8th Annual You Raise Me Up Concert to benefit Special Olympics on Saturday
The 8th Annual "You Raise Me Up" Concert to benefit Special Olympics Illinois will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 at 3:00 PM at College Church in Wheaton. This year's concert will feature the talents of The STARS of College Church, Tunes of Glory Pipes and Drums, Ron Schoeberlein, Take Note and The Village Vocal Chords. Additionally, local Special Olympic Athletes will share their personal experiences.
The STARS of College Church have performed in every "You Raise Me Up" Concert. This ministry group of performers, made up of adult individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, are called STARS (Seeking to Always Reflect the Savior) because they shine for Jesus.
TUNES OF GLORY PIPES AND DRUMS formed in October of 1980 in Montgomery in the driveway of Craig "Mac" McCloud along with his buddy Dr. Jim Rising. Mac is still active in the band as Drum Major and the band has competed successfully in both Grades 4 and 5 as a proud member of the Midwest Pipe Band Association. In 2010, Tunes of Glory won the titles of US Open Pipe Band Champions in Grade 5, and MWPBA Champion Supreme in Grade 5 - their fourth competitive championship.
Tunes of Glory is under the musical direction of Pipe Major John Boyle and lead drummer Joanna Lloyd. The student program is led by Janet Fitchuk and are privileged to receive regular professional piping and drumming instruction from Adrian Melvin and Andrew Hoinacki. The band performs throughout much of the far western Chicago suburbs, including Warrenville, their sponsor and home base. Tunes of Glory Pipes and Drums are always seeking new members. For more information, please visit www.tunesofglory.org
Since the blackout days of World War II, RON SCHOEBERLEIN has been crooning tunes. He was a bit younger then, however. Ron's renditions have been in the form of solos, duets, quartets and groups of all kinds including barbershop, glee clubs, choirs and madrigal groups. Selections range from roots/folk music to contemporary pop and jazz standards with either guitar or banjo. Ron enjoys it most when the audience joins in with him. So please feel free to vocalize if the spirit moves you.
TAKE NOTE is a group of friends who just happen to be singers! The group is a performance based, mixed adult chorus that sings a wide repertoire of upbeat, popular songs from many different decades Founded in September, 2016, and under the direction of Jeri Kellan, TAKE NOTE is gaining the reputation as being one of the most popular and entertaining choral groups in the Chicagoland area.
Closing the show is THE VILLAGE VOCAL CHORDS, the 20-time international championship chorus of Harmony, Incorporated, an international organization of women who sing a cappella, four-part harmony in the barbershop style. They are once again working towards a 21st championship later this year. Since 1961 the group has been wowing audiences with their beautiful blend of voices and their "ringing chords." For more information, visit www.villagevocalchords.com
Tickets are $10 each (5 for $40), and are available online here: www.soill.org/event/you-raise-me-up-concert. 100% of ticket revenue will benefit Special Olympics Illinois Far West Suburban/Area 2 serving athletes with intellectual disabilities in the suburbs in west Dupage, Kane and Kendall County.
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for over 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and nearly 20,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support.
If you are interested in learning more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact your local Special Olympics agency, please visit www.soill.org.