 2003, as school districts in our community continued to cut music programs, our leadership saw a tremendous need for a way to involve our youngest citizens in the choral arts, and founded the Youth Choral Education Program (YCEP) under the direction of Paula Hawkins.

The first ensemble in YCEP was the CSN Children's Chorus for singers in grades 3-5. Within a year the tremendous success of the Children's Chorus led to the formation of the CSN Youth Chorus, for singers in grades 6-9.

In 2005, CSN created Northwest Associated Arts as an umbrella organization to better encompass the range of performing groups now operating in our organization. As part of this reorganization, the Children's Chorus became KidSounds Northwest and the Youth Chorus was re-named YouthSounds Northwest.

Mark A. Adrian resigned as conductor of ChoralSounds Northwest in 2006, leading to three years of change in the artistic leadership of CSN, culminating in the permanent appointment of Cathy Bleecker in 2010.

In 2007, the continued success of the YCEP let NWAA to form yet another chorus, TeenSounds Northwest. Inspired by the many young people and their parents who asked for singing opportunities for older singers, TeenSounds welcomes singers in grades 9-12.

In 2011, NWAA will form a brand new chorus - SilverSounds Northwest - to provide a musical home to the retired members of the South King County area.

Northwest Associated Arts, Inc. is an IRS-registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and is governed by an elected Board of Directors. Donations to CSN are fully tax-deductible.

Supporters

NWAA is proud to have received funding for the 2010-11 Concert Season from the following:

4Culture • The City of Burien • Norcliffe Foundation • Lucky 7 Foundation • J.R. Mailing Services, Inc. and countless individuals, businesses and families who believe in our work.