January 15, 2026
On a blustery evening in Palatine, the Community Center glows with warmth as music drifts from a program room. Piano notes accompany the sound of children’s voices…rehearsals are underway for the Palatine’s Children Chorus (PCC) – a program that has become a vibrant musical home for young singers across the community.
The chorus offers students ages 5 to 18 the opportunity to explore music, develop their voices, and build lasting connections. PCC is organized into age-appropriate ensembles: Do Re Mi – 5 for ages 5-6, Treble Choir for ages 7-8, Intermezzo Choir for ages 9-10, Concert Choir for ages 11-18, and the Honors Choir, a select group drawn from the Concert Choir, typically ages 14-18.
According to Lisa Swan, the District’s Cultural Arts Coordinator, PCC provides far more than performance opportunities. “The ultimate culmination of each session is a concert, but there is so much more music education happening along the way,” Swan said. “Children learn teamwork, musicality, and social skills in a safe, enjoyable environment. Many schools no longer have the funding or time to offer chorus, and we are proud to provide that learning opportunity for kids who love to sing.”
A Desire to Sing is the Only Requirement
One of PCC’s defining features is its accessibility. “There are no auditions- just a simple voice check to determine which chorus is the best fit,” Swan explained. “Anyone ages 5-18 is welcome. We even offer cultural arts scholarships, if tuition could be a barrier.”
The program is intentionally designed to meet singers where they are, both developmentally and musically, nurturing young voices while offering meaningful challenges and leadership opportunities as students grow.
Melissa Schlesinger, Managing Director of Palatine Children’s Chorus, sees this growth firsthand. “Our job is to teach children how to sing well, safely, and confidently,” she said. “If a child loves music and is curious about using their voice, PCC is the perfect place to start and to grow.”
As Managing Director, Schlesinger wears many hats. “I work to ensure PCC is a place where children feel inspired, supported, and excited to learn,” she said. “We value excellent musicianship, creativity, and community, while making sure families feel welcomed and connected every step of the way.”
Building Community Through Song
PCC singers come from a wide range of schools throughout the area, creating a unique environment where children form bonds beyond their classrooms. “They meet peers they might never otherwise know and quickly connect over a shared love of music,” Schlesinger said. “Many move together through multiple choir levels, forming friendships that last for decades. We even have alumni who are still close friends 30 years later.”
Leading the artistic vision of PCC are Artistic Director Luis Solis and Assistant Artistic Director Kirby Meza. “They bring expertise, warmth, and enthusiasm to everything they do,” Schlesinger said. “They challenge singers while making rehearsals a place kids genuinely look forward to each week.”
Solis’s passion for choral music grew from his own musical upbringing. “I took piano and guitar lessons, played in band, and sang in choir,” he said. I fell in love with choir because of the emotional power of singing together and how it connects people. Working with a children’s chorus has been a dream of mine.”
Learning Music and Life Skills
Students at PCC study a wide variety of musical styles, from classical and jazz to contemporary and multicultural pieces. I choose music that will engage students while helping them grow,” Solis said. “I think about each ensemble’s strengths and include challenges like harmonies, descants, or solos. I also value student input when selecting repertoire.”
Healthy vocal techniques are a key focus of every rehearsal. “We spend time on age- appropriate warm-ups, posture, breathing, blend, diction, and range,” Solis explained. “These habits build confidence and support lifelong vocal health.”
Beyond musical skills, Solis sees choir as a foundation for personal growth. “Students gain confidence, discipline, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging,” he said. “Choir experience can benefit school music programs, musical theater auditions, and even lead to scholarship opportunities.”
Rehearsals are intentionally active and joyful, using movement, games, and imaginative storytelling to reinforce musical concepts. “Children are learning constantly,” Schlesinger said, “but they’re also laughing and collaborating, which makes the learning truly stick.”
More Than a Chorus
As singers advance, PCC offers opportunities to perform locally, nationally, and even internationally. These experiences may include festivals such as ILMEA, summer vocal camps, collaborative concerts, tours, and special events that expose students to high-level music making. “These opportunities create lasting memories and a deeper connection to choral music,” Solis said.
Parents interested in the program are encouraged to observe a rehearsal. “We love when families come see PCC in action,” Schlesinger said. “There’s nothing like experiencing the energy and joy of our singers firsthand.”
Registration is currently open for the new season of Palatine Children’s Chorus. For more information, e-mail pccsings@palatineparks.org or visit pccsings.org.
If your child has a song in their heart – or is simply curious about finding their voice – the Palatine Children’s Chorus offers a place to be heard, supported, and inspired.
