About Us
The Kalamazoo Community Chorale (KCC) began in 1934 as the Mother Singers, comprised primarily of mothers seeking an opportunity to participate in choral music activities without the requirement of an audition or an extensive musical background. Today, the Chorale consists of 55-70 members who come from the greater Kalamazoo area. The Chorale is comprised of women who thoroughly enjoy music as well as the camaraderie and fellowship that comes from belonging to a group. The experience level of our members ranges between professional, formally educated musicians to those who have pleasant singing voices and enjoy performing within a group. The KCC presents two formal concerts per year (December and spring), performing 3 and 4 part music. Our “semesters” coincide with these concerts: One begins every January, the other the first Monday after Labor Day in September. The Kalamazoo Community Chorale is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is governed by a Board of Directors and supported by generous donations from the community.
Board of Directors
Marilyn Haklin, President
Kristen Dinsmore, Vice President
Judy Hagey, Secretary
Betty Murphy, Treasurer
Laurie Doss, Past President
Jackie Stilger, Ex-officio Member
Jacqueline Stilger, Director
Jackie has served as the KCC Director since 2012. A native of Southern Indiana, she holds a Bachelor of Music degree in organ performance from the University of Louisville, where she studied with Melvin Dickenson, and a Master of Music degree in Organ and Church Music from Indiana University, studying organ with Dr. Marilyn Keiser and choral conducting with Robert Porco and Carmen Telez. Jackie is the Director of Music at First United Methodist Church in Kalamazoo. She currently resides in Kalamazoo with her three children, Carsten, Drew and Avery.
Cari Miller, Accompanist
Cari has served as the KCC piano accompanist since 2010. She is a graduate of Western Michigan University having earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Music Education and a Master of Music in Music Education. When she is not performing with the KCC, Cari is an elementary school teacher and member of The Kalamazoo Ringers. She resides in Kalamazoo with her partner Ryan and dog Birdie.