Launch of the Outer Banks Youth Choir Supported by OBCF Community Enrichment Grant
Outer Banks Youth Choir. Photo courtesy of Biff Jennings.
By Emmy Benton
There’s no shortage of concerts on the Outer Banks celebrating the holiday season. Whether it’s a performance by the Outer Banks Chorus or a concert at a local school, there’s always a chance to hear festive tunes that instantly spark the holiday spirit. This year, a brand new concert was added to the mix, and it was nothing short of joyful.
On Sunday, December 14, a crowd of families, community members, and friends gathered at St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church for the Outer Banks Youth Choir’s (OBYC) inaugural Yuletide Concert.
The group of 22 children, dressed in their matching red shirts, performed spiritual songs, holiday tunes from around the world, and Christmas classics, of course. The newly-formed group, led by well-known Dare County Schools music teacher John Buford, presented songs they’ve been working on since rehearsals began in September.
Outer Banks Youth Choir students (L-R) Browder Watts, Beckett Finnin, and Ace Valezquez. Photo courtesy of Biff Jennings.
The idea started in 2023 when St. Andrew’s Rector Nathan Finnin approached Buford about directing a youth choir at the church. The project was paused while Buford battled cancer, but when he recovered, the pair revisited the idea. It was then that Buford proposed opening the choir to children across the Outer Banks, fulfilling his goal of leading a group that included all of the ages that he loves to teach.
“There’s something about a child’s voice that’s so pure and beautiful, so when you combine it with the older voices, it sounds really good and it works wonderfully,” said Buford.
The choir practices once a week at the church and provides worship music during Sunday services once a month. Children ages 9 through 19 can participate in the choir, allowing for collaboration and mentorship across a large age range.
Outer Banks Youth Choir student Mira Forslund. Photo courtesy of Biff Jennings.
Ten-year-old Mira Forslund said that singing with older children has helped her gain confidence and learn along the way.
“It’s nice because sometimes we might not turn the page, and then they’ll help us if we don’t know one of the words or something since they’re older,” said Mira.
Hannah Forslund, Mira’s mom, wanted her daughter to learn the technical side of singing in a relaxed and fun environment, saying that the OBYC was the “perfect fit.”
The choir is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation (OBCF). Rector Finnin said the grant supported the group financially and gave them confidence knowing that they were backed by a well-known organization in the community.
“Being able to partner with OBCF not only showcases the good work they do, but it gives us a wider audience because now, people who are plugged into the work of the Outer Banks Community Foundation, are able to learn about us,” said Finnin. “It’s really a mutually beneficial relationship.”
Outer Banks Youth Choir students Sofia Chestnut, Sydney Chestnut, Dana Manuel, and Maizie Stewart. Photo courtesy of Biff Jennings.
Buford even noted that Andy Griffith and Edward Greene, two of the OBCF’s founders, both had musical backgrounds, making the organization’s support of the choir especially fitting.
“I know they’re smiling down on us. Things like this would please them to no end, so I feel like this is what it’s all about,’” Buford said. “And I’m so happy that the Community Foundation is taking the lead on embracing all the things that make the Outer Banks so special.”
The group will take a break for the holidays, but they will perform at the 10:30 a.m. worship services on February 22, March 22 and May 10. In addition to the Yuletide Concert, the group also has a spring concert scheduled for June 7. The choir is still accepting new children. For more information on the choir, including how to join, visit https://sites.google.com/view/
The Community Foundation’s next grant application is for Community Enrichment Grants. The application deadline is Friday, January 30, 2026.
Nonprofits are encouraged to visit OBCF’s website for detailed guidelines, eligibility criteria, and the application portal. Early submissions are encouraged to allow time for review and feedback.
For more information or assistance with the grant application process, visit OBCF.org/grants or contact the staff at 252-423-3003.
About the Outer Banks Community Foundation: The Outer Banks Community Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to fostering philanthropy and supporting local causes. Through its charitable funds and grant programs, the Foundation strives to enrich the quality of life for residents of the Outer Banks.
