 Alumni News
2005-08-09: 40th Anniversary Celebration
Alumni News
40th Anniversary Holiday Concert-December 18, 2004
The 40th anniversary holiday concert included a return to the stage of our own Dr. Doreen Rao as well as a 50 voice alumni choir. The alumni purchased the music for the St. Nicolas Cantata ahead of time and then rehearsed on both Friday night and Saturday morning with Dr. Rao. Some of the alumni had not been singing regularly for some time and Dr. Rao was very impressed at how quickly everyone fell right back into those good old habits they learned at the GECC. Saturday morning rehearsal was followed with an informal lunch and some time to catch up with old friends. That afternoon the group dressed in their best and joined the rest of the GECC for dress rehearsal and then an amazing concert. In addition to the St. Nicolas Cantata the GECC, conducted by Artistic Director Emily Ellsworth sang a few other familiar pieces. Remember Music Down in my Soul? How about the Jennifer Shelton jazz arrangement of Santa Claus is Comin? to Town?
A good time was had by all with everyone promising to keep in touch. If you meant that, please let us know what you are doing, and we will share your information on this website.
  
 
Recent Comments from Alumni
Mark Milano (1964-1969)
I'm one of the charter members of GECC - I sang the first concert (Berlioz' Faust) at Ravinia, after having been involved with the Glen Ellyn Children's Theatre for a number of years.
I remember when Barbara first suggested we learn a classical piece in French - we all thought she was crazy! In fact, our first audition tape for Margaret Hillis was a disaster - we went to the recording studio and all sang flat. But Barbara persisted, and we got the job.
I'll never forget our first rehearsal with Seiji Ozawa - he was being very tough with the orchestra and adult choir, and we were all nervous as hell - how would he treat us? Well, he finally turned to us and became all sweetness and light: "Now, for the children..." Luckily, we had drilled our part for weeks in a hot room and had it down pat. Our debut at Ravinia was a big success - we listened offstage to the entire opera and then walked on at the very end to sing our little piece - the crowd (and orchestra) loved it, and the GECC was on its way.
I also sang the Bach St. Matthew's Passion, and the Mahler Third and Eighth with the GECC. I'll never forget having to find and hold our note for our entrance in the Third (the alto sang it about a dozen bars earlier), and then having to stand up and sing at the same moment - whew! The Eighth was really an experience. We had rehearsed our part carefully, but had never listened to an actual recording of the piece until the first (and only) orchestral rehearsal. What a disaster! We could barely find our place amidst all that noise. I learned from that experience to always find a recording of a piece before I sing it. Luckily, I think we got ourselves in shape before the performance, but it was scary.
Georg Solti was another sweetheart - I remember a few of us sneaking into his dressing room to get his autograph. Even though we were 2 boys and 3 girls, he said, "Ah! The boys!" I guess he was used to working with the many boy choirs in Europe.
For the last ten years, I have sung in a wonderful chamber choir in New York City: Cantori New York (www.cantorinewyork.com). I certainly can thank Barbara for instilling a love of choral music in me, and for showing me how to put in the kind of effort needed to bring it to life.
I currently live in Manhattan and work as an HIV/AIDS educator, and my singing definitely helps me refresh and rejuvenate myself. Thanks, GECC, for some wonderful experiences and important lessons.
Amanda Reddy (1986-1996) - commenting on news of The Nightingale opera
What wonderful news from Glen Ellyn! Imant Raminsh was always one of my
favorites and I have vivid memories of learning what the phrase "text
painting" meant while learning "Songs of the Lights". I can still remember
some of the images his music evoked...what lucky choristers to be performing a
new work by such a gifted composer! I will certainly endeavor not to lose
touch again and look forward to hearing about more wonderful GECC adventures.
I'm looking forward to visits from two former choristers this spring (Neil
Bergquist and Sindhu Revuluri) so I never feel too disconnected.
Note: Amanda is currently living and working in London.
Karl Langkamp (1995-1997) - commenting on the new Men's Ensemble
To Ms. Ellsworth, the GECC Board, and all the chorusters (especially the guys):
What a wonderful time it is to be associated with the GECC!! The opportunity to be a part of the first performing men's ensemble within the Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus is one that many will be honored to take advantage of. I am positive that it will be successful, especially since it will be open to men 25 and under. I know if I were still in the Chicago area, I'd be there every week. In fact, I'm tempted to hop on a plane from Tulsa for a one-day trip there and back each week!!!!!
Once again, I just wish to express my excitement and admiration for the organization and all of it's new endeavors. I am always proud to say that I was a part of a legacy as respected and wonderful as the Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus.
Note: Karl has the distinction of being the first Alumni to join the prestigious Encore Society of the Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus.
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