hamburger
Boards Header 1600x1200

Our Story

Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children's Choir) inspires and unites youth from diverse backgrounds to become global leaders through music.

Circle 1000x1000 5
Children Laughing

Founded in 1956 by Rev. Christopher Moore as the Children's Chorus of the First Unitarian Church of Chicago in direct response to the Civil Rights Movement, Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children's Choir) is rooted in the belief that music is a vehicle for fostering empathy and respect between young people of all races, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, gender identities, and sexual orientations.

Since its founding 65 years ago, our organization has grown from a single choir into a vast network of school and after-school programs that serve thousands of students every year. We offer a performance-based learning experience built around innovative creative partnerships and compelling artistic endeavors—from regular appearances at Lyric Opera and Ravinia Festival to one-of-a-kind features on major recording projects like Chance the Rapper’s Coloring Book (2016) and The Big Day (2019).

For more than half a century, we have developed programs that embrace the racial and economic diversity of Chicago, making a high-caliber musical education available to any singer who wants it. Accessibility forms the foundation of our signature world-class instruction. Eighty percent of our youth live in low-to-moderate income households, and every year these 4,000+ students participate completely free of charge. Whether they’re just getting started or are already seasoned performers, youth from every corner of the city discover how to make their voice heard through our empowering programs.

Learn More

We are now Uniting Voices.

Our name has changed but our song remains the same.

Girl singing
50k+
alumni around the world.
81
Chicago zip codes represented.
80%
of students participate free of charge.

Our Impact

Explore Impact

Our Team

It takes a village to empower our singers to become global ambassadors for change. The Uniting Voices Chicago family is made up of dedicated individuals, from our devoted faculty and staff to our passionate families and community partners. The work we do wouldn’t be possible without the tireless efforts of this committed community. Once you join us, you’re always family.

Read More
Our Team 1000x1000
History 1000x1000

Our History

A lot has changed in 65 years. But our mission has stayed the same. From a single choir on Chicago’s South Side founded by Rev. Christopher Moore to a vast network of globally-recognized music education programs, Uniting Voices Chicago has remained a force of transformation in the lives of young people through dynamic musical experiences. In school, at home and on the stage, our programs have raised the voices of more than 50,000 singers. And we’re just getting started.