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Uniting Voices Chicago’s signature, world-class instruction and programming is offered to students in Chicago area schools.

Our school programs give singers the opportunity to express themselves, practice empathy and develop the tools they need to become global leaders through music.

Why Uniting Voices Chicago?

The power of music bridges social divisions, including race, gender and religion. With our voice as our instrument, Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children's Choir) provides a barrier-free space for self-expression and a meaningful opportunity to experience community. Uniting Voices Chicago delivers an unparalleled experience, with high-caliber instruction, confidence-inspiring expectations and incomparable performance opportunities, empowering students to reach their potential as musicians and as people.

Throughout the year, singers have the opportunity to:

  • Learn music from an array of genres and cultures—authentic to the style and language of each piece, incorporating movement as much as possible
  • More deeply understand how music is created across artistic and social traditions
  • Engage in dialogue about the historical and social context of music and its relevance today
  • Feel a sense of pride through exceptional performance
  • Form friendships that will last a lifetime with other young people in neighborhoods across the city
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Our Method

We empower and unite youth from diverse backgrounds to find their voice and celebrate their common humanity through the power of music. We approach choral singing comprehensively, empowering singers to fully explore the culturally expressive qualities of music. Our model is in line with the National Standards for Music Education and Illinois Arts Learning Standards.

Since 1960, Uniting Voices Chicago has partnered with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to support its core values and is committed to helping CPS meet its commitment to furthering academic progress for its students. Uniting Voices Chicago’s singular programming supplement the arts education opportunities offered to students in schools, allowing them to discover their creative potential while engaging with a strong curriculum that supports success in other disciplines such as civics and social studies. Singers who participate in Uniting Voices Chicago’s School Program develop important social and emotional skills that are crucial for success in school and beyond.

We make it work.

Uniting Voices Chicago works with every school to create a plan that allows for groups of students to sing together safely and meaningfully.

Thanks to our exceptional partnerships, we never stopped providing service to schools during the pandemic. We’ve operated safely in person for the entire 2021-22 school year, and we’re prepared to offer exceptional experiences in any format at any time.

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Program Plans

The program fees below reflect the cost after significant underwriting by Uniting Voices Chicago. Schools requiring further financial aid can apply to the Uniting Voices Chicago School Fund through the sign-up process.

In-School Residency

Partner with Uniting Voices Chicago to bring school-day choral programming to your school for 30 weeks.

30-week Residency (September-May)

Two Field Trips Included

Rehearsals last 45 minutes to an hour, one or two days per week.

Junior Choir Residency

(recommended grades: 3-5th)

Cost: $5,000 for one day per week; $7,875 for two days per week.

Advanced Choir Residency

(recommended grades: 6-8th)

Cost: $5,000 for one day per week; $7,875 for two days per week.

Junior & Advanced Choir Residency

(two choirs; recommended grade split: 3-5th & 6-8th)

Cost: $7,875 for one day per week; $14,625 for two days per week.

Out of School Time Residency

Partner with Uniting Voices Chicago to bring extracurricular, out of school time choral programming to your school for 30 weeks.

30 week Residency (September-May)

Two Field Trips Included

Rehearsals last 45 minutes to an hour, one or two days per week.

Out of School Junior Choir Residency

(recommended grades: 3-5th)

Cost: $6,000 for one day per week; $9,450 for two days per week.

Out of School Advanced Choir Residency

(recommended grades: 6-8th)

Cost: $6,000 for one day per week; $9,450 for two days per week.

Out of School Junior & Advanced Choir Residency

(two choirs; recommended grade split: 3-5th & 6-8th)

Cost: $9,450 for one day per week; $17,550 for two days per week.

Principal Arriaga

Tonti Elementary School


Program Agreement

Your School Receives

World-Class Instruction
All of our accomplished faculty have degrees in music and music education, and most have advanced degrees. Our instructors are trained in culturally responsive and empowering methodology to establish the choir at your school.

Engaging Rehearsals
One or two rehearsals per week from September-May, creating a consistent learning environment for your students.

Comprehensive Assessments to get insights from your students’ learning over the course of the year.

An Experienced Pianist to provide live accompaniment for performances.

Multicultural Repertoire
Music from a variety of cultures and styles allows your students to engage more meaningfully with the world around them.

Materials
Materials include sheet music, SEL packets, and uniforms.

Performances
Performances at your school and at city-wide events empower your singers to be ambassadors for the school community and connect with other Uniting Voices Chicago singers from across Chicago.

We Expect

Dedicated Rehearsal Time
Maximize participation in our program by ensuring rehearsals take place consistently.

Consistent Student Attendance
Teachers and staff should dismiss students in a timely manner to arrive to all rehearsals on time.

Space and Facilities
To create an optimal educational environment, rehearsals should take place in a room of suitable size with ample seating for all singers that take appropriate social distancing requirements into consideration; provide a piano/keyboard and a whiteboard.

Choir Liaison
In addition to the principal, a dedicated choir liaison should be assigned from the school to facilitate necessary communication between the conductor and your school. Additionally, best practice dictates that a CPS-certified employee should be within line-sight during rehearsals.

Performance Opportunities

Students benefit from performing in multiple concerts during the school year, both at their own school and across the city during field trips organized by Uniting Voices Chicago.

Details

We’re a certified CPS partner. Our vendor number is #73393.

Funding for your program can come from many sources. Many schools use community partnerships, corporate sponsors, or arts grants to purchase Program Plans.

Ready to sign up?

Provide some brief information and we can begin working together to bring inspiring programming to your students in the coming year.
sign up form
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