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Cincinnati Children's Choir a Big Hit
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Nia McKenney, Morgan Riley, Meg Riley, Hannah Firestone
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The Cincinnati Children's Choir sent their Lyric Choir to sing with the GECC's Concert Chorus on Saturday, April 14th. The CCC arrived on Friday and immediately bonded with their GECC homestay families. Choristers found they had much in common from the joy of singing to playing video games and eating ice cream.On Saturday the CCC enjoyed a day of sightseeing (including a frigid ride on a tour boat) and then returned in time for the concert on Saturday night. The concert at Faith Lutheran Church in Glen Ellyn included a variety of world music. The GECC sang Ise Oluwa (a Nigerian Folk Song), Bague doudou (a Chinese Canon), O Give Thanks by Wayland Rogers, and much more. Then the CCC took the stage with Ulili E (a Hawaiian Folk Song), The Swallow (a Newfoundland Folk Song), The Dream Keeper by Rollo Dilworth and many more. This was followed by a rousing finale with both the CCC and the GECC dancing to Sesere Eeye. A great concert and a great collaboration. We cannot wait until next year when the GECC visits Cincinnati!
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Alumni News-Lauren Paulus
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Becoming a member of the GECC influenced my life more than I could have ever imagined. I joined the GECC in the fall of 1998 as an intensely shy and nervous eleven year old who did not want to sing too loud or too high for fear of making a fool out of herself. Despite my insecurities, I slowly began to draw out of my shell due to the fantastic instructors, chaperones, and choristers that I came in contact with. I soon found myself hooked on the GECC, which inspired me to pursue a lifelong passion for singing. Upon leaving the GECC in 2003, I knew that I wanted to make singing and performing my career focus. I began pushing myself to be the best musician possible. I find the more I invest myself in voice study, the more I love it. This past year I have worked to transfer into a different music school and was shocked and thrilled to find much success in doing so. I was accepted into every school I auditioned for and am planning on entering The Oberlin Conservatory of Music next year as a voice performance major. It would be wrong of me not to credit the GECC for my successes because I know that everyone I met during my five years there played some part in getting me to where I am today. To everyone involved with the administrative aspects of the GECC: thank you for devoting your efforts to the promotion of a wonderful musical education. Thank you to my peers for sharing your gifts of music with me. Mr. Buhr, I don't know how your fingers do it, but keep doing it! Ms. Ellsworth, you are and will always be one of the most influential educators I have ever encountered. Finally, to all of the current GECC members, Thank you for the wonderful music making. I hope each of you can find your passion as I did. Go get ‘em in South Africa!
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Emily's Notes
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I offer another quote from my bulletin board at the office this month: Let me possess myself Be calm in mind and quiet in my heart. Let me take time to watch the candle's light And know it is the same Vast silence of the silver stars. (John Q. Parkhurst) April and May at the GECC have evolved into our busiest time of year, when we are all in need of the above words! Welcoming the Cincinnati Children's Choir for Concert Chorus and performing at a concert series in Arlington Heights for Touring led right into our Elgin Symphony performances and annual Honors Chorus SingFest, then on into our final preparations for our gala spring concert with the Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago as guest artists on May 19. Much discipline and stamina are required in late spring from our choristers as they juggle all the activities in their very full lives. And yet the joy of singing and of making music at a high level of excellence feeds and renews us at the same time. I look forward to the many events which will bring this season to a resounding close. I invite you all to join us whenever you can, and to take a moment to "watch the candle's light" from time to time as well.
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Come For "An African Celebration"
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On Saturday, May 19th, at 7:00 PM, you are invited to "An African Celebration" at Edman Chapel in Wheaton. You will hear the drumbeat of Africa, move to authentic South African songs, and watch the colorful Muntu Dance Theatre as they perform ancient and contemporary African dances. Call now for tickets 630-858-2471 or visit us online.
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For more information about the Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus call 630-858-2471 or visit our website at www.gechildrenschorus.org.
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