Margaret Orem Scholarship Campaign

In 2024, we celebrated the remarkable retirement of Margie Orem after more than 20 years with the San Diego Children’s Choir. As a beloved Choir Director, early music education specialist, and passionate community advocate, Margie shaped the lives of thousands of young singers across San Diego.

To honor her enduring legacy, we launched the Margaret Orem Scholarship Campaign, which continues to provide life-changing access to music education for over 30 choristers each year.

These scholarships empower students with confidence, creativity, and a deep love for music — values Margie championed every day.

Join us in continuing her impact. Donate to our 2025 Fundraiser and help us bring music into the lives of children who need it most.

Since 1990, the San Diego Children’s Choir has provided the highest quality choral music education available in San Diego. Your gift to the Choir’s General Fund or Scholarship & School Outreach Fund will ensure that every child can ‘find their voice’ in a safe and innovative way, promoting their emotional well being as they find joy in song.

Tuition covers only half the cost to run our programs. The Choir’s General Fund covers direct program expenses like rehearsal space, rental fees, program supplies and software, insurance, staff wages, and any cost related to operating our organization not covered by tuition are covered through your donation. 

We believe all children should have the opportunity to experience the growth realized from choral singing and music education and use those benefits to expand their potential and transform the world. The Scholarship & School Outreach Fund supports two important programs:

Scholarships in our Ensemble Program (gr. 1-12): The Choir maintains an extensive need-based financial aid policy. Full scholarships are awarded to all qualifying families and aid is also available for retreats, camps and tours.

The School Outreach Program provides tuition-free music education to elementary schools in underserved communities. Donations fund direct costs for teaching, sheet music, hand-held instruments and performances for the most vulnerable members of our community. We have been teaching music in underserved communities, often in partnership with the Diamond Educational Excellence Partnership (DEEP), for over 11 years. 

Each year, over 70% of our students receive tuition-free instruction through these programs.

Please note: American Express is not accepted. Our apologies for the inconvenience.

Double Your Impact: Does your company match gifts? Click here to find out.  

OTHER Ways TO GIVE

Donate by check: Mail to 402 W Broadway, Suite 1240, San Diego, CA 92101.

Donate via Venmo (@SanDiegoChildrensChoir)

Donate gifts of appreciated stock or securities. We work with Schwab to process these gifts. Click here to learn more.

Call us: To speak with someone about making a gift, please call (858) 587-1087 or email Carrie Cottriall at ccottriall@sdcchoir.org.

The San Diego Children's Choir is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Federal Tax ID 33-0488298.