In
2002, Judy Floodstrand and Ami Lotka conceived the idea of creating a
choir at their childrens' school, St. Isaac Jogues of Hinsdale, IL. As
things progressed, they enlisted the help of another friend, Jenny
Mather. Many late-night conversations around the kitchen table soon
followed. We hired Julie Petrando of Shine, LLC, to be our Creative Director. Volunteers
were found, tuition was set, and Judy, Ami and Jenny framed what was to
be our first concert season: one choir comprised of 47 children in
grades 3 through 8, performing both a Holiday and a Spring Concert.
A second choir was added in 2003. By 2004, the beginnings of a competitive showchoir were formed, which allowed us to travel to Orlando, Florida that year to participate in the Disney Magic Music Days youth celebration. With Jenny as our volunteer choreographer for the first three seasons, each year we have inched forward and built upon our successes. With the help of some other friends and professional advisors in early 2007 we formally organized as Angels Sing Inc., an Illinois not-for-profit corporation.
Along the way we have said goodbye to old friends. Ami and her family moved to another state and Jenny chose to spend more time with her family. However, we have also welcomed new friends that have helped us grow.
Today we go forward with four choirs, including the award-winning Cadence showchoir. Some 180 children currently participate, with enrollment open to all children. We continue to be financially self-sufficient. All funds that are raised are spent on behalf of the children. What began as a dream has now flourished into the gift of music for the children in our community, and thus, our tagline:
Bringing Music to Young Lives!
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