History
In 1986 the Greater Columbia Children's Choir was founded by Arletta Raley and Washington St. United Methodist Church as a gift to Columbia on the occasion of its bicentennial. Since that time it has endeavored to serve God, its students and the community by offering quality music instruction, significant music making and numerous performing opportunities. These opportunities include formal concerts, festivals, and concert tours, plus singing at community events, retirement homes and churches.
The Greater Columbia Children's Choirs (GCCC) is proud of their performance achievements. Highlights include:
° four performances with the South Carolina Philharmonic (1983 - 2003)
° Performed for Pope John Paul II during his visit to Columbia (1987)
° Participation in the world premier of "I Dream of Peace" by Robert Jager, performed for the Southern Division, American Choral Directors of America (ACDA) in Charleston (February, 1998)
° Participation in the Governor's Prayer Breakfast (March, 1996) ° Participation in Humperdinck, "Hansel and Gretel" with Workshop Theatre (1999)
° Performances with Charles Wadsworth at the Fine Arts Center in Camden, SC (2001)
° Participation in the world premier of "The Martyrdom of Polycarp" by J.A.C. Redford with the University of South Carolina Orchestra and Concert Choir (2004)
° Participation in Benjamin Britten's "War Requiem" with the University of South Carolina Choruses and Orchestra, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II (April, 2005)
° Participation in Menotti's "Death of the Bishop of Brandisi" (one act opera) (March, 2006)
° Annual/bi-annual performances of "The Nutcracker Suite" with the Carolina Ballet (1987 - 2009)
° Nine concert tours with destinations ranging from New Orleans to New York City (1993 - 2009)
