Kathleen Bassett

When we think of people making a difference in our world we often tend to think of celebrities or well-known figures of advocacy. However, I’d like to zoom in and focus on an individual right here in Buffalo. 

Kathleen Bassett is the director of Buffalo Girlchoir: a non-profit organization located in a studio at the Great Arrow building on Delaware Avenue. The Buffalo Girlchoir is designed for girls who love to sing, ranging from ages 5-18. The choir travels, learns, and experiments with all sorts of different music genres, languages, and locations. I have been a part of Buffalo Girlchoir for about 7 years now. Both my friends and I find it to be such a wholesome and welcoming atmosphere and I think this can credited to Kathleen’s core beliefs.  The girls know Mrs. Bassett’s core beliefs within the organization are “All girls can sing if given the proper instruction, time, and encouragement” along with “All girls deserve to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance.” 

When thinking of joining the choir, many might feel set back by financial or commitment issues. Fortunately, Kathleen believes that the girls can “pay what they can.” This means that if you’re unable to pay anything, you are still welcomed and accepted as part of the choir. This is so crucial to making a difference because it opens the doors and expands the number of girls who can pursue their passion. Over eighty girls have joined the choir and experienced the joys of music. As for commitment, there is a fall session and a spring session, along with a summer camp! There are so many different opportunities to contribute and participate in all forms of this program.

Another aspect of the choir that is positively impacting these young girls is the added experiences that Kathleen makes an effort to expose her choir to, including different concert locations, genres, and cultures. Over the course of the choir's existence, they have performed with JoAnn Falletta and the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and at the Buffalo Convention Center, Shakespeare in the Park, Shea’s Buffalo Theatre, and many more venues. Some languages and cultures these girls have been exposed to include but aren’t limited to Spanish, French, Ukrainian, Latin, Japanese, Italian, Latvian, Russian, and of course English! The amount of beneficial impressions that Kathleen has left and will continue to leave on our community and future is amazing.

The impact Kathleen has left on all of the members, both past and present, can be seen and heard. Anna Wurst, a current member of Buffalo Girlchoir states, “Girlchoir is a place where everyone really loves singing and wants to come to rehearsals, so it makes a fun and welcoming environment.” Charlie Roberts, an official sponsor and board member for Buffalo Girlchoir says, “Kate is a wonderful person who is dedicated to helping young girls become strong women through music.” 

Strong voices. Strong girls. 

https://buffalogirlchoir.org