Rhythm and Roots Guild

Culture • Connection • Momentum

Program Overview

The Rhythm and Roots Guild is a service-focused leadership guild created for members of The Children’s Choir of Southern New Jersey. Founded in 2025, the Guild recognizes young musicians who demonstrate musical excellence, leadership, academic commitment, and a dedication to service through music.

The Children’s Choir of Southern New Jersey was established in 2022 under the auspices of Chicken Bone Beach Historical Jazz Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, with the mission of providing children throughout Southern New Jersey the opportunity to perform at a professional level while giving back to their communities.

The Rhythm and Roots Guild builds upon this mission by creating a structured opportunity for singers to lead, serve, and preserve the legacy of music from past to present—while shaping its future.

Our Purpose

The Rhythm and Roots Guild exists to:

• Recognize the commitment and talents of young artists

• Foster leadership, mentorship, and responsibility within the choir

• Unite youth through music across schools, backgrounds, and communities

• Encourage service through charitable and community-focused performances

• Preserve musical traditions while embracing diverse genres and cultures

Music has always been a powerful connector. The Guild ensures that young musicians understand not only how to perform—but why music matters.

Leadership & Mentorship

Guild members have the opportunity to serve as officers and mentors, helping guide younger singers while assisting in the planning, promotion, and organization of performances and outreach events. Officers are expected to lead by example—demonstrating professionalism, preparation, respect, and service.

Under the guidance of a diversified leadership team including Claire N. Collins, Dr. Dianna Hughes, and Dr. Beverly Vaughn, Guild members gain exposure to:

• Artistic leadership

• Event planning and organization

• Community engagement through the arts

• Collaborative decision-making

This experience prepares members for future leadership roles both within and beyond the arts.

Service Through Performance

Service is the foundation of the Rhythm and Roots Guild. Each participating choir chapter is expected to present at least one charity or community service concert per season, with additional performances encouraged.

Guild-supported performances include meaningful engagements such as:

• Memorial and remembrance concerts

• Collaborative performances with collegiate and professional ensembles

• Community outreach and cultural events
   

Notable collaborations and venues include performances with the Bay Atlantic Symphony and joint concerts with collegiate ensembles at Stockton University—providing young musicians with experiences far beyond the scope of traditional school choirs.

Community Impact

The Guild brings together children ages 8–18 from diverse backgrounds, schools, and life experiences. By performing together outside of their individual schools, members experience:

• Cultural exchange and shared artistry

• Lasting friendships built through music

• A broader understanding of community and collaboration

This unity allows audiences to experience the power of youth voices coming together as one—sharing a message of hope, remembrance, and joy.

Membership Expectations

Membership in the Rhythm and Roots Guild is both an honor and a responsibility. Members are expected to uphold high standards in all areas:

• Maintain strong academic performance

• Attend rehearsals regularly and punctually

• Arrive fully prepared, with music learned and memorized

• Show respect for fellow members, directors, and the rehearsal process

• Participate in community service through musical performance

Guild officers additionally commit to mentoring younger singers and helping guide the next generation of artists.

Looking Ahead

The long-term vision of the Rhythm and Roots Guild is to establish chapters nationwide, connecting professional children’s choirs across the country through shared values of music, service, and leadership. Together, these chapters will strengthen the role of music in communities everywhere—ensuring its impact continues for generations to come.