The
Milley Award presented to Jan Pedersen Schiff
On October 19, 2003, the citizens of Mill Valley take this opportunity to honor those among us who, through their accomplishments in the Arts, have brought honor to our community. They have done this through their talents and activism in the local, state and national arenas. We wish to recognize their achievements and their contributions to the creative life of the Mill Valley community.
And so, we honor these living artists and artist-teachers who were born in Mill Valley, went to school here, work here, or have made their homes here, and who have enriched our lives.
Founder and Artistic Director/Conductor of SingersMarin, Jan Pedersen Schiff, brings the generous gift of song to Mill Valley, Marin and international audiences.
Established in 1987 as Choral Singers of Marin, the chorus grew into an umbrella nonprofit organization, SingersMarin, housing six choral ensembles. Jan created an ensemble for women to satisfy two loves – singing and volunteering. Her group, Wings of Song has grown to more than 60 voices and sings for over 40 senior facilities each year. Their heart-warming performances at residential homes trigger residents’ memories, physically engage them in tap-alongs and hum-alongs and provide a moment’s peace through song. American Choral Artists, Jan's newest mixed ensemble of selected voices, perform a repertoire of primarily American music, including newly composed compositions as well as arrangements of traditional folk songs and spirituals.
Jan strives for perfection from her singers. The summer chorus, A Joyful Sound!, is open to any age, with families participating together. Within 10 rehearsals, amateurs are singing their parts beautifully. She is a passionate leader and conducts passionately, passing on her artistic talent and professionalism to her ensembles. The experience she offers enriches the lives of both the choral members and their audiences.
Marin County Women’s Commission officially commended Jan for providing the life-enriching experience of Wings of Song to Marin’s women and elderly audiences, and reaching out to teen girls through her extraordinary ensemble, les étoiles. The Mill Valley Chamber of Commerce named SingersMarin their 2001 Volunteer of the Year, recognizing Jan’s community dedication, generosity, and creative vision. SingersMarin also received the 2002 Spirit of Marin Award. Jan’s choruses presented top-notch performances for Mill Valley’s Centennial celebration, Marin Center’s Christmas program, and the Marin County Fair. In 2002, Jan conducted the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and this year adjudicated and guest conducted a choral festival at the Lincoln Center in New York City. This past year, she also took the teen girls, les étoiles, on a consort tour of Scandinavia.
An extraordinary woman, Jan has been totally dedicated to the choral arts since childhood. Her solo performances are stellar, her voice beautiful. Through her mastery as a choral conductor and dedication to public service in pursuit of her artistic mission, Jan, is a mentor to many and an inspiration to all.