 The
Performing Ensembles
comprise the core of GECC's ongoing programs. Rehearsing twice
weekly, they serve children at various skill levels. The challenges
of musicianship and repertoire increase incrementally with each
ensemble, creating a sequential upward spiral of learning and development.
Through rehearsals and performances, boys and girls in the Treble
Chorus, the intermediate Concert Chorus, and the more experienced
Touring Chorus enjoy a high level of accomplishment, make lasting
friendships, and enjoy a nurturing and challenging learning environment.
Musical Experience for Children (MEC)
is a non-auditioned weekly class serving children in kindergarten
through second grade. Designed as an entry-level, pre-choral training
program, there is no comparable class in existence for children
of this formative young age. Through such activities as finding
the singing voice, moving to music to develop kinesthetic awareness,
working with Orff instruments, and singing age-appropriate fine
repertoire, children grow and develop skills that enhance broad-based
learning skills in many areas.
Honors Chorus SingFest
offers hundreds of young singers and their teachers a day of invigorating
challenge and musical growth through choral activities led by prominent
guest clinicians and the GECC Artistic Director. Designed to support
classroom music programs and community-based choruses, the SingFest
also offers concurrent sessions for teachers focusing on rehearsal
strategies, vocal pedagogy for the child voice, and appropriate
new repertoire. Culminating in a Festival Concert (performed by
the participants, free-of-charge), approximately 400 children and
50 music teachers take part in this amazing choral experience. Registration
efforts target schools throughout DuPage, Kane, Will and Cook counties,
particularly where school music programs are lacking or non-existent.
School Exchanges
are an additional way the Chorus reaches hundreds of school children.
This program involves students in quality musical experiences on-site
in their own schools. Each winter, programs ranging from 30-60 minutes
in length are presented in numerous area schools. School music teachers
help define the type of program that best meets their needs, ranging
from interactive rehearsals with their choirs, to vocal demonstration
by the GECC, or performances for all-school assemblies. School Exchanges
generate interest in music, support local music teachers and their
programs, and provide exceptional musical opportunities for students
with limited access.
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Week Alive Summer Arts Camp
offers local children an introductory experience
of musical discovery, expression, and growth. Held
at the College of DuPage daily for one week in June,
activities include movement, improvisation, choral
singing, vocal techniques, and simple staging of
selected works. Young people dance and sing folk
songs of different cultures, stage musical theater
songs, sing choral works with movement, and explore
many styles and ways of interpreting music with
body and voice. They discover the joy and self-expression
of singing, acting, and movement, and present a
free demonstration concert for parents at the close
of the week. Connie Canaday Howard of the Buffalo
Theater Ensemble, a professional company in residence
at College of DuPage, has joined GECC Artistic Director
Emily Ellsworth for the last two years to lead the
program.
The Scholarship Program
enables the Chorus to accomplish one of its key
commitments - that finances not preclude a child
from participating in any Chorus program. Financial
aid is based on economic need; to date, the Chorus
has provided for all requests received. Through
the Kay J. Kehoe Scholarship Fund, children participate
who would not otherwise be able to including those
from low-income and/or single-parent homes and choristers
whose families' financial setbacks would preclude
the child from continuing in the program.
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About
Us 
Performing
Ensembles and Programs