The Frederick Children’s Chorus (FCC) is a non auditioned, all inclusive children’s chorus for ages 3-18 that provides music education and performance opportunities.
A conversation with Carrie Silver, Little Music Makers Coordinator
What is the Frederick Children’s Chorus and how did it get started?
FCC was founded on the principle that any child, regardless of training or financial standing, should be able to become the best singer they can be and their mission, bringing children together for the joyful exploration and celebration of singing, drives everything that they do.
The Chorus was founded in 1985 to give children a place where they could gather to sing, learn to read music, and enjoy the company of other children who liked to sing. It grew from just 13 singers to over 200 in the late 90s, leveling off to the 100-150 prior to the pandemic and have since begun to grow to those numbers once more.
What do you like most about being a nonprofit organization in Frederick?
The Frederick community is unmatched. We have loved being a part of the community since 1985 and love even more when our singers can enhance community activities at festivals, on the stage, during our summer camps and especially during the holiday season. We love getting to know families in the area and especially their singers. Some of our high school singers have been with us since their Little Music Makers days, starting at age 5!
What makes the Frederick Children’s Chorus unique?
The Frederick Children’s Chorus is the only non-church, non-school affiliated children’s chorus in Frederick! Every child who wishes to have a spot in our Chorus can do so. What makes the Chorus especially unique is the inclusion of musicianship classes within the rehearsal evenings. Once our singers reach 3rd grade, they begin musicianship classes in addition to their music rehearsals. Singers focus on ear training, sight singing, notation and more. This aspect of the Chorus is especially important as many students do not receive music classes in middle school, which means that our chorus bridges the gap between elementary music and the high school arts programs.
What do you want the Frederick Children’s Chorus to be known for?
Aside from producing amazing concerts (and having a lot of fun!), we want to be known as a place where singers can come and be themselves. Absolutely everyone is welcome. Music is universal. It is healing. It knows no boundaries and has no fences. We want every child who comes into our organization, whether it be at age 3 or 18, to become the best singer they can be, the best version of themselves that they can be, and to find and nurture life-long friendships.
In what ways can people in the community support you?
Our programs are sustained by the generous support of donors and grants. Direct donations via our website are always appreciated. Individuals and businesses interested in sponsoring a singer can contact us as well.
Other ways in which the community can support us is by simply spreading the word about who we are and what we do! Frederick is growing quickly and we want nothing more than to let new families know that we are here. We would love to speak to anyone interested and would love even more to see new faces at our performances and summer camps!
We know you have a full event calendar for the holidays, what events do you have planned?
We are gearing up for our Winter Concert on December 11 at St. Katharine’s, The Festival of Lights on December 16 and finally our 27th Messiah Sing-Along at the Weinberg on Tuesday, December 20 at 8pm. Tickets are on sale now, so grab yours today! We promise it will be an experience you will not forget!
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.