Oak Park and River Forest Children's Chorus
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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
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
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