The Singing Co. of LaPorte will engage participants in meaningful experiences of high-quality music education and performance opportunities, and maintain a strong, collaborative presence within the education and music communities throughout the area. As a recognized leader in music education, The Singing Co. of LaPorte will nurture and inspire all participants by fostering their character through music. Singers establish a lifelong relationship with music of varied genres, cultural origins, and world language through their participation in The Singing Co. of LaPorte. Participants not only gain experience in music education and vocal performance, they are also exposed to an environment that encourages self-confidence, commitment, and compassion. As an organization, The Singing Co. of LaPorte pursues innovative partnerships with members of the arts community who contribute valuable works to the field of music education, engage diverse audiences, and provide singers with memorable performance experiences. The Singing Co. of LaPorte strives to maintain relationships with local institutions that facilitate multi-faceted learning opportunities, and allow our singers to explore and practice music with knowledge and rigor.

Our season begins annually, during the first week of September, with invitations being sent home with every child in grades two through eight in both the public and private schools throughout the county. Invitations to participate are also issued via social and printed media. Within two weeks, weekly rehearsals begin. These rehearsals are used to prepare the children for a holiday concert in December and a spring concert in April. These concerts are free and open to the public. During rehearsals, children are introduced to and learn the music that they will be performing during the season. Solo auditions are also held for those that wish to have that opportunity. Music theory, basic music history, rhythm, breathing techniques, breath support, vowel shape, and sound placement are also taught during rehearsals. Resources, such as online musical selections and CDs, are provided for the children to work on the music outside of regular rehearsal time, which is an expected part of their participation.

Because the performances in both December and April have a small orchestra accompanying them, the children learn how some instruments make their sound and how the instruments work together to produce and enhance the music. The staff accompanist and the musical director lead rehearsals with the aid of two adult volunteers. The Children's Chorus has been invited to and has performed with The LaPorte Symphony Orchestra which gives them an opportunity to perform with a full-size symphony orchestra. In addition, they have been invited to perform for the opening night of Arts in the Park at Fox Park in LaPorte. Bethany Lutheran Church of LaPorte has been very supportive by providing a rehearsal and performance venue at no cost. Following our concerts in December and April, we host a reception that gives the families, friends, members of the community, and staff the opportunity to congratulate each participant on their performance.

Although the programmatic focus is on choir and performance, student participants also acquire a set of “soft skills" and socio-emotional benefits that extend beyond the musical realm. Participants learn to find their voice, develop self esteem, and self confidence. More than this, students find a caring community, where they can be part of a group and experience a sense of cohesion, in a prosocial environment. We also encourage social responsibility by having the children donate items for local food pantries, and offer other opportunities that promote civic responsibility and leadership development.

The Singing Co is best equipped to carry out this program because of the limited opportunities in the area for children. Our staff has as combined 60+ years of musical background and involvement, as well as a love for sharing music with the community. The Board of Directors is a supportive group of individuals dedicated to enriching the lives of children through music education/performance. Finally, the support of Bethany Lutheran Church has equipped us with the facilities to assist in carrying out our mission.

Thus far, we have not collected personal demographic information on choir participants. There are two primary reasons for this. First, many parents would likely feel reluctant to answer questions about socioeconomic status, marriage status, and race/ethnicity. Second, there has not been a programmatic rationale for collecting such data as of yet. However, next year we are planning to construct an evaluation/outcome tool that parents, or their students can fill out, which will allow us to assess program impact. The goal will be to not only address the specific needs that parents identify (ie self esteem, social isolation, etc.) but then identify whether we are meeting these needs and improving the socio-emotional, cognitive, or personal development of the students served. We currently track the number of students participating, as well as the length of their participation as an indicator of program reach.
An online survey will be conducted via our website for parents to indicate the impact of the child's choral participation and their emotional, social, and academic attainment.
Outcomes include:
1) Percentage of program participants who report a positive experience.
2) Percentage of parents who report a positive experience for their children.
3) Percentage of students (depending on age, the respondents may be parents reporting on their behalf) who report higher levels of self esteem or self confidence.
4) Percentage of students (depending on age, the respondents may be parents reporting on their behalf) who report lower levels of social isolation.

Thus far, in our first season, we have reached We currently serve 74 students:
25 males
49 females

Age 7 - 12 students
Age 8 - 16 students
Age 9 - 11 students
Age 10 - 17 students
Age 11 - 6 students
Age 12 - 8 students
Age 13 - 4 students

One of our goals is to continue with this current program.
Another goal is to begin an Adult Choral program consisting of those of high school age students on through adulthood. We believe the effects we hope to have on the lives of those participating in the Children's Choir will be applied to those participating in an adult program.