Exceptional Chorus
Who We Are
An Exceptional Chorus, Inc provides music, choreographic training and performance opportunities for high school age students and adults with physical and/or cognitive disabilities.
The Chorus was started in 1981. It was started to fill a need for exceptional education high school students who were not always given an opportunity to participate in music classes. Access to regular education was often too challenging due to the four-part harmony requirement, reading music, and pitch. What started out to be a class offering is now a highly sought after performance organization!
What We Do
The Chorus, over the years, has provided a rich variety of fully costumed and choreographed musical performances. These shows have educated and delighted audiences from Upper Michigan to Washington, D.C. to Florida!
In the beginning…
We fondly remember when “in the beginning” of the formation of An Exceptional Chorus, it would take a full week to learn basic, simple choreography to enhance the music that was memorized.
Today, and for many past years, the directors write a new show averaging 13-15 fully choreographed songs each year. Even now, or members can recall previous shows after only a minimal amount of review.
From Schoolroom Class to Becoming a Non-Profit, Tax Exempt Educational Corporation
After just 7 years of the chorus, it became apparent that music had become an important part of our members lives. As adults, we have access to a variety of educational and recreational opportunities. This is often not the case for the developmentally challenged. In response to this need, the Alumni Chorus was formed. In 2000, An Exceptional Chorus was incorporated and acquired non-profit, tax exempt status from the State of Wisconsin.
Our Annual Summer Trips
Why we go: All skills are not learned in the classroom! A yearly, week long trip affords the chorus members an opportunity to grow emotionally, develop greater independence, and enjoy each other’s company. It also provides respite for their parents/guardians.
Every trip the chorus has taken has developed a better understanding and appreciation of our talented members. Statements like “I had no idea what these young people are capable of” or “I myself couldn’t memorize all that music and choreography” are commonly heard.
This is the passion of the directors – to show that the developmentally challenged are an integral part of your world!
Where we go: Trips change from year to year. We have traveled to northern Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, and multiple trips to Florida.