April 20, 2021 | St. Lucie Cultural Alliance | Member Spotlight – Dr. Douglas P. Jewett of the Treasure Coast Community Singers and the Indian River POPS Orchestra
Contributed by Dorothy Kamm
Member Spotlight – Dr. Douglas P. Jewett
All of us walk around with songs in our heads and our hearts. Some of us have a desire – if not a need – to manifest these songs out loud with our voices. Having a place for people to sing was the driving force behind the establishment of Treasure Coast Community Singers (TCCS).
Dr. Douglas P. Jewett, founder of TCCS, has a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theory, a Master of Arts Degree in Choral Conducting and a Doctorate in Education. He was involved full-time with church music for 38 years and now teaches music in public schools, from kindergarten through college.
In 2001, Doug moved from East Tennessee with his family to Jensen Beach. When his daughters attended Martin County High School, they joined the OPUS advanced choir. Looking toward the future, Doug wondered what would happen when eventually they graduated from college and returned home if there was no opportunity to pursue their gifts of song. Doug also knew that there had to be others in the community who wanted to sing in a group, too, not as professionals pursuing careers full-time but as amateurs who had talent and for whom singing brought them joy and fulfillment. To fill this void, in 2003 Doug founded TCCS to offer the community a place for people to pursue their hobby and share their gifts.
“Anyone can join,” says Doug. “You do not have to be a professional,” he states. There are three choirs that function under the TCCS umbrella. The Community Choir is for novices who don’t know how to read music. The Chamber Choir is more professional and holds auditions. The Youth Choir is for children ranging from 1st through 8th grades. All choirs rehearse weekly and perform concerts, and the public is welcome to attend any rehearsal.
“Keep people singing is the byline of TCCS,” says Doug. He views music as a lifelong activity. “I’m always teaching when I get in front of a group. I enjoy sharing my knowledge to enrich and develop singers, so they continue growing through music,” he adds.
You’ll have a chance to hear all the choirs perform at the upcoming Treasure Coast Arts & Mindfulness Fest at 3:00 pm on Saturday, May 22, on stage outdoors at the MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Event Center in Port St. Lucie. The program, Sing, Sing, Sing! includes songs ranging from All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera, to Stabat Mater from the Passion and sung in Latin, to Put A Little Love In Your Heart by Jackie DeShannon.
Doug also is the music director and conductor of the Indian River POPS Orchestra. This orchestra offers concert programs consisting of familiar classics as well as emerging composers. There will be a Memorial Day weekend concert at Saint Bernadette Catholic Church in St. Lucie West and at The Grace Place in Stuart.
Sharing the joy of music by bringing together singers, musicians and audiences for professional and affordable concert experiences is Doug’s goal. “Music makes a difference in our lives,” says Doug. “You don’t have to be a singer or musician to join either TCCS or Indian River POPS. We welcome supporters and anyone who can volunteer their time to help us.”
TCCS and Indian River POPS Orchestra joined the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance for many reasons. “The Alliance is essential for sharing information of the arts organizations in the area, serving as a public relations agency,” says Doug. “It’s important to get our name out to the community, so the community knows we’re here and are viable cultural assets” he adds. He knows that the Alliance will help TCCS and Indian River POPS Orchestra expand their reach on the Treasure Coast, positively impacting their growth and ultimately their financial success.
Doug encourages the community to support the Alliance to further its ability to continue supporting the performing arts.
For more information visit about Treasure Coast Community Singers, visit www.TCCSingers.org or call 772-224-8807 (TCCS). For more information about Indian River Pops visit www.IRPops.com or by email at dpjewett@gmail.com.
To learn more about the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance and the benefits of membership, please visit ArtStLucie.org, email: info@artstlucie.org or call 772-462-2783.