The Springfield Children’s Choir made its debut with an Oct. 1 ribbon cutting ceremony that featured city officials and the key members who developed the choir.
The choir includes youth from second through fifth grade and provides an opportunity for children on the east side of Springfield to be trained on classical singing techniques and study composed music.
The program is a collective effort that involves multiple partners. Springfield Public Schools District 186 provides transportation for students to participate during after school hours, and The Salvation Army provides a space to host the children.
“The community and neighborhood surrounding our building is so important to us,” said Captain Marisa McCluer with The Salvation Army. “Being able to provide a space for kids in the area for different things is always on our hearts and mind.”
The children participated in vocal exercises with choir director Wynton Gage. Gage expressed to the kids that singing is a full body activity, and it requires a lot. The children also received binders containing the songs they’ll learn throughout the practices to come.
Community stakeholders and public officials were excited about what this means for the children in Springfield and what they can gain from this experience.
“It gives our kids an opportunity to experience what it’s like to be in a choir where they’re getting professional coaching and professional training,” said Superintendent Dr. Terrance Jordan. “I want them to learn more about music, learn the history of music and learn how to work together.”
Jordan wants the Springfield community to see how much the kids are cared for. He said they were very intentional when selecting the schools that would be a part of this program, and it was important that children who may not typically have access to these resources have the opportunity to participate.
Mayor Misty Buscher was also in attendance and expressed her excitement about what this could mean for the trajectory of a child’s life. “ For some of them, this might be their livelihood, this might be what they do as a career,” said Buscher.
The mayor herself participated in a competition choir when she was a child, so she said she finds it very exciting that the children of Springfield have this opportunity.
The Springfield Children’s Choir staff is looking ahead to the future.
“We want this to be a children’s choir that can sing with the Illinois Symphony, a children’s choir that can go on tour, a children’s choir that can be on TV,” said Jacobsen Woollen, the music director. “We want this choir to be zero barriers, because singing is something that should be for everyone.”
