Oak Park and River Forest Children's Chorus
I used to be proud that my daughter belonged to this organization. I no longer feel this way. The group was chosen to perform at Carnegie Hall. The week before the performance the musical director posted the names of all the students who were not prepared for the show. This was done ina very coarse and insensitive way. The music directors are not warm and friendly people. I overlooked this matter since my kid seemed to be having a positive experience. Look elsewhere if you want a thoughtful and caring experience for your child. There is no concern for individual support. the group just wants to look good when they perform in public.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
facing the frustrations of sending my child to several practices and being told one week before the show that she could not perform.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
have never agreed to send my child on the Carnegie hall trip.
More feedback...
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
not very sympathetic or sincere.
Ways to make it better...
If the music directors had better communication skills.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
that the music directors are divas. The board members can't figure out why parents get upset.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I will never have anything to do with this organization again.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
This is a wonderful organization. The kids, ages 5-18, are committed singers who consistently thrill their audiences while having a great time. They learn a lot about music and performance, as well as responsibility to their ensemble and their community. In his 8 years in the Chorus, our son has performed in Europe and in fundraisers for local charitable groups, learned to sing in diverse musical styles and foreign languages, and worked with dedicated artistic staff who have helped him develop skills, self-assurance and leadership abilities. Thanks largely to his experience in the Chorus, he now sings also in a band and hopes to continue singing when he enters college next year. It's been a great pleasure working with the Chorus leadership as a former Board member and current volunteer.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The joy and beauty that fills Chorus performances-- The kids are justly proud of their accomplishment and the hard work behind it.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Seeing the kids benefit and develop in so many ways.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Extremely dedicated. Behind all the successful concerts are highly committed staff, music directors, and an all-volunteer Board.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Improve marketing to double the size of the Chorus's ensembles and audiences; offer more need-based scholarships; offer more free performances.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
My daughter has sung in the chorus for over a year now. She really enjoys the weekly rehearsals and the variety of venues in which they perform. From magnificent cathedrals to jazz nightclubs, they encounter great experiences along the way. The organization is wonderful for teaching kids the invaluable experience of making music and doing it with people who care about it as much as you do. We are so lucky to have this wonderful organization in our "own backyard!"
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
hearing beautiful music sung by enthusiastic youth!
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the growth of our daughter while improving her vocal technique.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
dedicated and hardworking.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
open up the magical world of singing to so many more kids.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
As a chorister parent, Board Member and current President of the OPRFCC, I cannot support this organization more strongly. The chorus provides an excellent opportunity for children to experience the joy of music by learning how to read music and perform. The chorus members gain wonderful self-esteem, the ability to be part of a team and gain the ability and professionalism to perform in all venues. The trips abroad provide enriching experiences and our group has always been received with the utmost appreciation. Our upcomimg performance as the featured chorus at Carnegie Hall is just another example of the opportunities and professionalism of the chorus. Our 20th anniversary to be celebrated in June reinforces the experiences, the dedicaiton and committment of our children, and our staff.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
having a child in the chorus for 8 years and being involved with the Board.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Be able to attract more singers from the area.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
Interacting with a dedicated and wonderful staff, fellow Board members along with the singers and parents of our singers.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Of the highest quality and professionalism
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Provide scholarships to many children who could benefit from the joy of singing.
Ways to make it better...
We have certainly faced our challenges over the years so outside funding would have given us more freedom in providing scholarships and outreach
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
The ability to recruit singers and compete with other outside activities.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I have been very proud to be associated with this highly professional organization.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
The OPRFCC is a great organization that helps singers become confident and responsible young adults. I started singing in the OPRFCC in 3rd grade and I finished as a senior in high school. It became a staple in my everyday life. Going to practice, warming up, going over songs, seeing my friends, and then leaving with accomplishment; was pure motivation for other tasks in my life. My only regret is that I did not appreciate the OPRFCC as much as I should have while I was in it. Now in college, I constantly look back and miss having weekly rehearsals. The choir provided me with opportunities to travel abroad and perform in professional spaces. Although there were a few changes in the musical staff throughout my career, it always could feel like a home. My only complaint is that this experience should have lasted longer.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
learning music skills
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
More appreciation of the arts
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
outstanding and knowledgeable
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Last Forever!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
I worked as a professional musician for many years, and my oldest daughter started singing along with Broadway musicals when she was two. At seven, when she asked if she could join a chorus, our piano teacher recommended the OPRFCC. Five years later my daughter has many interests, but the chorus remains her first love. It's the one activity she can't wait to get to. Her two younger sisters also sing with the chorus, and love it as well. The different ensembles work perfectly for our family: the kids start out with the primary focus to have fun singing. As they progress, their skills sharpen and they're ready for more challenging music and they've learned the joy of being rewarded for their effort and discipline. Right now I hear my girls practicing folk tunes, bossa nova and Mahler, all for upcoming concerts. My kids love the friends they make, the variety of music they sing, performing with dance companies, jazz ensembles and orchestras. I love the variety of experiences the kids get (performing everywhere from the Public Library to Carnegie Hall to marching in parades) and how they've learned that discipline and having fun go together. The conductors are excellent. They teach the kids theory, vocal technique and broaden their knowledge of different genres. At the same time my kids think the conductors are hilarious and fun. We love this group.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
how happy it makes my kids, how much joy it brings me as an audience member.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
how beautiful it is to hear a community making music together; the look on the kids' faces when they realize how good they are; my daughters telling me they hate Benjamin Britten, then after the performance, them telling me how much they LOVE Britten.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Very dedicated and extremely hard-working; very very talented.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
wean all children from electronic gadgets, reintroduce people to a sense of community, reawaken kids' innate creativity, teach kids the value of effort and perseverance, and save the world.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
My daughter who is 8 has been singing at home for as long as she could talk. While she takes piano lessons, I wanted to expose her to choral music as well. She has been involved for about a year and LOVES it! She has learned TECHNIQUE, rhythm, pitch, and so much more! The instructors are great and really encourage the kids to try new things! I highly recommend it!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
watching the kids perform and hearing what they are practicing when she comes home.
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
How much my daughter enjoys it.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
helpful and enthusiastic.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
TRAVEL the WORLD!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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