Our Choirs
No experience is necessary to join any of our Choirs. Joining a particular Choir depends upon a combination of a singer’s natural musical abilities, age, and the type of choral experience that singer is looking for. Our choirs sing a diverse repertoire, in various languages and styles. Most of our Choirs perform in our three self-produced events each year—our Holiday Concert, our Spring Concert and our Spring Fundraiser. Beyond those events, the Concert Choir is our primary group for other special performances, collaborations, etc., although our other Choirs may occasionally enjoy other performance opportunities as they might arise. Please see Join Us for more detailed information on how to join.
COVID-19 Note: We are proud of our record of never having had an outbreak stem from any of our rehearsals or concerts throughout the entire pandemic. We will continue to follow appropriate protocols as necessary. Right now the risk is relatively low. Masks are optional, and vaccination is not required. We will continue running our dual medical grade HEPA filters during rehearsals, and may also reinstate other measures and precautions as deemed necessary, if circumstances change.
Concert Choir
This is our top ensemble. Singers must audition for this performance-oriented Choir, displaying a solid sense of pitch and good focus. In addition to that, we are looking for singers who take particular pride in performing at a high level—who view singing not only as a fun activity but also as a vehicle for personal achievement and growth. A wide variety of musical styles and genres are explored in this enriching program. This is a true mixed-age group, accepting qualified singers grades 3 through high school with treble-ranged voices, with limited special internship opportunities for exceptional high school students. In addition to our self-produced events, the Concert Choir takes on the ECC’s highest-profile performances such as official City of Evanston events, major private events, or collaborations with other arts organizations like the Evanston Symphony and the North Shore Choral Society, as well as occasional outreach performances. Concert Choir members rehearse twice a week, and a typical number of performances is 5-6 per semester.
Days/Times: Tuesdays, 4:15-5:45 and Thursdays, 4:15-5:15 at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston, Rm. 107
1st Winter/Spring Semester Rehearsal: Tuesday, January 9th, 2024
Members: Grades 3 through high school, by audition
Instructor: Gary Geiger
Tuition: $495/semester. Financial assistance and sibling discounts are available.
Youth Chorale Pops
This is a mixed-age, mixed-level group for grades 1-8, with a contemporary/pop theme. No audition is required—sign up and sing! This is our group for young beginners, as well as for kids who are a little older but are not ready for—or may choose not to participate in—the Concert Choir. Material is adapted to suit the group as a whole, and individual members take on roles within the group appropriate for their ability levels. Older singers in Youth Chorale serve as section leaders and mentors for their younger counterparts. The focus of this group is on developing good vocal skills and habits, and experiencing the joy of singing. Youth Chorale typically performs at our Holiday Concert in December, at our Spring Fundraiser and at our Spring Concert in May, with other performances possibly being added as opportunities might arise.
Day/Time: Mondays, 4:15-5:15 at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St., Evanston, Rm. 107
1st Winter/Spring Semester Rehearsal: Monday, January 8th, 2024
Members: Grades 1-8, no audition required (space is limited, currently running at or near capacity; check for availability)
Instructor: Sarah Bartolome
Tuition: $255/semester. Financial assistance and sibling discounts are available.
STORY CHOIR
After a pandemic-induced hiatus, one of our most popular groups ever is back! Everyone loves a good story, and it’s even better when you can sing along with it. Each session will feature songs and narration from one story, either from a popular movie or other classic tale. This group is geared towards grades 1-5, and no audition is required. Sessions are shorter than our typical semesters, running 9 weeks each. It’s like a mini musical without tech week! Winter Session Story is Encanto.
Day/Time: Fridays, 4:15-5:15 at The Musical Offering, 743 Custer St., Evanston, Madison Room
1st Winter Session Rehearsal: Friday, January 12th, 2024
Members: Grades 1-5, no audition required (space limited, 25 max)
Instructor: Delaney Roberts
Tuition: $195/session. Financial assistance and sibling discounts are available.
Pope John XXIII School Choir
The ECC is currently in residence at Pope John XXIII School in Evanston.
Days/Times: Wednesdays, 2:00-3:00 on the campus of Pope John XXIII School
1st Winter/Spring Semester Rehearsal: Wednesday, January 17th, 2024
Members: grades 3-8, no audition required
Instructor: Gary Geiger
Tuition: N/A (for enrolled Pope John XXIII students only)
