The Oakville Children's Choir is an internationally recognized multi-level community children’s choir that provides children in the Oakville, Ontario community with music education, leadership development and performance opportunities. The organization has six choirs composed of children between the ages of 5 and 18, under the artistic direction of Sarah Morrison.
History
The OCC was created in May 1994 by Glenda Crawford assuming the position as founder and director. The organization began with 40 children with its first rehearsal on September 12, 1994. There were two choirs, a Senior Choir of 25 choristers from grades 4 to 8 and a Cherub Choir with 15 children from grades 1 to 3. The first concert was attended by the Mayor of Oakville, Ann Mulvale, on December 11, 1994.
In 1995, the OCC is incorporated as a non-profit organization. They released their first CD in 2001 and subsequent CDs in 2004 (Celebrating 10 Years), and 2005 (Place of the Blest).
In 2006, Sarah Morrison took over artistic responsibilities for the organization.
Awards and recognition
2013-2014
At the 8th World Choir Games in Riga, Latvia, the OCC Senior Choir won a Gold Medal in the Youth Choir of Equal Voices category, Champion level and the OCC Chamber Choir won a Silver Medal in the Musica Sacra category, Champion level.[1][2]
2012-2013
Choir wins 'Best Arts Group Award' at the 2012 Cogeco Stars Among Us awards hosted by the Oakville Arts Council.[3]
2011-2012
OCC Senior and Chamber Choirs earn Gold Standings at The 2012 World Choir Games, held in Cincinnati USA July 4–14, 2012. In total, 362 choirs from 64 countries and 15,000 participants took part in the event which is among the largest choral festivals and competitions in the world[4][5][6][7][8]
Senior Choir received both a gold medal in the children's choir category, and a silver medal in the Folksong category in Bremen, Germany for the Choir Olympics
National finalist in the CBC Choral competition - both in the Chamber and Children's categories
Mayor's Business Awards for Business and the Arts awards Glenda Crawford the Arts Leadership Award for her role as Director of The Oakville Children's Choir
1996-1997
Senior Choir performed at the Ontario Legislature Christmas Concert