Schaumburg creates Youth Chorus to accompany orchestra

After 24 successful years, the Schaumburg Youth Orchestra will be joined this fall by a newly created Youth Chorus.

Schaumburg trustees this week approved the new program that will accommodate an estimated 80 vocalists between the ages of 8 and 18.

The Youth Chorus is expected to perform both independently as well as in accompaniment to the long-established Youth Orchestra.

Schaumburg Mayor Al Larson said the village staff moved forward with plans for the Youth Chorus this year after the idea was embraced by Youth Orchestra Director Joe Malmquist, who also teaches at Conant High School in Hoffman Estates.

“He felt as though it would complement the Schaumburg Youth Orchestra and be a real asset,” Larson said.

Until now, the Schaumburg Youth Orchestra recruited from local school choral groups for performances that needed vocal accompaniment.

And for area vocalists wanting to join a nonschool choral group, the nearest opportunity has been the Elgin Children’s Chorus — and it’s open only to singers between the ages of 7 and 15 with unchanged voices.

The annual admission fee for the Youth Chorus will be $275. With an estimated 80 participants, revenue of $22,000 is expected to help offset the costs.

Costs are estimated at $14,577 for the first year. This includes $5,000 for a director, $4,677 for clerical support, $3,900 for a rehearsal accompanist and $1,000 for sheet music.

The chorus joins a number of programs for young people coordinated by Schaumburg’s Cultural Services Department. These include Summer Theatre, Dance Ensemble and the Screen Test Student Film Fest as well as the Youth Orchestra.

The Youth Orchestra has built a strong reputation since its establishment in 1989. It has been invited to perform at many locations throughout the area as well as on four overseas trips since 2000.

Next month the Youth Orchestra will make its fifth overseas trip, performing at various venues in the United Kingdom and France over 12 days.