35 YEARS PHOENIX CHILDREN’S CHORUS Phoenix Children’s Chorus started in 1984 with just 35 children in two choirs. Now, in its 35 th season, it has blossomed to include more than 400 choristers in seven progressively experienced choirs. The chorus fosters excellence in a diverse community of youths by facilitating artistic, musical and cultural development through choral education and performance. To date, it has transformed the lives of more than 5,400 children in Phoenix and throughout Maricopa County. In addition to celebrating its 35 th anniversary, the chorus is also commemorating the career of its artistic director. After 25 years of service, Ron Carpenter is retiring at the end of this season. Over the years, the chorus has performed on five continents and in some of the world’s most prestigious concert venues, including Carnegie Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Beijing Concert Hall and Sydney Opera House. With rehearsal locations in the East Valley and downtown Phoenix, the program boasts a full artistic staff of directors, pianists and instructors as well as executive staff to support, teach and enrich the lives of kids in this vibrant, growing organization. To learn more, go to phoenixchildrenschorus.org . throughout the million-plus acre park to minimize light pollution and provide a pristine view of the galaxy. The park hopes to gain Dark Sky Park status by spring. Funding trail restoration and maintenance is another high — and expensive — priority for GCC. Because trail restoration is so challenging, it’s estimated that a single mile of restoration work costs $250,000. Mules haul equipment and materials to work sites and trail crews often use pickaxes and shovels, and camp at project sites. Despite the difficulty, recent GCC efforts have focused on restoring more than 400 miles of historic trails. GCC also leads a popular educational program. “We take people into the canyon and help educate them about the natural and cultural resources along the rim, down the river. And we also have a very robust programming partnership with the park that reaches children, mainly middle-school An unusual stone tower designed by architect Mary Colter, the Desert View Watchtower is designed in the style of Ancestral Puebloan towers. The Grand Canyon Conservancy is working to preserve it and turn the area into a thriving cultural region. Photo by Terri Attridge COVER STORY CONTINUED 26 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | FEBRUARY 2019

Photo by Lear Miller . FEBRUARY 2019 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 27