Elgin Children's Chorus starts new season with new music director
The Elgin Master Chorale Children's Chorus enters its 2018-19 season under the leadership of its new music director, Matthew Bishop. The children's chorus performs during some concerts with the Elgin Master Chorale and at other events in Elgin.
With a professional artistic and management staff, the EMC Children's Chorus is focused on providing high-quality music education and excellence in choral musicianship, vocal training, and ensemble performance to students age 8 and 17.
The EMC Children's Chorus, which has two foundational choirs, will integrate an auditioned-only ensemble in the second semester.
The EMC Treble Choir is designed for younger singers to instill all key foundational aspects of music education and vocal training.
The EMC Concert Choir designed for experienced singers to continue developing and refining all key foundational aspects of music education and vocal training.
Performance dates for the chorus include appearances on Elgin Master Chorale's Nov. 11 and April 14 concerts at Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theatre; two performances Dec. 1 as part of Downtown Elgin's Winter Wonderland and tree lighting ceremony; and an appearance on Dec. 16 in the "Elgin Celebrates the Holidays" concert at the Hemmens Cultural Center.
Music Director Matthew Bishop has more than 10 years of professional experience as an educator and choral conductor. The Elgin resident holds a bachelor's degree in music education from the VanderCook College of Music, Chicago, where he focused on instrumental and vocal pedagogy and performance, composition/arranging, and conducting. As a public school educator, Bishop has taught choir, band, and a music class to students with special needs. He also has served as music director for the Children's Theater of Elgin/Fox Valley Theater Company, and serves as a guest clinician/conductor for various ensembles and vocal camps.
"The EMC Children's Chorus is Fox Valley's premier children's chorus organization. The Fox Valley now has a choral organization dedicated to the community's children and teens," Bishop said. "Our young singers can take pride in their EMC Children's Chorus membership, as they grow and develop into excellent musicians and community members. Don't miss the chance to be part of our exciting season!"
Know of a child who loves to sing? Contact the EMC Children's Chorus at (847) 214-7225 or info@emcchildrenchorus.org.
Find the chorus on Facebook at www.facebook.com/EMCchildrenschorus, and visit the official EMC Children's Chorus website at www.emcchildrenschorus.org.