2012 ANNUAL REPORT Highlights from Season Four

Mission: The mission of Nashville

Singers is to entertain, educate,

unite, and uplift our audiences and

members through music that is

distinguished for its innovation,

diversity, and artistic excellence, to

enrich lives through the support of

music education in our schools and

the community, and to seek,

develop, use and enhance the skills

and talents of each member to such

an extent that progress seems

limitless.

Vision: The vision of Nashville

Singers is to be a dynamic choral

leader, enriching lives through the

performance of significant music;

collaborating with highly engaged

and skilled donors to make a

substantive impact on music

education in our schools and the

community.

Message from the President/Board Chair

This past year was filled with great music and many significant accomplishments:

We continue to enhance our governance and management structure through the addition of more than a dozen new advisory board members. The governing board met 13 times, in including three meetings with the advisory board. Policy governance included the approval of many new policies related to: board giving, gifts and donations, conflict of interest, and corporate credit card use.

The strategic plan was updated, and a10-year projection of income and expenses was created to accompany this plan.

A new music evaluation committee was created, along with a concert venue search task force.

To better protect our financial future, a reserve fund (equal to 10% of annual revenues) was created and fully-funded.

The board began using Dropbox to share official documents.

Like some of the most successful artistic ensembles in our field, we operate under the philosophy that it is the board’s job to help the director achieve his/her vision for the chorus.

The Nashville Singers presented over a dozen performances across Tennessee, increased awareness of our events and programs, and made many new fans along the way.

Membership and annual revenue continue to grow, but at a rate slower than desired. We continue to implement best practices to realize improvement in these two areas.

It has been an honor to serve as President of this fine ensemble. I am very grateful for the many people that continue to work in harmony to create beautiful music and to enrich the lives of others. Sloan Yarborough

Message from the Executive Director

Nashville Singers began our journey four years ago focused on the pursuit of artistic and musical excellence.

While the fun and fellowship we enjoy continues to provide great value to our members, our music education, youth outreach, and philanthropic programs have generated even greater value to our community.

Planning remains a key foundation of our continued success.

I remain grateful to our board and other volunteers for their continued dedication to best practices in policy governance and non-profit organizational management.

External communication reached a new peak with 70,000 emails distributed throughout the year. Almost 250 people opened our newsletter each week. Public relations efforts yielded over 50 media hits, our mailing list increased by 48%, and our fan base on Facebook increased to over 1400 people.

We doubled the size of our live audience to over 8,000 people. Our annual concert attracted a record crowd and continues to be an artistic and financial success.

We continue to diversify our income sources, and received our first grant funding. Our budget increased by 20% to over $20,000.

I continue to challenge the singers with lots of new music, covering a variety of genres.

Finding a way to engage more volunteers and donors remains mission-critical to our success.

I am extremely grateful for the friendship and commitment of our members, the support they receive from their families, and the many other volunteers who work countless hours to keep this organization moving forward at a very brisk pace.

Todd Wilson

Artistic Staff

Todd Wilson

Director of Music

Sloan Yarborough

Associate Director

Bass Section Leader

Bruce Cokeroft

Manager of Auditions

Tenor Section Leader

Ric Domenico

Lead Section Leader

Taylor Wilson

Baritone Section Leader

Visual Performance Coach

Grace Thomson

Performance Coach

Voice Teacher

Harlan Wilson

Performance Coach

Administrative Staff

Ric Domenico

Learning Media Producer, Music

Engraver, Music Librarian

Lenny Farmer

Celebration Coordinator

Tim Mullican

In-House Photographer, Historian

Bryan Patrick

Costume Manager

Rodney Turner

Prime Minister of Fun & Mischief

Todd Wilson

Webmaster, Newsletter Editor

Marketing & Public Relations

Highlights

Acquisitions: The chorus was able to purchase four used Wenger choral risers, valued at

$2000, for $100. A new scrolling LED light was purchased to cue the singers on upcoming

songs, pitches, and the first words of the next song.

Alliances, Partnerships, and Sponsorships: Formed relationships with educational

institutions, other music associations, businesses, and other entities. Created strategic

alliances to maximize our influence and efforts to sustain, build awareness for, and

strengthen our organization. The Executive Director participated in 65 networking meetings

with leaders of other Middle Tennessee organizations to explore collaborative

opportunities on events and/or programs. Two of our members represented Nashville

Singers at a Volunteer State Community College career fair. At the recommendation of one

of our advisory board members (Don Hart), a private Facebook group was created for

members of the Advisory Board to share information and ideas. The Executive Director

recruited an additional 13 advisory board members including music leaders at two more

area universities, and one high school. Meeting attendance of our advisory board is 75%.

Awards: The Executive Director represented Nashville Singers at the Salute to Excellence

awards ceremony hosted by The Center for Nonprofit Management at the Renaissance

Hotel, and was awarded a Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership. The Nashville Singers board

approved an annual "Arts Advocate of the Year" award to honor outstanding arts

advocates. The award was named in honor Carol Crittenden for her tireless services and

support of the arts in Middle Tennessee.

Sloan Yarborough

2012 Member of the Year

Dr. Lenny Farmer

2012 Rookie of the Year

Board of Directors

Sloan Yarborough

President/Board Chair

Doug Morrison

Vice Chair

Bruce Cokeroft

Vice-President of Membership

Bryan Patrick

Secretary

Tim Mullican

Treasurer

Todd Wilson

Executive Director, Ex Officio

Advisory Board

Nikki Baker

Pencil Foundation

Communications Director

Sarah Beatty

Manager of Marketing

Development, Big Brothers Big

Sisters of Middle Tennessee

Dawn Davenport

Sports Anchor/Report

WKRN News 2

Cheryl B. Davis

Director, Dickson and Cheatham

Divisions, Nashville Area Habitat

for Humanity

Dr. Robert L. Elliott

Professor of Music and

Department Head, Tennessee

State University

Amanda Foster

VP of Development,

Hendersonville Chamber of

Commerce

Jason G. Franke

Nashville Sounds Baseball

Assistant General Manager of

Sales and Marketing

Audience Development - Highlights: Presented a performance for 4,000 people on April 14

at the Titanic - Pigeon Forge Attraction in Sevier County, and for 250+ music educators at

the Tennessee Arts Academy on July 12th. Season of Harmony: Paid attendance at our

annual concert increased by almost 100 people, a 33% increase over 2011. Total audience:

Our estimated total audience in 2012 from 15 appearances completed to date increased to

approximately 8000 people. This represents a 100% increase over 2011.

Community Outreach: Free performances: Nashville Singers presented 11 free

performances in the community, impacting a combined 1580 people in four counties. This

is double the number of people impacted by our performances compared to 2011.

Diversity: Through outreach activities and music education programs and funding

targeting, we continue to diversify our audiences. We remained focused on further

diversification of our membership and leadership.

Fund Development - Contributed Income: Donations: A full 100% of our governing board

and 6% of our advisory board members have donated to Nashville Singers in 2012.

Individual donations reached $2,318.37, an increase of 600% over 2011. Earned Income:

Increased by 12% over 2011. Silent Auction: Profits from 2012 are $1,330.00, 15% greater

than 2011. Merchandising: Total merchandising revenues increased by 34% over 2011.

Cuts from the Nashville Singers release "The Journey Begins" became available on iTunes,

Emusic, GooglePlay, IODA, TuneGenie, Amazon, Amazon UK, Ebay's Digital Music Center,

MOG, Amplified, CD Universe on March 17. A new credit card reader from

www.squareup.com was secured to efficiently handle credit card transactions for CD

purchases, concert tickets, dues and silent auction purchases. Two new items were added

to our inventory, including an I Love NSI T-shirt, and Black Tie Blend Coffee. Our CD is now

in the Barbershop Harmony Society's printed Harmony Marketplace Catalog, distributed to

25,000 homes in North America. Best Practices: Updates were made to the Nashville

Singers GivingMatters and Guidestar profiles. Grants: Seven grant proposals yielded one

professional development grant from the Center for Nonprofit Management, through a

partnership with the Frist Foundation, and one small but welcomed general support grant.

Budget: From 2011 to 2012 the annual budget grew by 20% to over $20,000.

Advisory Board (cont’d)

Carrie Hobbs Guiden

Executive Director

The Arc of Tennessee

Don Hart

Professional music arranger,

composer, orchestrator

Don Hart Music

Laura Landress

Manager of Corporate Support

Nashville Public Radio

Emily Lansdell

Director of Marketing &

Admissions, Columbia Academy

Lynn D. McGill

Financial Advisor, The McGill

Financial Ensemble / Choir

Director, Trinity United

Methodist Church

Joann McIntire

Office Assistant IV, Neurology

Department, Vanderbilt

University

Dr. Jeffrey T. Phillips

Director of Fine Arts,

Hendersonville High School /

President-elect, Tennessee Music

Education Association

Tom Ventress

President

Ventress Design Works

Jane Warren

Assoc. Professor of Music

Belmont University

Roger White

Trainer / Outside Sales

Equipment Finders, Inc.

Dr. Gary Wilson

Director of Choral Activities

Lipscomb University

Governance: The board met 13 times, including three meetings with the Advisory Board. A

conflict of interest form was signed by all board members. The board giving policy and form

was presented to new board members. The board began using Dropbox to share official

documents. The board approved a Corporate Credit Card policy recommended by the

Executive Director. Meeting attendance of our governing board is 85%. A Gift and Donor

Policy was approved. The strategic plan was updated in April, July, September and

November. The Executive Director created a 10-year projection of income and expenses to

accompany the plan. A Season of Harmony venue search task force and a Music Evaluation

Committee were created. A separate bank account was opened to manage reserve funding.

10% of all revenues earned are deposited into this reserve fund.

In-Kind Sponsorships: Secured in-kind sponsorships to reduce out of pocket expenses.

Agreements were reached with Ventress Design Works to handle creation of a reusable

SOH logo and concert posters and fliers. Playground Studios agreed to provide free studio

time for recording the upcoming Christmas CD project. Lorin May captured photos of the

Franklin Wine Festival and Season of Harmony concert. Shane Williams agreed to capture

video of key events and assist with editing.

Marketing - Mailing List: The mailing list increased by 48% to almost 2900 contacts.

Advertising: By the end of November, the Facebook advertising campaigns for Acappella

Academy, Membership and SOH resulted in 2,613,644 Ad impressions. 778 visits to our

website, 37 new Facebook fans, and a 0.030% click through ratio. $511.40 has been spent

on Facebook this year with an average cost per click of $.66. Email Marketing: Nashville

Singers published over 60 regular and special newsletters, at average of 1344 newsletters

per week or 70,000 newsletters for the year. We averaged an 18% open rate and a 15%

click-through rate. That means 242 of our newsletters are opened in any given week. Public

Relations: Ten press releases were distributed to the media led to a record 52 Nashville

Singers mentions in print and online media, including The Tennessean, Williamson Herald,

The Hendersonville Star, Family Practitioner, Nashville Business Journal, ChoralNet website,

Fox 17, Allevents, and Whereevent.com. In addition, news about our grant awards was on

every school website in MNPS. Web Development: The Nashville Singers website has

expanded from 50 to 55 pages over the last 12 months. In 2010, our website was averaging

333 visitors per month. In 2011, web traffic increased to 463 visitors per month. Web traffic

in 2012 averaged 674 visits per month. Eddie Holt (lead of Lunch Break) added e-

commerce capabilities to our site, allowing visitors to purchase our CD using their credit

card or PayPal. On November 18, we launched a Nashville Singers website optimized for

mobile users. In the first 11 months of the year, the website was updated the 216 times. A

complete redesign was completed.

Membership - Growth: Membership increased by 21% with one of our 16 members on a

leave of absence. Satisfaction: A member satisfaction survey was conducted with 92%

participation. Highlights from the survey findings include: 100% of the members feel

welcome in Nashville Singers. 50% view their membership in Nashville Singers as the

highlight of their choral singing experience. 100% of the members enjoy weekly meetings.

100% of members feel the cost of annual dues is reasonable. 50% of members feel the

number of new songs rolled out each year is just right. 42% of members want to learn more

new songs per year. 75% of members indicate their spouse/partner/family is proud of their

involvement in Nashville Singers. When asked of their intentions when it comes time to

renew their dues, 92% of the members indicated they would definitely or likely by

renewing their membership. Recognition: The annual awards banquet for 2011 was held

in 2012. A dozen members earned a combined 22 awards. Roster: Bob Allen, Pierre

Boulogne, Mike Casper, Bruce Cokeroft, Ric Domenico, Lenny Farmer, Paul Gentry, Doug

Morrison, Tim Mullican, Bryan Patrick, Michael Schwalbe, Rodney Turner, Harlan Wilson,

Taylor Wilson, Todd Wilson, and Sloan Yarborough

Donors

Sustaining Donors

Bruce and Kellye Cokeroft

Bryan Patrick

Individual Donors

Janet Koch

Colonel Samuel Liburdi

Ed and Tracey Luke

Doug and Trish Morrison

Tim and Amy Mullican

Jonathan (Jay) Ress

Lisa Black Schlossberg

Brett and Brandrea Sweeney

Gary Sinagra

Dr. Jane Warren

Darlene Williamson

Harlan and Sandy Wilson

Todd and Jennifer Wilson

Sloan Yarborough

In-Kind Sponsors

Acoustix Productions

Ambassador Formalwear

Lorin May

Shane Williams

Sincera Media Solutions

Suzi Moran

Ventress Design Works

Client Organizations

Belmont University

School of Music

Donelson-Hermitage

Chamber of Commerce

FiftyForward

Hillsboro High School

International Championship of

Collegiate A cappella

Lifepoint Church

Men of Harmony Chorus

Metro Arts Commission

Music City Bowl

Sound of Tennessee Chorus

Tennessee Arts Academy

Titanic - Pigeon Forge

Vanderbilt ALS Clinic

Whitworth Memorial

Baptist Church

Music Education - Youth Music Education: Five members of the Nashville Singers and

artistic staffer Grace Thomson presented a master class on the "Art of Acappella Singing" at

John Overton High School on January 24. Adult Music Education: Grace Thomson reset our

riser configuration producing a bigger sound, and conducted private vocal instruction (PVI)

sessions with 13 of our 15 members at NSI expense. General Music Education & Outreach:

Acappella Academy was held on March 24 and attracted 27 participants, a 300% increase

over the previous year. Self-assessment survey data from a sampling of 50% of attendees

indicated skills of participants increased on average 33%. New Music: 10 new songs were

introduced in 2012. Eight of those 10 were included on the annual concert. Committees:

The new Music Evaluation Committee assisted Director of Music in coming up with lots of

ideas for new songs.

2012 Music Makes a Difference Grant Presentation 2012 Educator of the Future Scholarship Presentation

Philanthropy - Grants: The board reviewed seven applications for the 2012 Music Makes a

Difference Grant. Staff visited with music educators at the top three finalist schools. Two

$500 grants were awarded to Oliver Middle School and Lakeview Design Center.

Scholarship: The board reviewed three applications for the 2012 Educator of the Future

scholarship. A $1000 college scholarship was awarded to McGavock HS graduate Michael

Collins. Summary: We increased our philanthropic giving by 400% over 2011.

Programs: The funding Nashville Singers raises throughout the year goes to support six

ongoing programs. Some are fully funded. Some are underfunded. All programs support

our mission and include budget, monitoring, outcomes, category and population(s) served.

These programs include:

1) Adult Music Education Program

2) Acappella Academy - free singing lessons program

3) Youth Programs - Middle School and High School Master Classes

4) Season of Harmony Fall/Holiday Concert Program

5) Music Archiving/Recording Program

6) Music Education Grant & Scholarship Program

Repertoire

Bad Day

Beyond the Sea

Birthday of a King

Blew by You

Bring Him Home

Christmas Stays the Same

Coventry Carol

Danny Boy

Do You Hear What I Hear

Happy Together

How High the Moon

I Wonder What You're Doing for

Christmas

It's the Most Wonderful Time of

the Year

Let It SNow

Lo, How A Rose 'Er Blooming

Man in the Mirror

My Lord and I

Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da

Over the Rainbow

Satin Doll

Shenandoah

Silent Night

Star Spangled Banner

The Lion Sleeps Tonight

The Lord's Prayer

The Secret of Christmas

Tonight

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

The Nashville Singers

Bob Allen

Pierre Boulogne

Mike Casper

Professional Development: The Executive Director completed over 70 hours of

professional development training through classes and seminars from the Center for

Nonprofit Management, Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Guidestar, and

Constant Contact.

Volunteer Contributions: Leader and member volunteers donated 4000 hours to the work

of fulfilling our mission, valued at over $87,000.

Opportunities for Improvement - Advertising Sales: $1250.00 lower in 2012 than 2011.

Performance Fees: $687.00 lower in 2012 than 2011. Funding: Expansion of programs and

the number of clients we can serve is limited by a lack of funding. Guest Attendance:

Visitors at weekly meetings continue to remain lower than 2010 levels. Membership

Growth: Growth in membership is not keeping pace with growth in other areas of our

operations.

Bruce Cokeroft

Ric Domenico

Lenny Farmer

Paul Gentry

Doug Morrison

Tim Mullican

Bryan Patrick

Michael Schwalbe

Rodney Turner

Financial History

Statement of Financial Position January 1st

through December 31st Income 2010 2011 2012 Contributed income (Board Giving) $ - $ 412.00 $ 580.00

Contributed income (Advisory Board Giving) $ - $ - $ 150.00

Contributed Income (Individual Donations) $ 4,200.00 $ 389.54 $ 2,338.37

Earned Income (Member Dues) $ 2,270.21 $ 2,610.00 $ 3,460.00

Earned Income (Advertising Concert Program) $ 450.00 $ 1,850.00 $ 450.00

Earned Income (Merchandise/CD Sales) $ 904.00 $ 1,169.00 $ 1,088.00

Earned Income (Clothing Merchandise) $ - $ - $ 178.00

Earned Income (Coffee Merchandise) $ - $ - $ 517.00

Earned Income (Performance Fees) $ 1,775.00 $ 4,055.00 $ 3,988.00

Earned Income (Special Events) $ 3,300.03 $ 6,710.00 $ 7,275.00

Earned Income (Interest Income) $ - $ - $ 0.31

Corporate Sponsorships $ - $ - $ -

Grants $ - $ - $ 100.00

Loans $ 1,500.00 $ - $ -

Miscellaneous Income $ 562.17 $ 250.00 $ 52.50

Total Income $ 14,961.41 $ 17,445.54 $ 20,177.18

Expenses

Administrative Expense - Association Dues $ - $ 400.00 $ 205.00

Administrative Expense – Fees $ 648.29 $ 329.57 $ 81.32

Administrative Expense - Food/beverage (networking mtgs.) $ - $ 118.38 $ 128.26

Administrative Expense – Insurance $ - $ 886.58 $ 1,194.52

Administrative Expense - Office Supplies $ 248.52 $ 514.12 $ 238.85

Administrative Expense – Printing $ - $ 138.24 $ 618.58

Administrative Expense - Sales/use taxes $ - $ 30.27 $ -

Administrative Expense Miscellaneous $ 999.26 $ 160.00 $ 445.20

Fundraising expense (grant writer) $ - $ 220.00 $ 160.00

Governance $ - $ - $ 808.35

Loan Payment $ 1,000.00 $ 500.00 $ -

Marketing & Communication $ 900.29 $ 1,230.14 $ 1,718.28

Membership Recruitment/Retention/Recognition $ 382.84 $ 267.15 $ 294.26

Music Education Program - Choral Risers $ 265.33 $ - $ 100.00

Music Education Program – Coaching $ - $ 160.00 $ 140.00

Music Education Program – PVIs $ - $ 160.00 $ 238.00

Music Education Program – Facility Rental $ 620.00 $ 860.00 $ 640.00

Music Education Program – Music and Learning Media $ 901.66 $ 1,181.30 $ 2,155.11

Music Education Program – Mechanical Licenses Learning Media $ - $ - $ 345.30

Music Education Program – Acappella Academy $ - $ 240.00 $ 367.45

Music Education Program – Copying/Engraving $ - $ - $ -

Music Merchandising Program – CD Recording & Production $ 4,850.00 $ - $ -

Music Merchandising Program - Mechanical licensing fees $ - $ 515.00 $ -

Other Merchandising (coffee wholesale) $ - $ - $ 260.00

Music and Performance Program – Costuming $ 469.78 $ 233.78 $ 1,772.31

Music and Performance Program – Travel $ - $ - $ 332.36

Music and Performance Program – Meals $ - $ - $ 149.60

Music and Performance Program – Video hard drive/LED Sign $ - $ - $ 357.39

Philanthropy (music education grants, scholarships, donations) $ - $ 500.00 $ 2,100.00

Professional Development $ - $ 169.80 $ 416.00

Salaries $ - $ - $ 2,400.00

Special Event Production & Promotion $ 1,799.05 $ 3,533.34 $ 2,360.23

Total Expenses $13,085.02 $ 12,347.67 $20,026.37

Surplus $ 1,876.39 $ 5,097.87 $ 150.81

Loan balance $ 785.00 $ - $ -

Net Profit $ 1,091.39 $ 5,097.87 $ 150.81

Harlan Wilson

Taylor Wilson

Todd Wilson

Sloan Yarborough

Contact Us

The Nashville Singers, Inc.

3432 Harborwood Circle,

Nashville, TN 37214

Email: info@nashvillesingers.org

Web: www.nashvillesingers.org

Phone: 615.852.SING (7464)

Fax: 615.523.8633

Follow Us Online

Your Giving Makes a Difference! Like most arts organizations, Nashville Singers cannot

provide its programs without support from a variety of sources - individuals, corporations,

foundations and local governments. Concert ticket sales account for less than one third of

the annual budget of the chorus. Donations help us finance the remainder of our operating

costs and outreach activities. When you make a gift to Nashville Singers, we want to make

sure it reflects your vision. Whether you consider giving an unrestricted gift, to be used

where the need is greatest, or you want to support one of our music education, grant, or

scholarship programs, you can be sure that we will steward your gift in a way that best

reflects your intention. You can help make a world of difference for students and adults

impacted by our programs, whatever the form or amount.

Nashville Singers, Inc. is chartered by the state of Tennessee as a nonprofit organization

and is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization. Donations are tax-

deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.