Chicago Children's Choir

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The Chicago Children's Choir is a choral organization that is composed of children between the ages of 8 and 18 years of age. It is under the artistic direction of Josephine Lee. It was founded in neighborhood of Hyde Park in Chicago 1956 by the late Rev. Christopher Moore, whose dream was to create an organization where young people from diverse backgrounds could better understand each other, as well as learn about themselves, by learning to make beautiful music together.

Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the choir is housed in Chicago's beaux-arts landmark Cultural Center. 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

[edit] Organization

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:

60 In-School choruses in Chicago elementary schools
Seven 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
DiMension, a men's group for changing voices

[edit] Tours and Recordings

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; and Canada.

In 2005, the choir produced their first studio CD, "Open Up Your Heart". In 2006, the choir commissioned a musical, "Sita Ram", which was performed at the Lookingglass Theatre, which was founded by "Friends" castmember Silas Helm. Then came Songs on the road of Freedom.