Vernon Hills High choir enjoys busy schedule

Community High School District 128 submission

Northwestern University men's basketball fans enjoyed a special treat at the Nov. 18 game at the Welsh-Ryan Arena against Fairfield University.

The national anthem was sung by students donning their trademark blue and gray scarves and hats: members of the Vernon Hills High School Chamber Choir. That performance kicked off a month of performances by the choir that rivaled the schedule of a professional choir.

Nov. 30 saw the choir students sharing their amazing vocal skills for the PADS program at Shepherd of the Lake Church in Grayslake, followed by a Dec. 1 performance for PADS at the First Presbyterian Church in Libertyville.

PADS Lake County Inc. provides emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and comprehensive resources to families with children and individuals experiencing homelessness in Lake County.

Between community performances, this group of dedicated singers and its director, Jeremy Little, were also busy rehearsing and preparing for the annual Madrigal Dessert that was held Dec. 5 at the Sullivan Center in Vernon Hills. This year's Madrigal was yet another in a long string of sold-out performances.

On Dec. 7, the Chamber Choir members joined their fellow Cougars for a VHHS event at Feed My Starving Children in Libertyville. FMSC is a not-for-profit organization where children and adults hand-pack meals specifically formulated for malnourished children. The meals are shipped to nearly 70 countries around the world.

In addition to packing meals with other VHHS students, the Chamber Choir also provided entertainment for the evening, singing carols for the students and staff who participated in the event that concluded at 10 p.m.

On Dec. 9, the students boarded a bus at 5:30 a.m. and headed for WGN studios in Chicago to carol live for Chicago on WGN radio. This was the first of two radio performances for the choir.

On Dec. 18, the students repeated the 5:30 bus trip, but this time it was to US99.5 studios for the group's sixth annual performance on the Lisa Dent and Ramblin' Ray Morning Show. US99.5 has named the VHHS Chamber Choir the "official choir of the US99.5 Morning Show." While there, the choir was invited to visit WXRT and carol on the air for their listeners as well.

After US99.5 and WXRT radio gigs, the choir headed back home to Vernon Hills, where they were the featured performers at Townline Elementary. They then moved on to the District 128 Administrative Offices for their annual caroling visit and lunch before hitting the road again.

They traveled to Hawthorn Elementary North and Elementary South, concluding the day with a performance at Rust-Oleum corporate headquarters in Vernon Hills.

An exhausting schedule to say the least. So, why make the commitment to such a hectic schedule of rehearsals and performances during an already busy month? Members of the choir are quick to share their thoughts on why they are part of this demanding yet rewarding group.

"I don't think I could really capture into words just how much I owe to this program," junior Dylan Cohen said. "Singing has always been a huge part of my life, and I can only imagine that it will always be."

She was in the sixth grade at Hawthorn when she first heard the VHHS Chamber Choir perform.

"From the moment they sang their first chord, I decided that was something I wanted to be apart of," she explained. "However, it was when I learned about the great impact Chamber has on our community that I knew I needed to be apart of the ensemble. There is no feeling quite as rewarding as seeing the effect music has on others, especially with close friends."

Cohen noted that at this year's annual Chamber Choir Retreat, the group expressed a great interest in going into the community to share all of the music they work toward creating.

"Mr. Little took our words and made it a reality," she said. "We have had the opportunity of singing at two PADS Shelters, two radio stations, several churches, FMSC, schools, retirement homes, and much more.

"Something I will always keep with me is the feeling of locking into a chord while looking at people's eyes light up. People, regardless of their economic backgrounds, love to hear us sing, and it makes me want to continue what I'm already passionate about. Whether or not I choose to pursue music in my future, I will always treasure the opportunities and memories I have created within the program. I'm so incredibly grateful," Cohen said.

Students in the Chamber Choir must audition to be a part of the group and participate in another VHHS choir. As part of the 24-member group, students must read music and memorize approximately 24 pieces for performance. As a co-curricular group, the students rehearse on weekend and evenings, as well as during the school day.

Senior Kevin Boes was not in choir until he started high school at Vernon Hills. He noted that the level of discipline expected as a member of the Chamber Choir would be beneficial to any VHHS student.

Boes is also a member of the VHHS Orchestra, but notes that while Orchestra focuses on technique, being in choir gives students more options to explore their main instrument: their voice. Boes moved from singing bass to tenor as part of the Chamber Choir.

"Mr. Little looks at the bigger picture and helps us students build as vocalists by helping us reach our skill and knowledge goals," Boes said.

"What's exceptional about these students isn't their technical skill level, or even their ability to sing musically," Little said. "What sets these kids apart is their desire to share their music and joy with the Vernon Hills and greater Chicagoland community.

"They have been working since August to bring this joy and peace to people. When we see the reactions on the faces of senior citizens at retirement homes, or hear the compliments of people calling in to radio stations, or watch elementary kids light up when we sing, that's all the reward we need."

The Chamber Choir members have hung up their scarves and hats and will now focus on other musical selections for their concert performances in the spring at VHHS. To enjoy selections from the Chamber Choir, visit vhhscougars.org/choir.