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In 1956, the late Rev. Christopher Moore began to put a dream into motion: a dream that young people from diverse backgrounds could better understand each other, as well as learn about themselves, by learning to make beautiful music together. It worked. And it continues to work to this day. Now housed in Chicago's beaux-arts landmark Cultural Center, each year the Chicago Children's Choir brings together nearly 3,200 kids in the shared pursuit of musical excellence and personal growth. The CCC experience includes:

  • Treble, men's, and full SATB ensembles for
    ages 8 - 18
  • A multicultural repertoire including the finest classical works, folk songs, jazz, gospel, and popular music from around the world
  • Training in sight-singing and basic music
    theory following a Kodaly-based curriculum
  • Frequent performance opportunities

From a handful of kids in the First Unitarian Church of Chicago on the South Side of Chicago in 1956, the Choir's program has grown to encompass:

  • 67 In-School choruses in 50 Chicago
    elementary schools
  • Six After-School Neighborhood Choirs
    at sites throughout the city.
  • The 100-voice Concert Choir, which includes a Treble and Chamber Ensembles, Men's Chorus, a Madrigals ensemble, and a Show Choir

Tours and extended residencies have included: U.S.: Midwest, South, Pacific Northwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions, including The White House; The United Kingdom; Japan; Russia; South Africa; The Ukraine; Italy; Mexico; Germany, Austria, Hungary, Canada, Puerto Rico and Prague.

Achievements

The Choir's dedication to musical excellence has resulted in concert and collaborative opportunities around the world. Among its many performances have been appearance with/for:

  • Chicago Symphony Orchestra
  • The Lyric Opera of Chicago
  • Joffrey Ballet
  • Grant Park Music Festival
  • Ravinia Music Festival
  • Chicago Jazz festivals
  • 1996 Democratic National Convention
  • Olympic Torch Arrival
  • Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series
  • CBS's Early Edition
  • Oprah Winfrey Show
  • Chicago White Sox games
  • Chicago Bears game
  • Carnegie Hall
  • New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall
  • Llangollen International Eisteddfod Music Festival
  • Bobby McFerrin
  • Celine Dion
  • Samuel Ramey
  • Dennis DeYoung
  • President & Senator Clinton
  • President Nelson Mandela
  • Queen Noor of Jordan
  • Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Check out what Reverend Christopher Moore had to say on the early days of the Choir in this interview with Tom Huyck. Why do we wear red jackets? Did we always wear them? You may be surprised to find out how that came about.