Uniting Voices Chicago

What Uniting Voices Chicago does

Uniting Voices Chicago is a nonprofit youth music education organization founded in 1956 (originally as Chicago Children's Choir, rebranded in 2023) that delivers vocal music instruction and performance programming to nearly 4,000 young people annually across Chicago and Lexington, Kentucky. Programming is delivered through two principal channels: in-school residencies in 85 Chicago Public Schools and a citywide network of after-school neighborhood choirs, plus tiered ensemble progression from Prelude (1st–2nd grade) through Dimension (changing voices) to Voice of Chicago, the premier high-school ensemble that tours internationally and performs with major cultural institutions. A Future Music Educators program and the original-works initiative Our Songs, Our Stories extend the offering into talent development and repertoire creation.

The organization is structured as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded primarily through philanthropic donations, corporate sponsorships, an annual Red Jacket Optional gala, and sliding-scale program tuition. Revenue is intentionally diversified across thousands of individual donors, a named tier of philanthropic partners contributing $50,000+ annually (including the MacArthur Foundation, NEA, CIBC, Deloitte, PwC, and Crown Family Philanthropies), corporate ensemble sponsorships, and fee-for-service choir bookings for private and corporate events. Tuition is offered on a pay-what-you-can basis to remove financial barriers, and subsidies absorb gaps for lower-income families.

Governance is led by President and Artistic Director Josephine Lee (Emmy Award-winning, Grammy-nominated conductor, 26-year tenure) supported by a C-suite of COO Amy Alvarado Tinucci, CFO Kelly Fekety, CDO Chelsea Lauing, and CPO Jocelyn Smith. Operating technology is standard nonprofit infrastructure — Classy donation platform, social media publishing, video streaming — with no disclosed proprietary platform or AI/ML systems; the durable differentiators are the 70-year brand, the 50,000+ alumni network, the institutional performance partnerships, and the embedded distribution through Chicago Public Schools.

Name

Uniting Voices Chicago

Legal name

Uniting Voices Chicago

Website

https://ccchoir.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1956

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Uniting Voices Chicago is a nonprofit youth music education organization founded in 1956 that delivers vocal music instruction to nearly 4,000 young people annually through Chicago Public Schools, neighborhood choirs, and tiered ensembles, funded primarily via philanthropy, events, and corporate sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Choral Music Education

NAICS

Fine Arts Schools (611610), Fine Arts Schools (61161), Performing Arts Companies (7111), Musical Groups and Artists (711130), Music Publishers (512230), Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Miscellaneous Publishing (2741)

akta.pro primary industry

Group Music Classes & Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir) (EDAMANAC)

Keywords

• Youth choral education
• Music education programs
• After-school choir
• Community music nonprofit
• School vocal instruction

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Thousands of individuals across the globe make donations to empower young singers through annual giving campaigns and one-time gifts
2. Philanthropic Partners: Lead philanthropic supporters donate $50,000+ annually including foundations and major donors
3. Program Tuition: After-school programs offered on sliding scale tuition basis; revenue is supplemented by subsidies for lower-income families
4. Special Events: Annual fundraising events including Red Jacket Optional gala raising over $1.8 million and Paint the Town Red concert
5. Corporate Sponsorship: Year-round benefits and exclusive connections to singers through corporate ensemble program and event sponsorships
6. Book the Choir: Choir performances available for corporate, private, or virtual events

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Uniting Voices Chicago is a nonprofit that delivers choral music education to young people ages 6-18 through in-school instruction across 85 Chicago Public Schools, after-school neighborhood choirs spanning 12 Chicago communities, and the Voice of Chicago premier ensemble. Programming includes sliding-scale tuition, international touring, original compositions, social-emotional learning curriculum, and signature events/concerts, supplemented by professional development for future music educators. Operations are sustained primarily through philanthropic donations, corporate sponsorships, and grants.

Product overview

Uniting Voices Chicago is a nonprofit music education organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs including after-school and in-school music instruction, neighborhood choirs, and its premier ensemble Voice of Chicago. The organization provides programs for all skill levels from Prelude (ages 6-8) through advanced high school ensembles, supplemented by professional development for future music educators, international touring opportunities, and original composition programs like Our Songs, Our Stories. Signature events include Paint the Town Red and Red Jacket Optional gala. The organization expanded with its first affiliate program outside Chicago (Uniting Voices Lexington) in 2023.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Voice of Chicago: Uniting Voices Chicago's most advanced choral ensemble, empowering high-schoolers across the city through an extensive performance schedule including touring and collaborations with Chicago's finest cultural institutions.
• Dimension
• Prelude
• Uniting Voices Lexington

Products and services

• After-school Programs World-class choral music training for singers aged 6-18, including world-class instruction, sessions with international artists, and touring opportunities. Operates across 12 neighborhood choir locations throughout Chicago on a sliding-scale tuition basis.
• School Programs Signature in-school vocal music instruction delivered to students in 85 Chicago Public Schools, bringing world-class choral programming to thousands of Chicago schoolchildren during the school day.
• Neighborhood Choirs Community-based choir programs for students in third grade and up, emphasizing emotional, intellectual, and social development anchored in musical excellence. Held across 12 Chicago neighborhood locations.
• Prelude Beginning-level vocal instruction and literacy program for first and second grade students, introducing foundational musicianship skills through songs and games.
• Dimension Unique ensemble for singers age 12 and up who are beginning the vocal transition into their tenor and baritone voices.
• Voice of Chicago Uniting Voices Chicago's most advanced choral ensemble, empowering high-schoolers across the city through extensive performances, international touring, and collaborations with major cultural institutions and recording artists.
• Future Music Educators Program supporting academic and professional development of music education students and recent graduates who reflect the diversity of Chicago and America.
• Tours International touring program bringing the message of hope, empathy, and understanding to audiences worldwide, creating global cultural experiences and performances for Uniting Voices singers.
• Our Songs, Our Stories Program fusing 21st century sounds with untold stories from historically underrepresented voices, generating original musical works by, for, and with young people.
• Book the Choir Service offering Uniting Voices choirs for corporate, private, or virtual events, providing meaningful entertainment experiences for any occasion.
• Paint the Town Red Annual cornerstone signature event bringing all Uniting Voices Chicago singers together from across Chicago for a citywide concert at Millennium Park's Pritzker Pavilion.
• Red Jacket Optional Annual fundraising gala featuring show-stopping performances and supporting youth programming citywide; the 2025 edition raised over $1.8 million.
• Black History Month Concert Series Annual concert celebrating Africana music and culture, featuring thousands of Chicago school students performing together at the Auditorium Theatre.
• Uniting Voices Lexington Vocal ensemble for diverse youth ages 12-18 in Lexington and the wider Bluegrass region of Kentucky; the organization's first program site outside of Chicago, launched in 2023.

Quantifiable outcome

• Served nearly 4,000 young people annually across 85 Chicago Public Schools
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

39 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.

• John LegendflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformed 'Glory' with Common at Obama Presidential Center opening; ongoing collaboration artist
• CommonflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with John Legend and Uniting Voices at Obama Presidential Center opening
• Karol GflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerVoice of Chicago performed with Karol G on Saturday Night Live from New York
• Djo (Joe Keery)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerClosed out Lollapalooza set with Uniting Voices Chicago on T-Mobile Stage; visited rehearsal for first listen
• Chance the RapperflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Coloring Book and The Big Day projects; Chicago-native supporter
• Yo-Yo MaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternationally renowned artist who has shared stage with Uniting Voices singers
• Jennifer HudsonflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformed at Obama Presidential Center opening; Chicago native collaborator
• Stevie WonderflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformed at Obama Presidential Center grand opening ceremony
• Bruce SpringsteenflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformed at Obama Presidential Center opening; headliner at historic event
• Eddie VedderflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformed at Obama Presidential Center opening with Pearl Jam
• Christina AguileraflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformed at Obama Presidential Center grand opening
• The RootsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerServed as house band at Obama Presidential Center opening ceremony
• Bono and The Edge (U2)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformed at 'One World' global performance at Obama Center opening
• Questlove and The RootsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerArtists who have shared stage with Uniting Voices singers on multiple occasions
• Peter CottonTaleflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on 'Together' song performed on Inauguration Day 2021 with Chance the Rapper, Cynthia Erivo
• Lizz WrightflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformed at International Jazz Day 2026 in Chicago with Uniting Voices choir
• Jacob CollierflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrammy-winning artist who has collaborated with Uniting Voices singers
• Andrea BocelliflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorld-renowned tenor who shared stage with Uniting Voices singers
• Buddy GuyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLegendary Chicago blues musician collaborated with youth choir
• Chicago Symphony OrchestraflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegular performances at Symphony Center and collaborative artistic programming
• Lyric Opera of ChicagoflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduced Carmina Burana at Kennedy Center; regular artistic partnership and performances
• Lookingglass TheatreflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-produced original world musical Sita Ram with three sell-out performances at Harris Theater
• Q Brothers CollectivecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on hip-hop adaptation Long Way Home original production
• Guitars Over GunsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit arts youth organization also performing at Obama Presidential Center opening
• SolangeflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternationally acclaimed artist who has performed with Uniting Voices singers
• Herbie HancockflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLegendary jazz musician featured at International Jazz Day 2026 in Chicago with Uniting Voices
• Kurt EllingflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrammy-winning Chicago vocalist collaborated at International Jazz Day
• Cynthia ErivoflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformed on Inauguration Day 2021 with Uniting Voices and Peter CottonTale
• CYSO (Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Inauguration Day 2021 performance
• Kofi LostcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerArtist collaborated on Inauguration Day 2021 performance
• TemsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerFeatured at 'One World' global performance at Obama Presidential Center opening
• Marc AnthonyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformed at Obama Presidential Center 'One World' global performance
• NASCAR Chicago Street RacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVoice of Chicago performed national anthem and 'America the Beautiful' at Grant Park 220 race
• LollapaloozaflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor music festival where Uniting Voices closed out Djo's set on main stage
• PBS Great PerformancesflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFeatured on PBS programming bringing performances to national audience
• Kennedy CenterflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformed Carmina Burana at this prestigious venue; recognition with National Committee for Performing Arts Award
• Saturday Night Live (NBC)flagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVoice of Chicago performed with Karol G on SNL broadcast nationally from New York
• The Late Show with Stephen ColbertflagshipChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPerformed 'Together' song on Inauguration Day 2021 broadcast nationally
• Obama Presidential CenterflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPerformed at grand opening ceremony alongside world-renowned artists

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• National Children's Chorus: Multi-city youth choral training program with tiered ensembles and a strong focus on auditioned, performance-ready singers. Comparable tiered training structure and ambition for national visibility.
• Pacific Boychoir Academy: California-based youth choir with rigorous training ensembles, school-aligned programming, and touring performances. Comparable tiered ensemble model and emphasis on performance excellence.
• Los Angeles Children's Chorus: Long-established youth choir offering tiered training ensembles, school partnerships, and a high-profile concert ensemble. Comparable programmatic depth, age-tiered ensemble structure, and reputation for high artistic quality.
• Young People's Chorus of New York City: National model youth choral organization serving thousands of singers across schools, neighborhood sites, and a premier concert ensemble in New York City. Closest direct analog in scale, program structure, and mission to Uniting Voices Chicago.
• San Francisco Girls Chorus: Premier Bay Area youth choir with school partnerships, neighborhood programs, training ensembles, and a flagship touring ensemble. Directly comparable in scope, ensemble levels, and outreach model.
• Boston Children's Chorus: Urban youth choral organization serving a diverse student body through in-school and after-school programs with a flagship touring ensemble. Comparable diversity, access, and social-impact framing.
• Brooklyn Youth Chorus: Youth choral organization with a strong composer-in-residence model, original commissions, and high-profile collaborations (e.g., with major recording artists). Closely comparable in repertoire innovation and ensemble collaboration pattern.

Others

• VH1 Save The Music Foundation: National nonprofit funding music education in public schools through grants and instrument donations. Not a direct choral operator but a thematically adjacent funder and partner in the same access-to-music-education space.

Regional players

• Anima - Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus: Illinois-based youth choral organization operating in the Chicago suburbs with tiered ensembles and touring. Comparable mission and program design, but primarily serves a different geographic footprint (western suburbs vs. Chicago and CPS).

Broad incumbents

• Carnegie Hall Education Programs: Major cultural institution's portfolio of youth choral and orchestral programs, including National Youth Ensembles. Offers overlapping capability in elite youth choral training at scale but as part of a much broader institutional portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CCChoir
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@unitingvoiceschicago
• Facebookfacebook.com/UnitingVoicesChicago
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/groups/14303283
• Instagraminstagram.com/unitingvoiceschicago

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Uniting Voices Chicago