Board
Orientation Booklet
JANUARY 2026
Transforming lives through the Power of Music
CORE VALUES
As a member of the Board of Directors, I commit myself to embracing the core values of Songrise International:
• All young people have music inside.
• Great music is transformational
• Good music is the birthright of all young people.
• Those who are less fortunate in life should not be less fortunate in opportunities.
• All young people should be treated with equal dignity and respect.
• Learning and loving are reciprocal. Students learn better with encouragement than with criticism.
• Students learn best when a multiple intelligence structure is activated by the teacher.
• Great sacred masterpieces feed the soul of all the world – regardless of cultural or ethnic background. And we believe that food for the soul has strong implications for physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual health.
• Those who learn together, work together, achieve together, perform together, accept and celebrate one another, and have strong relationships will not pick up arms and fight one another. Music can be a powerful healing agent in our world.
RESPONSIBILITIES
As a member of the Board of Directors, I understand and accept that I am responsible, collectively with the other Directors, for insuring effective governance, fiscally sound programs, and appropriate strategic direction for the organization. I accept these responsibilities:
• Understand and support the mission and vision of Songrise International in all its programs and projects;
• Keep updated and current with all programs, projects, proposals of the organization and its divisions: Music Camp International and Musedics International;
• Read and respond in a timely manner to all BOD communication;
• Keep current with all the Songrise International website and social media platforms including (but not limited to) Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube, and will share posts on my own social media networks in a timely and prominent manner;
• Actively participate in fundraising events;
• Actively pursue networking of individuals, organizations, foundations and entities for support, collaboration, and partnerships that will benefit the organization in all its programs;
• Make it a high priority to participate in all BOD web conferences;
• Prepare for all BOD meetings by reading documents sent to me in advance;
• Attend the annual Board Retreat;
• Understand that fundraising is part of my responsibility including cultivating relationships, raising awareness, networking with potential investors and acquiring revenue sources, partners, and sponsors.
• Serve as an advocate for the organization within my sphere of influence – personal, business, faith, civic, etc. and assist in developing Songrise International’s positive reputation and international development.
• Maintain and promote high ethical standards including good-faith Board decision making and avoiding any actual or perceived conflict of interest with other activities, interests, and/or organizations with which I may be involved.
• Maintain the confidentiality of private information of the organization, staff members, donors and other board members.
• Understand and be familiar with Songrise International’s policies, structure and bylaws.
• Ensure that the organization is fiscally responsible by being familiar with and approving the annual budget.
• Communicate effectively and respect the diverse opinions of others.
• Respond to emails and communication in a timely manner.
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
For U.S. Members
I commit to supporting Songrise International with an amount that reflects my high value on the organization, and places it at the top of my charitable contributions to other NGO’s which I may support. I will work to support through personal giving and getting an annual minimum of $5,000 coming from either a solicited gift or personal fundraising action.
This amount will be given
Monthly _____ per month
Quarterly _____ per quarter – given in (list months) _____, _____, _____, _____
Annually Please provide the month in which you will donate. __________.
For International Members
I understand that every NGO needs financial support from 100% of its Board members. I agree to commit an amount that is within my capacity to give and to use my influence and network to generate support from local funding sources, national and international investors and corporations, foundations, philanthropic organizations and commit to being an ambassador for support for Songrise International.
ACTION PLANS
I understand that each Director is responsible to complete two Action plans per year that will further the development of the organization. I will maintain reporting on each plan at each web conference.
I am identifying the specifics of each Action Plan here including:
Quantifiable objectives____________________________; ______________________
Starting Date
Completion Date
Signature Date
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ORIENTATION BOOKLET
HISTORY
The Canticum Novum Corporation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, federal EIN 421554179, received its LETTER OF DECLARATION on January 27, 2003, as a “family of choral organizations.” For the first 20 years it operated principally under the DBA of Music Camp International – the signature division of the organization. Two supplemental divisions added to the “family of choral organizations” - Schola Cantorum – an after-school children’s community chorus for Santa Cruz County, and Celebration Choir - an adult community chorus for Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. In 2008, the children’s choir division, Schola Cantorum, went on inactive status to allow for overseas music camps to take place throughout the year. In 2020, Celebration Choir went on inactive status because of the Corona virus pandemic.
In June 2025, the decision was made to re-brand the organization, to Songrise International (maintaining its legal entity, Canticum Novum, but changing its DBA) with two divisions: Music Camp - remaining the name of our signature one-week template (both on-location and virtual), and Musedics - the semester based ensemble music program (both virtual and on-location). Celebration Choir remains technically “inactive.” Our unified mission statement remains:
“Transforming lives through the power of music!”
Our Articles of Incorporation were filed with the State of California on June 14, 2002. In 2005, we became a registered NGO in Romania and Ukraine, so that we could develop local projects and partnerships in each country. In October 2022, we became a registered non-profit youth charity in Poland. Our goal is to become one of the world’s premier global youth charities as we live out our mission and bring healing, hope, dignity, and self-confidence to a generation of young people – our “world-changers” of the next generation.
OFFICES AND DIVISIONS
The international office is in Scotts Valley, CA. Currently there is an Eastern European office in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The offices in Kyiv, Ukraine and Katowice, Poland, were closed in 2024. The office in Kyiv was closed due to the war. The office in Katowice, Poland was closed due to limited finances and projects.
Songrise International currently has two divisions: Music Camp and Musedics. Each Division has two categories of projects: on-location and virtual.
Music Camp – On-location City day-camps
These Camps are our signature project throughout Eastern Europe – a one-week Music Camp in a city – open to all students within the age specifications – culminating in a concert at the end of the week with members of the local philharmonic orchestra in a professional concert hall or cathedral.
It is our desire to expand into other regions of the world – Africa and Asia and Eastern Europe. Many of these Camps are Inclusion Camps—designed to include children from diversified backgrounds as well as children with special needs and disabilities: blind, visually impaired, deaf, hearing impaired, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and autism. It is our goal to also build international music festivals throughout the world – especially during the Easter and Christmas seasons.
Music Camp – virtual camps and concerts
This concept was brought to life during the pandemic – and was an incredible success in bringing together young people from all over the globe – for virtual ensemble and choir participation for one week – then submitting a “selfie” to our tech team to create an international global concert of youth, accompanied by an international professional orchestra.
Musedics - a virtual after-school program providing ensemble music instruction and participation in both choir and instruments on a semester basis – designed to coincide with the school year. Musedics was launched in September 2021. It has three templates available for enrollment: individuals; Micro Music Hubs (small groups of not more than five students in one location) and larger school classes. It is designed for youth ages 12 – 17, and is an exceptional option for the plethora of non-synchronous music classes that are pre-recorded online. All classes are synchronous, interactive and international. Musedics is designed to be a tuition-based program which can also be underwritten by local businesses and donors or done in collaboration with schools, orphanages, or children’s centers.
Musedics (Plus) – an on-location after-school ensemble music program, conducting two classes per week – one in choir and one in instrument instruction for 13 weeks per semester – two semesters per year.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Transforming Lives Through the Power of Music
OUR CORE VALUES
We believe that all children and youth have music inside. When a young person discovers and develops the “music inside” in a positive nurturing environment, all youth can achieve a measure of success and enjoyment that gives them dignity, hope, and self-confidence.
We believe that great music is transformational. Dr. Jose Antonio Abreu, founder of el sistema in Caracas, Venezuela says, “Music produces an irreversible transformation in a child. This doesn’t mean he’ll end up as a professional musician. He may become a doctor, study law or become a teacher of literature. What music gives him remains indelibly a part of who he is forever.”
We believe that good music contributes to strong mental, emotional and social health and can bring healing from trauma, depression, isolation, and rejection. It is the birthright of all young people.
We believe that those who are less fortunate in life should not be less fortunate in opportunities. We believe that the disadvantaged and orphaned should be given the same quality of opportunities as children with “normal” families.
We believe that learning and loving are reciprocal, and that young people learn better with encouragement than they do with criticism. And we believe that all youth learn most effectively when a “multiple intelligence” structure is activated by the teacher. Our goal is to provide strong relationships for these young people and create a caring “family” atmosphere where differences are embraced, and difficulties become the springboard for team solutions.
We believe that the great sacred music masterpieces feed the soul of all young people --regardless of cultural or ethnic background. And we believe that food for the soul has strong implications for physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. We know that participating in music together creates community. Young people need community. It is essential for their mental health. We believe that young people who learn together, work together, achieve together, perform together, accept one another, and have strong relationships will not pick up arms and fight one another. It is our goal to have youth experience the joy and fulfillment of performing beautiful music together, and in the process develop
unity, compassion, and peace!
OUR PHILOSOPICAL FOUNDATION
It is understood that serving on the Board takes time, energy and engagement. Engagement is the emotional involvement that a person gives to every aspect of life that is of high value. An engaged Board sets the tone of the organization in addition to providing oversight and ensuring resources to help sustain overall growth.
For maximum health and success of the organization, the Board of Directors necessitates members with different skills and different spheres of influence. A healthy Board acts as a cohesive unit. A high-functioning Board is necessary to build a healthy, successful non-profit organization. The health and success of the organization is the ultimate measuring stick of a successful Board of Directors.
OUR OPERATIONAL POLICY and MEETINGS
Songrise International is owned and operated by its Board of Directors. Music Camp and Musedics are programs (divisions) of Songrise International/Canticum Novum Corporation EIN: 42-1554179. (our legal name/identity.) Celebration Choir and Schola Cantorum, are currently in “inactive” status.
The legal responsibilities of the Board of Directors are clearly outlined in our bylaws. (Copies available upon request.)
Web conferences are held quarterly. An on-location annual board retreat is held in the Autumn (usually the first weekend of November) 100% attendance is expected. The Retreat is conducted on a Thursday-Saturday extended schedule to allow for comprehensive focused participation. Meeting agenda includes:
Strategic planning and review in areas of Development; Personnel, and Operations
Review of the activities of the previous quarter/year;
Financial report: Adopts the budget (Annual Retreat)
Sets/reviews areas of focus for each board member;
Establishes/reviews Action Plans, Timelines and Reporting for all tasks and members;
Reviews and makes recommendations for the president/Executive Director, Celebrates historic achievements.
Quarterly Web Conferences will be scheduled the second month of each quarter (February, May, August). Specific dates and times will be established well in advance, and are designed to involve each member in reporting progress and updating Action Plans to keep the organization running smoothly throughout the year. The president and each board member should be prepared to give a status report on all activity.
BOARD MEMBER ROLES and RESPONSIBILITIES
I.
Each member of the Board of Directors is a representative/owner of Canticum Novum International. The primary roles of the Board are fundraising, strategic development, infrastructure development, and networking to build awareness and relationships.
As “owners,” the Board of Directors bears the responsibility for the strategic development for the organization, carries out performance reviews of the Executive Director, and adopts an annual budget.
As “representatives,” each member carries the mission of Canticum Novum International and its divisions: Music Camp and Musedics into his/her community of friends, colleagues, associates, and associations. Each Director is expected to be a Proactive Champion for the mission and work of the organization.
II.
Each board member is expected to attend all meetings (web conferences and annual retreat) and to stay current with all online presence (website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube,LinkedIn). Social media outlets in which he/she is engaged should be involved in following and sharing our work, our projects, posts, and opportunities to donate.
While an occasional schedule conflict may arise, meetings should occupy a very high priority. Dates are established well in advance and each member is expected to arrange his/ her schedule to accommodate maximum participation. A minimum of 75% attendance for quarterly web conferences is expected of all members.
Board members are expected to attend all local and virtual events and help promote them on their own social media as well as professional, community and civic outlets.
III.
Board members are expected to invest financially at a level that is reflective of their high priority to our work. Foundations and organizations that consider Songrise International/Canticum Novum International, as a candidate for funding and/or grants, expect 100% financial participation from its Board of Directors. Prospective donors and investors likewise expect Board members to substantially support the organization.
For U.S. members: Each member is expected to “give or get” an annual minimum of $5,000, which can be generated by a personal gift, or in combination with a solicited gift or grant, a virtual or in-person fundraiser, or any way that a member wishes to generate funds. What is expected is that the responsibility for fundraising not be left to the Executive Director. It is the responsibility of all.
International members will be expected to participate at a level that is within their capability. They will also assist in identifying sources of local funding, partnerships, collaborations and sponsorships, generating various fundraising opportunities, that tie our projects to the local communities and countries in which they operate.
Board members are expected to avoid conflicts of interest. When representing the organization, each Board member shall act in good faith, and in a manner reasonably believed to be in the best interest of the organization, rather than the furtherance of personal interests or the interest of other entities in which the Board member is associated. This policy is intended to supplement but not replace any applicable state and federal laws governing conflict of interest applicable to nonprofit and charitable organizations.
V.
Board members are expected to develop an Area of Focus for involvement in the area of their interest and expertise that will contribute to the operation and development of Canticum Novum International and its subsidiaries. This is in addition to any pro bono services that fall within a director’s expertise which can be provided for the organization. Action Plans are written, specific, time-dated, and submitted by each member of the Board. Action plans are designed to hold each member accountable for moving the organization forward in its strategic and operational development. Each member should be prepared to report on the progress of his/her Action Plan(s) at each web conference meeting. Because we have a diverse board, a plethora of diverse opportunities are available. Creative thinking within one’s own area of expertise is desired.
A few possibilities are:
collaborative/partner organizations/NGO’S corporate sponsors/ business consortium /foundations
board development
internship programs
university exchange programs
major gifts /celebrity endorsements
memorial/legacy gifts
professional organizations
national and international awards (CNN Heroes; World of Children;) special events—including receptions, dinners, tournaments; marketing and communications (including social media, online marketing, newsletters, magazines, newspapers, local television) grant writing
event hosting, coordinating, or sponsoring (women’s teas, information receptions, golf tournaments)
This is only a partial list. The possibilities are without limit. If you do not find your “skill set” here – please create your own.
VI.
Board members need to be acquainted with printed and video materials that are designed to inspire donors and motivate others to get involved in Songrise International. Board members are supplied with resource materials including:
• videos
• pitch decks
• brochures
• case for support
• business consortium/sponsorship proposals
Board members are expected to cultivate venues for presentations to various audiences where they are connected. Whenever possible, a board member should be prepared to make a presentation using these materials and presenting our work.
VII.
Board members are strongly encouraged (expected) to visit at least one Music Camp every 3-4 years. To help facilitate this expectation, one international board meeting will be scheduled overseas at least once every four years. It is not possible to capture the transformational work of Songrise International in a video, pictures, reports, or a booklet. It must be experienced. A visit gives a more complete perspective as well as an opportunity to meet the children, meet and encourage the national staff, experience the culture in which we work, and understand more fully the tremendous impact that Music Camp and Musedics is making in the lives of youth, teachers, and communities.
VIII.
Board members are expected to cultivate relationships and carry responsibility for fundraising. The heart of fundraising is relationships. Each member is expected to be intentional in cultivating relationships, articulating our mission and our projects, and networking us with people who can help either directly or indirectly by personal reference to a wide variety of resource needs. Fundraising is not just about raising money; it is about increasing awareness and creating a community of supporters who believe in our cause. This is the central responsibility of the Board of Directors.
IX.
Board members are expected to participate in the recruitment and recommendation for new board members. Combining the diverse strengths of many with a unified passion creates a good board. Candidates should be approached and interviewed by the referring Director, with a Candidate Review Form submitted to the President for a follow-up interview. Referrals are then presented to the board for confirmation. There are no set term limits.
X.
Board members are expected to observe and respect all protocols of confidentiality regarding all donors and organizational business.
XI.
Board members are expected to thoroughly read and respond to all communication from other board members and the president. This includes email updates, resource material, and requested materials in preparation for meetings. Each member is expected to keep current with our projects through the website, Facebook, newsletters, and reports. From time-to-time reference materials and resources will be requested in addition to written reports. It is expected that board members read resource and board packet materials thoroughly prior to meetings.
XII.
Board members are expected to sign an annual commitment confirming financial commitment, conflict of interest policy, confidentiality agreement and action plans that are specific, quantified, and reported on at BOD web conferences.
XIII.
Finally, board members accept a responsibility for communication with each other and with the president/executive director. Encouragement, creativity, evaluation, ideas — are mutual responsibilities. Working together as a team, combining talents, areas of expertise and experience, we can achieve great things. Together we can change the life of a young person for the better. There is no greater joy than to give a young person the gifts of hope, dignity and self-confidence. That is our reward!
Music is a Science. Music is Mathematical. Music is a Foreign Language. Music is History. Music is Physical Education.
Music Develops Insight and Demands Research. Music is all these things, but most of all, Music is Art!
That is why we teach music: Not because we expect you to major in music, Not because we expect you to play or sing all your life . . .
But so you will be human,
So you will recognize beauty, So you will be closer to an infinite beyond this world. So you will have something to cling to, So you will have more love, more compassion, More gentleness, more “good”— In short—more life!
Our goal in Songrise International is not to develop professional musicians, but to develop young people. Young people develop an appreciation for each other. Young People experience the dignity and success of hard work. Young People experience that true greatness lies within. Young people learn that talent is not a gift given to an elite few, but that each person is talented. Young people experience beauty. Young people develop focus. Young people learn about themselves, others, and their world.
Songrise International gives each young person a gift that lasts a lifetime. As a member of the Board of Directors, you have an opportunity to make a difference—first-hand. We are not so large that you never “touch” your target.
As a member of the Board of Directors, you will touch the lives of thousands of young people with the gifts of hope, dignity, and self-confidence.
In return, they will change your life forever!