Chicago Community Chorus History
The mission of the Chicago Community Chorus is to provide an advanced choral experience to anyone who loves to sing. Singers do not have to audition in order to participate in the ensemble. The teaching of vocal technique, music reading skills and the performance of high quality music literature from a variety of musical styles are simultaneous goals of this organization.
Founded on August 18, 2003, the Chicago Community Chorus (CCC) is now comprised of 130 singers from all walks of life and varying levels of musical experience. The chorus actively seeks to reflect the diversity of Chicago by the involvement of singers from a variety of ethnic backgrounds and has children's choir called The Voices of the Future. Weekly rehearsals are held on Mondays at the Park Manor Christian Church (600 East 73rd Street) and on Saturdays at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Logan Square (2649 N. Francisco). The Voices of the Future (VOF), our Children’s Chorus, rehearses on selected Saturdays at Park Manor Christian Church. The chorus presents at least three performances each year in a variety of venues. It performs a wide variety of repertoire that includes choral literature by the great composers from the fifteenth century to the present, spirituals, gospel music, jazz, folk music and show tunes.
Under the umbrella of the CCC are 3 smaller ensembles: The Chamber Professional Ensemble (CPE), are members from CCC who have been selected following a rigorous audition. The Sinai Ensemble performs annually at the Chicago Sinai Temple in order to commemorate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The James L. Demus Memorial Mass Choir was formed to honor the former Senior Pastor of Park Manor Christian Church and specializes in gospel music and hymns of the Black church.
The Board of Directors is responsible for the legal and financial aspects of CCC.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Vickie Johnson, Chairperson
Joseph Smith, Vice-Chairperson
James Hunter, Finance
Lois Jones, Secretary
Choir Officers are members of the choir and are elected by their peers as responsible for the day to day operations of the CCC.
CHOIR OFFICERS
Frank Cargle, President
Avice Nelson, Vice President
Gloria Blaylock, Secretary
Patricia Jackson, Treasurer
Brandon Ward, Financial Secretary
The Music Staff Support Team are members of the choir and are appointed by the Artistic Director as responsible for some of the non musical details of the music staff.
MUSIC STAFF SUPPORT TEAM
Patricia Lampkin-Vinnett – Choir Manager
Ora Ferguson, Susan Plummer & Maretta Smith, Librarians
Dorothy Canady – Directory/Handbook Administrator
The Grant writers are responsible for completing applications which solicit financial support for the CCC.
GRANTWRITERS
Ora Ferguson & Janice Spraggins