In a world that’s particularly heavy, one local nonprofit is continually lifting others up through the power of music.
Uniting Voices (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir) is in the midst of their winter season, with a number of performances throughout the city. This season showcases Uniting Voices singers harmonizing an enchanting mix of original songs, classical works, contemporary tunes and music from around the world.
The organization, nearly 70 years old, consists of four thousand diverse Chicagoland youth from every zip code who come together through neighborhood choirs and a vast network of in-school and after-school programs.
“We are not just a choir,” says Josephine Lee, president of Uniting Voices. “We are a movement made up of young artists from diverse backgrounds who change the world through empathy and compassion.
Empowering Chicago youth through the transformative power of music
Uniting Voices was founded in Hyde Park 1956 as the Children’s Chorus of the First Unitarian Church of Chicago in direct response to the Civil Rights Movement. What started out as one choir became a network of 150+ choirs and has grown into one of the city’s most important cultural institutions and civic ambassadors.
Uniting Voices has a unique curriculum that helps students explore cultures of their peers and people around the globe. Their performances include a diverse repertoire of songs.
“The kids are getting a very holistic education in addition to moving and dancing. We delve into history through the education that we give,” says Lee. “They learn the great classics, music from the apartheid era and Latin America. We have concerts that are specifically curated for each culture.”
A portion of the choir have the opportunity to tour both locally and around the world. The choir has visited Tokyo, Capetown, Europe and Egypt. In the last couple years, they’ve traveled to Mexico City, performed at the Kennedy Center and made an appearance on Saturday Night Live.
Uniting Voices members have also performed with professional musicians including Chance the Rapper, Yo-Yo Ma and Queen Latifah.
“The amount of beauty we bring when we travel is incredible,” Lee says. “Everyone is so inspired by seeing young people come together and create excellence.”
Matilde Velez-Lauria, a senior at Whitney Young, has been a part of Uniting Voices for the last 10 years. She says her involvement with the group has changed her in countless ways and has given her the discipline and knowledge to use outside of the music field.
“Being in rehearsals, having to be focused, dedicating yourself to your craft is something I learned at such a young age,” says Velez-Lauria, who plans to attend university in Italy next year. “The touring opportunities I’ve had with this organization since fifth grade have prepared me to be a global citizen.”
How to get involved
Uniting Voices is open to students ages 6 to 18. Anyone who joins Uniting Voices is not required to have prior musical experience and will learn technique and a history of different kinds of music. Rehearsals run twice a week and several workshops include appearances from acclaimed artists. Those interested can visit the Uniting Voices website for additional information.
“We call Uniting Voices Chicago’s best kept secret,” says Lee. “With music, you can process your emotions, share and elevate each other, bring out the hope in each other and inspire each other to do great things while creating a more harmonious world together.”
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