October 3rd, 2009

“This Hill Is Alive”: CC Featured in Capitol Hill Newspaper
This Nov. 2 article by Roll Call writer Kristin Coyner highlights the origin of the Congressional Congress, which began as a small group of Hill staffers who gathered during their lunch break to sing together.

Never underestimate the power of a lunch break. In just one brief hour, deals can be brokered, fences can be mended and, on Capitol Hill, music can be made. About 20 years ago, a group of Hill staffers decided to make music over their lunch and in the process formed a Washington treasure — the Congressional Chorus…
View the article in its entirety here.

FRESH CURRENTS: SONGS OF THE NEW MILLENNIUM

On Saturday, May 30th, the Congressional Chorus topped off its 2008-2009 season with a nearly sold-out concert in the Terrace Theater of the J.F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. It featured new works by some of today’s hottest young choral and orchestral composers, with the distinctive instrumental sound of Great Noise Ensemble and the fresh vocal talent of the American Youth Chorus.

BOOGIE WOOGIE BUGLE BOY OF CAPITOL HILL

All three shows sold out, with audiences who savored fine desserts while tapping toes to our song and dance routines from the 1940s, in tandem with the Doug Bowles’ SingCo Rhythm Orchestra. A silent auction on Saturday night helped support the Congressional Chorus and its educational outreach program for young students in the metro area, the American Youth Chorus.

GRAND OPENING CEREMONY – CAPITOL VISTOR CENTER

Congrats to the Congressional Chorus and the American Youth Chorus for their wonderful performance at the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Capitol Visitor Center on Dec 2nd. All the leaders of the House and Senate were in attendance and the new Emancipation Hall was packed with invited guests and media crews. A photo of the AYC appeared in the Washington Post, shown below, and the event was broadcast live on C-Span.

The American Youth Chorus sings an anthem honoring the Capitol, accompanied by the Congressional Chorus.

Special thanks to the littlest singers who stood quietly on the risers through almost 45 minutes of speeches! This was an event that singers, both young and old, will remember as a highlight of the year!