Sonus Chamber Choir Establishes Named Funds to Support Artists, New Music, and Recording Excellence
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Kolby Van Camp Artistic Director, Sonus Chamber Choir
director@sonusks.org | +1 (785) 806-0882 | https://sonusks.org
TOPEKA, Kan. (February 9, 2026) — Sonus Chamber Choir has announced the creation of four dedicated funds designed to strengthen the ensemble’s long-term sustainability, expand support for artists, and deepen its commitment to new music and high-quality recording.
The new fund structure provides clarity and transparency for donors while reflecting the ensemble’s core values and artistic priorities. Each fund supports a specific aspect of Sonus Chamber Choir’s mission and allows contributors to direct their gifts in ways that align with their interests.
A New Ecosystem for Giving
The newly established giving structure includes two named funds in honor of late supporters of the arts, a fund specifically for the commissioning of new music, and a fund to support the organizational structure of the ensemble.
The John and Alice Gavin Artist Fund, named in memory of longtime arts supporters John and Alice Gavin, this fund provides direct support for the artists and collaborators who bring the ensemble’s work to life.
The Ian Punnett Recording Excellence Fund, established in honor of the late producer, educator, and Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Famer Ian Punnett, this fund supports Sonus Chamber Choir’s recording projects and its commitment to preserving and sharing performances at the highest artistic standard.
The Novus Initiative for New Music is dedicated to commissioning and developing contemporary choral works by living composers regionally, nationally, and internationally.
The Sonus Chamber Choir Operations Fund supports the administrative and organizational infrastructure necessary for the ensemble to function at a professional level.
“These funds represent a major step forward for the ensemble,” said Kolby Van Camp, Artistic Director and Founder of Sonus Chamber Choir. “They allow us to honor the extraordinary people who shaped and shared our values, support the dedicated artists who make our work possible, and ensure that new music and recordings remain central to our mission. Just as importantly, they give our supporters clear and meaningful ways to invest in the future of the ensemble.”
In addition to establishing the four funds, the board ratified a formal policy allowing Sonus Chamber Choir to create future named funds by board action, ensuring that any such designations remain thoughtful, mission-aligned, and governed by clear guidelines.
“I’m incredibly thankful that our two named funds represent three people who were deeply involved in my life and in the creation of Sonus Chamber Choir,” Van Camp added. “My late grandparents were avid supporters of the arts, and my grandfather, John Gavin, was a professional jazz musician in St. Louis during the Big Band era. His musical fingerprints, along with my grandmother Alice’s support, remain alive through this organization. Without their legacy and encouragement, I feel confident that Sonus would not be here today.”
The initiative was approved unanimously by the ensemble’s Board of Directors during its first-quarter meeting of the 2026 calendar year.
“I’m especially humbled by the support of Margery Punnett, wife of my late radio mentor Ian Punnett, for her blessing in naming the Recording Excellence Fund in his honor,” said Van Camp. “Ian cared deeply for music of all forms, understood the power of its preservation and transmission, and was an instrumental supporter of Sonus at its inception. It brings me great joy knowing that his legacy continues not only through his work in broadcasting and education, but through every recording we make going forward.”
More information about the new funds and opportunities to support Sonus Chamber Choir can be found at https://sonusks.org/give
About Sonus Chamber Choir
Sonus Chamber Choir is a professional vocal ensemble based in Topeka, Kansas. The ensemble focuses on recording and performing contemporary choral works, with particular attention to clarity of sound, structural integrity, and thoughtful engagement with the choral tradition. Through professional recordings and live performance, Sonus Chamber Choir contributes to the ongoing development and preservation of modern choral literature.