Community Programs

Anima is proud to be a member of a vibrant community and includes in its programs a number of annual events and activities to support the schools, families and other local music programs.

Boys Only! Bash
Held each fall involving from 60-100 young boys in singing activities designed to promote growth and friendship. Led by a dynamic male conductor, the day is filled with rehearsal, musical games, and a closing demonstration concert for teachers, families and peers. This workshop is offered as a way of encouraging and rewarding motivated boys’ involvement in vocal music. Boys, ages 8-14, participate on recommendation of their music teacher, joining the boys of Anima.

Honors Chorus SingFest! (workshop and festival held each spring)
Offers hundreds of young singers and their teachers a day of invigorating challenge and musical growth through high-caliber choral activities led by prominent guest clinicians and the Anima Artistic Director. It is designed to support classroom music programs and community-based choruses by giving school children and their teachers a motivating, stimulating, educational and enriching experience that they can take back to support classroom music programs and community based choruses. In addition to the rehearsals and learning experiences for students, SingFest offers concurrent sessions for teachers focusing on rehearsal strategies, vocal pedagogy for the child voice, and appropriate new repertoire. Teachers may earn continuing education credit from the state for their participation in this event.

Approximately 350-400 children and 35-60 music teachers take part in this one-of-a-kind choral experience. Registration efforts target schools throughout DuPage, Kane, Will and Cook counties.

Over its 18-year history the Honors Chorus SingFest has focused on such topics as Music of the Americas, Opera & Musical Theater, Gospel & Spirituals, Music of Latin America, American Jazz, Music for the Millennium and African dancing and drumming. Guest clinicians have included: Juan Tony Guzman, Duain Wolfe, Sandra Snow, Doreen Rao, Henry Leck, Betty Bertaux and many others.

School Exchanges
Provide an effective way for the Chorus to reach hundreds of school children at no charge. This program involves hundreds of students in quality musical experiences on-site in their own schools. Each winter, programs ranging from 30-60 minutes in length are presented in numerous area schools. School music teachers help define the type of program that best meets their needs, ranging from interactive rehearsals with their choirs, to vocal demonstrations by Anima, or performances for all-school assemblies. School Exchanges generate interest in music, support local music teachers and their programs, and offer musical opportunities of high artistic caliber.

Exodus
Free once a week musical experience program for immigrant children, launched in 2006, held in conjunction with an after school program at a local school. Led by the Anima Artistic Director, the program provides quality music education, and an opportunity for children from different lands to share their music as well. This free program serves an important role in helping these children assimilate into a new culture, honor the cultures from which they have come, and provide empowering singing experiences.

Financial Aid
One of Anima's key commitments is that finances not preclude a child from participating in any Chorus program. Financial aid is available based on economic need.