The Palatine Children’s Chorus, under the artistic direction of Susan Falbo assisted by Melissa Laabs (Assistant Director), Michelle Nunez (Principal Accompanist), Lily Hoops  (Do Re Mi/Treble Accompanist), Susannah Kist (Sing With Me Director), Diane Ramsden (Managing Director), and Sue Love (Tour/Finance Manager), opened its 21st season in September 2007 with more than 170 singers in our 5 choirs.  The Chorus is a program of the Palatine Park District; we are dedicated to encouraging all children to discover the joy of music and the excitement of performing. 

Our program begins with children 4 and 5 years old in Sing With Me where through musical games and movement, they learn to distinguish high and low notes, basic rhythmic counting, and creating a singing voice.  Children ages 6 and 7 in our Do Re Mi Choir directed by Mrs. Laabs learn more about music through a wide variety of musical games and lessons. Children (age 8 and up) who attend a short listening session are accepted into our Treble Choir, where they learn basic music theory and work on unison and two-part music with director Mrs. Laabs.  Singers who are familiar with music either from private instrumental lessons, school, or Treble Choir sing in our Intermezzo Choir with Mrs. Falbo where they continue to study music theory and develop their ability to sing more complex two-part harmony. 

When these singers demonstrate their maturity, commitment, extended musical knowledge, and vocal development, they are ready to move into Concert Choir, our touring choir. While all of our choirs perform at Cutting Hall twice a year, Concert Choir performs many times throughout the year at a wide variety of venues.  Within the past few years, Concert Choir has travelled to Canada to participate in the 1997 Niagara International Music Festival and to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall as part of the 1999 National Children’s Choir under the direction of Henry Leck.  In addition, they have performed the National Anthem for the Chicago Sting, the Rockford Cubbies, the Kane County Cougars, and the Chicago White Sox; entertained members of the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association at their annual conference; and continue to perform at a number of local churches and special events including Palatine’s annual holiday tree lighting ceremony. 

In July, 2001, Concert Choir traveled to the United Kingdom for 10 days, where our singers performed in Cardiff, Wales, with a Welsh children’s chorus; Stratford-Upon-Avon; Windsor; London; and twice in Canterbury Cathedral where they studied with David Flood, cathedral organist and choirmaster.  And in 2003, they enjoyed a 7-day performance tour to Quebec and Montreal.  In July 2005, Concert Choir traveled to Hawaii to participate in Henry Leck’s Pacific Rim Children’s Chorus Festival.  In July 2007 they traveled to Austria and Italy on their 20th anniversary Celebration Tour including performances in the Cantus Salisburgensis festival in Salzburg, Austria.

Members of our fifth choir, Honors Choir, are part of Concert Choir but also learn their own challenging repertoire and perform throughout the Chicago area. These are our most accomplished, talented, dedicated musicians who have enjoyed performing the National Anthem for the Chicago Cubs and honoring the Park District’s retired Executive Director Fred Hall by performing at the 2002 Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Annual Conference.   In August 2000 they appeared at the 100th Annual Hobo Days Festival in Britt, IA.  Honors Choir traveled to New York City in August 2004 where they performed at numerous venues including St. Patrick’s Cathedral and are looking forward to their Golden Gate 2008 tour to San Francisco in July.

Members of our fifth choir, Honors Choir, are part of Concert Choir but also learn their own challenging repertoire and perform throughout the Chicago area. These are our most accomplished, talented, dedicated musicians who have enjoyed performing the National Anthem for the Chicago Cubs and honoring the Park District’s retired Executive Director Fred Hall by performing at the 2002 Illinois Parks and Recreation Association Annual Conference.   In August 2000 they appeared at the 100th Annual Hobo Days Festival in Britt, IA.  Honors Choir traveled to New York City in August 2004 where they performed at numerous venues including St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

We are glad you’ve joined us today and are honored to share our music with you.                                                                                                                     

 

PCC staff list:  

 

Susal Falbo, Artistic Director

Melissa Laabs, Do Re Mi/Treble Director

Michelle Nunez, Principal Accompanist

Lily Hoops, Do Re Mi/Treble Accompanist

Diane Ramsden, General Manager

Sue Love, Tour/Finance Manager

 

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Last Updated On: 02/19/2008