I am a new Board Member, a trained singer and a parent of a child who has been with Pro Musica for two years. Watching my son grow not only in his musical abilities but his sense of accomplishment and pride in his participation with this group has been so worthwhile. My child is nine and has gained confidence not only in his singing ability but also in his ability to perform in front of others with minimal nervousness. This Chorus will help him tremendously with the fabulous musical talent available and has enabled him to be a better more rounded out all around person. This Choir is ongoing to these fortunate children through their teacher's love, compassion and hard work for sharing music.
My Granddaughter joined last year and is inspired and motivated in all areas of her life by being a member of this group. I have never seen her so happy. She finally gets to use her beautiful voice in a meaningful way, as well as, learn and grow in musical performance by participating in a talented choral group. Thank you Pro Musica and William Chin for providing this marvelous opportunity. I thoroughly enjoy listening to these angelic voices. Wish I lived a bit closer to Oak Park, but experiencing a performance is worth the hour plus drive.
My daughter has participated in Pro Musica for the past 3 years and she has enjoyed every minute of it. Pro Musica has been a fantastic compliment to the chorus she participates in at school. The conductors at her level have been professional yet makes the rehearsals fun and a great learning environment. The performances are amazing, not only for the public but for the participants as well.
My daughter has been in Pro Musica for about three years, and it has really helped her grow as a singer. She has always loved to sing, and being in this choir has made it possible for her to practice her talents. I know that she will continue to sing and develop musically through this chorus.
My daughter started singing with Pro Musica last year, at the Primo Coro level. I hadn't even heard of it until the mother of one of the singers recommended it to us. I wasn't expecting much out of a local children's chorus but was blown away after their first concert. The sounds that these kids produce have the power to give you goosebumps!! The conductors do a wonderful job developing the chorister's talent and the kids do a wonderful job at having a great time! Watching my daughter coming out of rehearsal with a smile on her face is a great feeling. She has made some great friends and can sing like an angel. If there is anyone that has children who like to sing, the Pro Musica Youth Chorus is the place to go!!
Our child's love of music has grown through Pro Musica. The conductors do a great job teaching theory at an accelerated pace in a fun and exciting way. Their expectations are high and the kids rise to the challenge.
My 10 year old son has a beautiful voice but a parent (that would be me) with no music background to help support him. Pro Musica has helped him develop his talent and allows him to sing with other children and a terrific group of professionals in a caring and supportive community. Our involvement with this organization has brought us great joy and we look forward to many years of continued involvement.
“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” Plato himself once said.
Music can instantly transport you to a new mood, new frame of mind, and is universally shared even when the lyrics, beat and tempo might be different. ProMusica has provided my child with amazing vocal training, incredible performance opportunities and a team environment ~ yes you heard it, for those not just athletic outlets, there is a team to be found in ProMusica and the events and venues they play at are geared not only to the enjoyment of the performer, but also to the fans, ticket buyers, and audience, who often do get to participate as well if you will ;)
ProMusica, its staff, Directors, and choristers are truly gifts to the Universe, feeding its soul and uplifting its Spirit for the benefit of us all! Should you ever have the opportunity to attend a concert or help a child join the Chorus, …TAKE it on!
There is no greater gift than the joy of hearing your child sing. My daughter (now 9) has always enjoyed singing and it has been wonderful to hear her singing skills flourish under the artistic guidance of the professional and talented leaders of Pro Musica Youth Chorus. She started with Melody Makers and has "graduated" to Primo Coro. Our hope is that she will continue with PMYC all the way through high school. She enjoys the song selections and the performances.
My daughter joined Pro Musica Youth Chorus when she was 6. We signed her up for Melody Makers because she "wanted to be a famous singer!" and our church choir director recommended Pro Musica. Lily is now 9 and is singing in the Canterini ensemble, and her voice and ability have evolved in such beautiful ways. I am endlessly amazed and impressed with the semi-annual performances that showcase the talents of our children and conductors. The quality of repertoire that is performed is truly incredible. I can't believe such young people can produce such complex and beautiful sounds! I am entranced each and every time.
We are so lucky to have amazingly talented artistic staff work with our kids, and our Executive Director is so passionate about the organization. I love this organization, and I love participating as a parent and board member.
I'm the grandmother of a middle-school age chorister. ProMusica has not only given her the opportunity to learn from seasoned, and very highly regarded, professionals, it provides a healthy and supportive outlet for her musical talents (one of the great loves of her life) and it affords opportunities to perform in public, which enhances her self-confidence (super important at this age). It's been a great ride in this wonderful organization.
I have three daughters who all sing with PMYC. I love this organization so much, I've spent nearly 8 years working on the board. The artistic staff is excellent -- musically gifted, wonderful teachers, and the kids love them. My children have made many of their best friends in this organization. Also, they have become skilled and passionate musicians, and graceful and confident young people. They've had the opportunity to perform around the world and to collaborate with world-class professional arts organizations. In addition they participate in local concerts and events as a centerpiece of our town's arts community. I cannot speak highly enough of this organization and what it's done for my family.
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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.
This is an amazing organization that is dedicated to giving talented children the opportunity to create high quality music, to learn the valuable skills of team-work, stage performance, discipline, sensitivity and creative thinking.
As a life long chorister myself, since the age of 5, I was thrilled when my 8 year old daughter got in to this choir last year. I'm so happy to watch her experience the life of a chorister that I benefited from, as a child. I myself am a professional musician, singer and conductor, and I'm very impressed with the high quality of music and discipline that this choir produces.
I'm also impressed with how hard the board works, especially the executive director, Marcia Frank, to fund-raise, promote awareness and create continuous fun and exciting opportunities for the children.
I have already spread the word about this choir, and 2 of my daughter's friends have since auditioned and joined up.
In addition, I organized a collaboration between this choir and my own choir - Chicago Chamber Choir, for next spring. I worked with my board to get this choir chosen over other children's choirs, and I negotiated the logistics, fees, etc. It will be a personal thrill for me to stand on stage, next spring, and sing alongside my daughter, with our 2 choirs collaborating in a fun and exciting musical project, that will delight audiences and spread more joy.
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.
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.
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!"
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 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.
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!