Chorale celebrates 25 years of favorite songs
Music lovers always have a list of favorite songs.
Some songs recall a special moment, some lyrics touch the heart. And some music is fun to sing.
In a quarter-century of performances, the Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale has developed an extensive and eclectic repertoire of favorite songs. From its founding in 1985, the chorale has aimed to bring a variety of music - from classical to jazz, contemporary to folk - to audiences throughout the Western suburbs.
The chorale celebrates its milestone year with a duet of Silver Anniversary Concerts, "25 Years of Our Favorites," on Friday and Saturday, May 14 and 15.
Under the guidance of musical director Greg Wheatley and accompanist and ensemble director Jeri Kellan, the chorale will perform "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" with 24 past singers and directors.
Members Alice MacCrindle and Martha McMillen, who share publicity duties, tell us more about the chorale.
Q. What is your group's mission? A. The chorale has a threefold philosophy: First, to develop musical abilities and awareness for its members; second, to provide participants and audiences with an enjoyable and creative musical outlet; and third, to serve as a reminder to the community and audiences of the beauty and universality of music.Q. How do you work toward accomplishing that? A. Over the years, our work in the community has become quite extensive. Our outreach to the community includes performances by the entire chorale of more than 60 people and special programs presented by our smaller 16- to 18-person Chorale Ensemble.The availability of these two groups allows for programs in senior residential homes and concert halls, in parks and churches, and for the many community groups who have engaged these talented performers for club meetings and various celebrations. The joy of singing for our audiences is complemented by the opportunity we have to meet and greet the friends and families who support our art.Q. When and why did the organization start? How has it grown? A. The Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale was founded 25 years ago in January, 1985, through the combined efforts of Jan Linduska-Langford, who was the Glen Ellyn Park District superintendent of recreation, and Ramona Quinn-Wis, who was choral director of the Before Broadway Players, another group sponsored by the park district at that time. Quinn-Wis wanted to provide an opportunity for adult singers from the community to have access to an excellent choral program that would be different from any of the other mega-choruses that were in the area. She envisioned a chorale that would sing and experience a full range of music from classical music to pop and jazz numbers to religious pieces to folk songs. This variety of music had gone virtually untouched by the local singing groups at that time. Additionally, Quinn-Wis wanted a group that had more camaraderie, more personal ownership, and more individual development that was not occurring with large choruses.Since 1985, the Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale has established a reputation of outstanding and varied musical performance. The chorale annually presents concerts in December and May. These concerts have incorporated other community musical groups, including jazz and string ensembles, instrumental soloists and other chorales.In 1994, the chorale was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation. This corporation allows the chorale control over all financial matters and autonomy in making decisions for overall operation.Q. What kind of successes have you had? A. The Chorale has performed at many venues including Medieval Times, Kane County Cougar baseball games, Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic, local restaurants and private parties, and the group sang backup for Kenny Rogers at Pheasant Run Resort.In addition, when you greet seniors, sing for them and spend time with them at senior residential facilities, you know the success of making a new friend happy. At times, they even volunteer to sing with us and, in one special case, a senior resident was our most welcome "soloist." We found that he had been a Broadway performer in an earlier time and, on this occasion, was able to relive his joy of performing.If you recently attended our Special Olympics concert "You Raise Me Up" on April 10, you would have seen children and young adults at our concert, who daily meet the challenges they live with showing grace and patience. As several Olympians spoke, they reminded us that "When you fall down, you don't quit! You get right back up again!"Q. What challenges does the organization chorale face? A. The budgetary challenge that all of us face is a major concern. We want to keep our ticket prices affordable and so we have reached out to our Friends of the Chorale base for support; though they have sustained us in our work as best they can, expenses are always larger than income. Although we are all volunteer singers, we have a need for professional directors and accompanists. Music prices have increased phenomenally, and rental for venues is rising. Chorale members currently pay for their own concert clothing and contribute toward the music and other expenses; members of the chorale cannot carry the entire expense alone. Hence the budgetary challenge that many groups face today.Q. What is the chorale best known for in the community? How does the group contribute to the community? A. In our community, we are best known for a high level of artistic achievement as well as the broad variety of music we perform. Members have donated their time to help the community by working for Public Television WTTW fundraising drives; donating food to local food pantries; entertaining residents of facilities such as the Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, Hines VA Hospital and DuPage Convalescent Center; and singing at community festivals such as Taste of Glen Ellyn and Wheaton's Holiday Parade. The chorale is a member of the Wheaton Chamber of Commerce and Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce.Q. What would surprise most people if they spent time with the organization? A. If people knew the kind of work and dedication our members devote to the chorale, they would be surprised. Some of our members drive more than 30 miles to rehearse and very rarely miss a rehearsal. Chorale members spend countless hours practicing and memorizing music for performances and, during those times, have formed a close relationship with one another, one of support and camaraderie.Q. Who are your members? What qualities do you look for in new members? A. The Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale is an audition group, and members of the chorale are adults from Glen Ellyn, Wheaton and surrounding suburbs. Singers come from a variety of musical backgrounds, from novice to professional musicians - a characteristic that makes the chorale unique and rehearsal interesting. The special talents of some members are utilized as soloists, section leaders and instrumentalists.Q. What do you expect of your members? A. The Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale's concert season runs from early September through May with an extended break at the December holiday season. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Members also are expected to participate in additional rehearsals and events.Q. How can readers get involved? A. Readers can always volunteer to serve at our events. We welcome anyone who will usher, work at the box office or assist when receptions and food service are needed. There is ample opportunity for these kinds of assistance. There are also opportunities to audition from time to time. Openings for singers are posted on our website, and we welcome those who are interested to get involved.If you goWhat: Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale's Silver Anniversary Concert, "25 Years of Our Favorites"When: 8 p.m. Friday, May 14, and 3 p.m. Saturday, May 15Where: College Church, 332 E. Seminary Ave., WheatonTickets: $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors in advance; $17 and $14 at the doorDetails: Audiences are invited to a celebratory reception after both showsInfo: (630) 415-3066 or gewchorale.orgGlen Ellyn-Wheaton ChoraleRehearsals: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. TuesdaysWhere: College Church, 332 E. Seminary Ave., WheatonVisitors welcome? YesDues: $120 annuallyInfo: (630) 415-3066 or gewchorale.org