The mission of the Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale is to:
- Develop the musical abilities and awareness of its members.
- Provide participants and audiences with an enjoyable and creative outlet for their cultural needs.
- Serve as a reminder to the community of the beauty and universality of music in every sense.
The Chorale was founded in January 1985, with the goal of building a long and respected musical tradition in the community. Today, the Chorale includes 60 members from throughout the western suburbs of Chicago. The group consists of singers from the auditioning novice to professional-level singers performing a wide variety of music, including: jazz, gospel/spirituals, pop, larger works of choral music, sacred, folk, all-time favorites, and show tunes. We provide members the opportunity to strengthen their musical abilities and appreciation. Skills are enhanced through large group and sectional rehearsals. More advanced members have the opportunity to perform in ensembles or as soloists.
The Chorale presents both paid and free outreach concerts throughout the year as a culmination of its members' efforts to enhance the community's appreciation and love for a variety of music. Outreach concerts give special consideration to local retirement and nursing home facilities that may be underserved by other arts programs. Concerts have incorporated other community musical groups, including the DuPage Symphony Orchestra, the Wheaton Municipal Band, jazz and string ensembles, instrumental soloists, and other chorales, such as the internationally renowned Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus.
In addition to its twice-yearly community concerts, the Chorale has performed at Pheasant Run (with Kenny Rogers), the Oakbrook Marriott Hotel, Windsor Park Manor, Wyndemere Retirement Communities, Beacon Hill, Brighton Gardens, Wheaton Autumn Fest, Kane County Cougar baseball games and Brookfield Zoo's Holiday Magic. Community outreach concerts are performed at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Center, DuPage Convalescent Center, Hines VA Hospital, the Glen Ellyn and Wheaton Christmas Walks, and various community festivals and parades.
The Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale was incorporated as an Illinois non-profit in 1994 and is a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.