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Uniting Voices Chicago’s signature, world-class instruction and programming is offered to students in Chicago area schools.

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Our school programs give singers the opportunity to express themselves, practice empathy and develop the tools they need to become global leaders through music.

Why Uniting Voices Chicago?

The power of music bridges social divisions, including race, gender and religion. With our voice as our instrument, Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children's Choir) provides a barrier-free space for self-expression and a meaningful opportunity to experience community. Uniting Voices Chicago delivers an unparalleled experience, with high-caliber instruction, confidence-inspiring expectations and incomparable performance opportunities, empowering students to reach their potential as musicians and as people.

Throughout the year, singers have the opportunity to:

  • Learn music from an array of genres and cultures—authentic to the style and language of each piece, incorporating movement as much as possible
  • More deeply understand how music is created across artistic and social traditions
  • Engage in dialogue about the historical and social context of music and its relevance today
  • Feel a sense of pride through exceptional performance
  • Form friendships that will last a lifetime with other young people in neighborhoods across the city

To start your students' music journey, reach out to Drew Smith, School Program Director.

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Our Method

We empower and unite youth from diverse backgrounds to find their voice and celebrate their common humanity through the power of music. We approach choral singing comprehensively, empowering singers to fully explore the culturally expressive qualities of music. Our model is in line with the National Standards for Music Education and Illinois Arts Learning Standards.

Since 1960, Uniting Voices Chicago has partnered with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to support its core values and is committed to helping CPS meet its commitment to furthering academic progress for its students. Uniting Voices Chicago’s singular programming supplement the arts education opportunities offered to students in schools, allowing them to discover their creative potential while engaging with a strong curriculum that supports success in other disciplines. Singers who participate in Uniting Voices Chicago’s School Program develop important social and emotional skills that are crucial for success in school and beyond.

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The best thing about Uniting Voices is that I have seen our quietest students blossom into beautiful singers and performers. Uniting Voices allows our students to find their own unique voice, and that voice is found through music.

Israel Perez Principal, Richard Yates Elementary School

Program Plans

Uniting Voices Residency programs serve students in third through eighth grades. Programs are most successful during the school day (In-School Residency), but we are able to accommodate some programs outside of the school day (Out of School Residency). Pricing structure is as follows.

Uniting Voices Chicago School Program pricing is subsidized by more than 50% thanks to the generosity of our donor community. Schools requiring further financial aid can apply to the Uniting Voices Chicago School Fund through the sign-up process.

"This wonderful program has given many of my students the opportunity to shine and feel confident about themselves as they learn to sing songs from around the world."

Principal Arriaga, Tonti Elementary School

Program Agreement

Your School Receives

World-Class Instruction
All of our accomplished faculty have degrees in music and music education, and most have advanced degrees. Our instructors are trained in culturally responsive and empowering methodology to establish the choir at your school.

Engaging Rehearsals
One or two rehearsals per week from September-May, creating a consistent learning environment for your students.

Comprehensive Assessments to get insights from your students’ learning over the course of the year.

An Experienced Pianist to provide live accompaniment for performances.

Multicultural Repertoire
Music from a variety of cultures and styles allows your students to engage more meaningfully with the world around them.

Materials
Materials include sheet music, SEL packets, and uniforms.

Performances
Performances at your school and at city-wide events empower your singers to be ambassadors for the school community and connect with other Uniting Voices Chicago singers from across Chicago.


We Expect

Dedicated Rehearsal Time
Maximize participation in our program by ensuring rehearsals take place consistently.

Consistent Student Attendance
Teachers and staff should dismiss students in a timely manner to arrive to all rehearsals on time.

Space and Facilities
To create an optimal educational environment, rehearsals should take place in a room of suitable size with ample seating for all singers; provide a piano/keyboard and a whiteboard.

Choir Liaison
In addition to the principal, a dedicated choir liaison should be assigned from the school to facilitate necessary communication between the conductor and your school. Additionally, best practice dictates that a CPS-certified employee should be within line-sight during rehearsals.

Performance Opportunities
Students benefit from performing in multiple concerts during the school year, both at their own school and across the city during field trips organized by Uniting Voices Chicago.

Uniting Voices Chicago is a certified partner of Chicago Public Schools. Our vendor number is 73393.

Funds for your school’s choir program can come from a variety of sources. Many schools use community partnerships, corporate sponsors, arts grants, or partner with us for Creative Schools Fund applications.

"It's an opportunity for students to see what is possible in themselves. Learning out of a packet is one thing but then to take that knowledge and growth out of our classroom into our diverse city is what brings true meaning to the work."

Mandolyn Barrymore, Music Teacher, Polaris Charter Academy

Ready to sign up?

Provide some brief information and we can begin working together to bring inspiring programming to your students in the coming year.
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