Marguerite McCormick, founder andartistic director of the Children’s Chorus ofSan Antonio, is dedicated to introducingmusic into the lives of San Antonio children.She earned her undergraduate degree inmusic from the Catholic University ofAmerica in Washington D.C. and spent30 years in public and private educationearning honors, awards and respect forher distinguished service. “I fell in lovewith music as a child,” says McCormick,“and always wanted to help my studentsexperience the joy it brings to me.”
Her San Antonio roots go deep. Her great – great grandfather wasWilliam Menger, builder of the Menger Hotel. Even though she andher husband moved often, San Antonio has always been home.
The idea of CCSA was conceived when McCormick and herlate husband, Bob, were living and working in St. Louis. “I had theoccasion to work with the Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus from theChicago area. This was a new concept to me. Those children walkedonstage, opened their mouths to sing, and I was blown away. I knew Iwanted to be involved in such an organization. We moved back to SanAntonio in 1981 and I pursued my master’s degree at UTSA, workingclosely with Dr John Silantien, who is director of choral activities atUTSA and also conducts the Mastersingers. He completely supportedmy desire to create a chorus for this community. The universityoffered us rehearsal space and we were based there for 10 years.”
About the time they outgrew that space, the opportunity to tourinternationally was offered to the chorus. It became apparent that notonly did they require more space, but also the funding to establishthemselves as an independent non–profit organization. With the helpof the community and hardworking parents, that finally happenedin the 1993–94 season. Although McCormick carries the title ofdirector, she is quick to point out that the program is the result ofa hardworking staff and dedicated volunteers. She also cites theclose relationship they share with other talented individuals andorganizations for their success.
The CCSA is comprised of over 200 young musicians from SanAntonio and surrounding communities. The chorus performsindependently and in collaboration with other San Antonioorganizations, including the San Antonio Symphony, Mastersingers,the Texas Bach Choir and the UTSA Choirs and Orchestra. They areknown nationally and internationally and performed in Europe as wellas many venues in this country.
Although their credentials may seem intimidating to some, thisorganization is designed by — and for — the entire community. “Itbecame apparent to us early on that there was a problem with access,”says McCormick. “The music programs are open to all children, nomatter their income level, but San Antonio’s geographic size and lackof convenient and accessible public transportation made it difficult forthem to reach us. No matter where they lived, the children were oftenunable to participate because they simply could not get to us.”
Unwilling to let the issue of transportation stop her, McCormickdecided to take the opportunity to the children. “Our ‘Project Sing’is an outreach program that we take to the community. We currentlyoffer a program at Our Lady of the Lake University, and at HarlandaleISD. The programs are 100 percent funded and free to the children.Our goal is to establish neighborhood choirs in all parts of the city,bringing access and opportunity to children who may then graduateinto our choral ensemble. We don’t yet have the resources to reach allthe communities, but that is our goal.”
CCSA has recently instituted an early childhood program, designedfor families of infants, toddlers and children through age 6. “We haveone child who is only 10 months old,” says McCormick. “Children arenaturally musical and will respond beautifully if given the opportunity.It thrills me when children are recognized for being true musicalartists. Children are often not challenged, but I know they can doincredibly complicated and wonderful musical works if given theopportunity.”
After age 7, children are regularly assessed for their potential andplaced in choirs appropriate for their individual ability. “Positionsin our advanced choirs are always drawn from other programs andare earned spots. No matter the level of talent, however, there areintangible benefits to being a member of the chorus. I receive regularfeedback from alumni and from their parents, expressing appreciationfor the self discipline, confidence and self esteem gained throughthe experience,” McCormick says. Participation in the CCSA coreprogram choirs is tuition fee–based, but financial assistance is availablewhen needed.
Where do these children come from? “We advertise periodically,”McCormick explains, “but many of the children are sent to us by theirteachers. Some come from churches and many are sent by parents —and of course by proud grandparents.”
Children who participate in the Chorus are in for the long haul.Several alumni have pursued singing careers, others are teachingmusic and some are in established opera companies. Two alumni areon staff. “Others have become doctors and attorneys. Regardless oftheir career choice, what we hear them say is that their years withthe chorus gave them the skills to feel comfortable in any social orbusiness situation, whether it be public speaking or meeting a roomfull of complete strangers. — they know how to handle themselves.These are life skills that will stay with them forever” McCormick says.
McCormick’s children and grandchildren are all musically inclined.“My three sons had a rock band when they were younger. One is nowa professional musician and the others are in business but play aninstrument. My grandchildren also love music; one granddaughter isin choir and my grandson plays the saxophone.”
In the spare time, McCormick loves to cook, garden, and travel, butspare time is hard to find as the chorus has a full schedule of fabulousperformances this season. McCormick is hard at work ensuring thecommunity is aware of them.
What message does she carry for the children? “My message ismy personal motto – Seek excellence, not necessarily perfection, butrather excellence in all endeavors. Excellence comes from within andis attainable by anyone.” It appears McCormick has done just that –excellence for herself and for her community.
