Green Oaks chorus started in 1989 still going strong

When she worked at a Chicago law firm, Nancy Chaudhry thought a chorus comprised of employees would be good holiday entertainment.

The effort was a hit and within a few years, the firm bought a piano for the occasion.

"I noticed people always came out of the woodwork to sing at Christmastime," she said.

Chaudhry decided to continue the tradition when she moved to Green Oaks in 1989.

"It wasn't easy to get started because I didn't get much of a response," she recalled. Yet through the connections of two elderly residents who saw the note in a village newsletter, a group was assembled. The first public performance was given at the 1989 village holiday party.

By 1993, the group decided to expand its audience and began to give public performances at local venues. Practice for the current season starts Monday, Oct. 5, in preparation for the 20th annual concert "Sounds of the Season" on Dec. 18 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Libertyville. Admission is free but donations go to PADS of Lake County.

Although there is only one original singer besides Chaudhry, a core of singers would remain for varying lengths of time.

Though the group is going strong, it always is looking for some good voices to boost the roster, which includes Steve Shebenik, an accomplished pianist and singer, as accompanist/co-director of the chorus.

Knowing that time is precious, the lure is that it is a seasonal effort. Beginning Monday, practice will be once a week for 11 weeks at Chaudhry's home.

"We put on a really nice performance," she said. "It's not just Christmas carols. It's popular songs. It's very heartfelt because the people who sing with us are grateful to have an outlet."

Full concerts were given at Holy Cross Lutheran Church but other venues have included the Cuneo Museum, Advocate Condell Medical Center, Marytown and the VA hospital.

One member, who works in the area, sticks around for practice before driving home to Belvedere. Other members come from Kenosha, Arlington Heights, Waukegan and other area communities.

"It's wonderful opportunity for those who love to sing and aren't able to make a commitment to a full-time group," Chaudhry said. "Our motto has become, 'We don't take ourselves seriously but we take our music seriously.'"

Last year, the group has 22 members but there always is room for more voices, particularly male singers. Chaudhry says she keeps a constant lookout for new talent.

"I'm always asking people if they sing," she said. "I have people who will come to garage sales and I'll ask them."

Participants have to be able to keep a tune. Most of the group has some type of musical experience, although it is not a high-powered type environment.

Would-be singers can contact Chaudhry at (847) 362-3809.

Besides finding singers, her mission is to increase attendance at the concerts. She estimated a show raises about $600 for charitable causes.

"Of course, if we get more people to come. We might make more."

<p class="factboxtext12col">Want to be part of the chorus? Would-be singers should contact Nancy Chaudhry at (847) 362-3809. Practices are weekly for 11 weeks, culminating in a Dec. 18 concert at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Libertyville.</p>