Our History

Our Mission in Action: The Songcatchers Story

Songcatchers Inc. was founded in 1994 by Sr. Beth Dowd, OSU, with a clear and unwavering mission: to ensure that every child—regardless of financial means—has access to high-quality music education in a welcoming, multicultural community.

What began as a single choir has grown into a vibrant, year-round musical home serving families throughout New Rochelle and neighboring communities. From the beginning, Songcatchers has believed that music is more than an art form—it is a pathway to confidence, discipline, belonging, and lifelong opportunity.

A Vision Rooted in Community

In 1978, while teaching at Blessed Sacrament School in New Rochelle, Sister Beth formed her first children’s choir. She quickly witnessed something powerful: music was building not only skill, but community.

In 1980, determined to deepen that impact, she created a week-long summer retreat—Choir Camp—to extend learning beyond rehearsals and strengthen the family spirit emerging within her students. That camp became a transformative experience, combining choral music, instrumental instruction, and dramatic arts in a structured yet joyful environment.

More than 40 years later, we still follow the spirit and a similar daily schedule Sister Beth designed—because it works. It nurtures excellence, creativity, responsibility, and connection.

Expanding Access, Year After Year

Songcatchers was formally incorporated as a nonprofit organization in 1994 to meet a growing need: children wanted—and deserved—continued music education throughout the year.

Since then, our programs have expanded to serve students at every stage of development:

After-School Music Program (est. 1997) – Providing consistent, structured instruction during critical after-school hours
Early Childhood Music Program (est. 2003) – Introducing the joy of music to our youngest learners

Each program reflects our core commitment: accessibility, affordability, excellence, and inclusion.

Education for Life

Songcatchers does more than teach music. We cultivate leaders, mentors, and lifelong learners.

Our alumni have:

Earned membership in high school music honor societies
Returned as volunteers and camp counselors
Pursued careers in music and music education
Studied at institutions such as Berklee College of Music, Manhattan School of Music, New York University, and University of Michigan

Many of our teachers and counselors began as young students in our programs—some 20 to 30 years ago. Their return is a testament to the lifelong impact of belonging to a musical community rooted in purpose.

As one senior counselor shared:
“I’ve been in Choir Camp longer than anything else in my life.”

Our Enduring Commitment

All Songcatchers programs are guided by a singular mission:

To build a peaceful, inclusive community where children grow in body, mind, and spirit through the transformative power of music.