OUR MISSION

Mission Statement

To provide each child with an opportunity to grow musically, artistically, and personally

To foster a sense of wonder and pride through the joy of singing beautifully and with excellence

To educate through the study and performance of quality and diverse choral literature

To reflect the cultural and social diversity of our county

“It starts with just a single voice…”

The Children’s Chorus of Collin County began in January, 2007, with a very special group of talented and unique children’s voices, who wanted to make a difference by contributing their music to the cities where they lived.   The Children’s Chorus of Collin County is privileged to be situated in one of the fastest growing, ever-changing counties in North Texas.  The Chorus is now comprised of over sixty members and growing stronger in number and reputation each day!  The Chorus is an auditioned group of boys and girls, currently fourth through eighth grade who exhibit superior musical and vocal skills, enthusiasm for choral performance, and a strong desire to be a part of a growing group of talented youth.

“…it reaches out to touch your heart…the sound is growing near…”

The performances of the Children’s Chorus of Collin County have showcased their versatility and musicianship in local, state and national venues such as:

McKinney - The Historic McKinney Performing Arts Center with International Celtic Violinist, Eileen Ivers

Plano - St. Andrew United Methodist Church with Steinway Piano Artists, Stephen Nielson and Ovid Young

Frisco – Holiday Concert with Frisco Chorale and a shared Spring Concert with the Houston Boy Choir

Farmersville – Lighting of the City Christmas Tree and Holiday Concert for Rotary Club 

McKinney – Broadway Show with the Scott Johnson Middle School Choir and the Vega Elementary All-Star Choir  

Grand Prairie - Nokia Theater, Grand Prairie with Casting Crowns

New York City – Carnegie Hall, National Children’s Choir Festival with Emily Ellsworth

“…when voices come together, the message can be strong…”"

This group of multi-talented children amazes and astounds audiences with their special talents.  Within the group, there are budding songwriters, talented instrumentalists, actors who perform regularly in their community theaters, singers who lend their talents to school and church choirs in addition to the Chorus, and many talented soloists in their own right who perform individually in local and even national settings. The Children’s Chorus of Collin County is led by Artistic Director, Janie Oliver.  Executive Director is Russ Porter.

“… for when you hear a single voice, won’t others join along?”

HISTORY OF THE CHORUS

The Children's Chorus of Collin County began in December, 2006 by area musicians and business leaders.  The Chorus began rehearsals in January, 2007 in Wylie, Texas.  That Chorus consisted of fourteen talented & dedicated singers directed by Janie Oliver & Darla Meek, with Carla Gaylor as accompanist.  The Spring Concert location was at Woodbridge Country Club in Wylie, and was a culmination of four and a half months of hard work. The first full Chorus season began in September, 2007 with over fifty children. Rehearsals were moved to St. Andrew United Methodist Church,  5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX. The 2007 holiday concert location was St. Andrew UMC on December 3, 2007. The chorus shared the stage with the popular virtuoso piano duo, Neilson and Young. The second full Chorus season began with almost sixty children. The 2008 holiday concert was on December 8, 2008. Additional holiday concerts featured the Boys of the Chorus ensemble with Casting Crowns at the Nokia Theatre and the full Chorus shared a concert with the Frisco Chorale. An Evening on Broadway show was presented March 6, 2009 at the McKinney North High School Auditorium and was funded in part through a grant from the City of McKinney and the McKinney Arts Commission. The students are currently rehearsing for the Spring concert and music for the Festival in New York City. Members are selected through private audition. Qualifications are a good voice, a love of music, and a desire to grow artistically, musically, and personally.  Members must commit to regular rehearsal and performance attendance. Choir placement will be determined by musical/vocal readiness, emotional maturity, attitude and ability to focus.

VISION FOR THE CHORUS

· Develop the Chorus to its fullest potential as a premier musical organization

· Reflect the cultural and social diversity of our community

· Perform diverse repertoire of quality literature

· Provide a good choral education

· Encourage the growth of the individual child

· Expand and strengthen this quality, comprehensive choral organization for children and teens

· Develop ties to the music teachers in schools and churches

· Develop contacts in the cities of Collin County

· Perform throughout our county

· Develop recognition outside of our county

· Develop a vibrant, working Board of Directors

· Expand and locate new sources of income

CHORUS MEMBERS COME FROM THE FOLLOWING CITIES