“The OGC has, in its short lifespan,
impressed
me with its accomplishment and potential.”
The Reverend
Paul Johnston
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OGC began in the Fall 2005 with a grant from the Church of the Ascension Arts Fund,
the support of Ascension’s Rector, Jonathan Millard and 15 dedicated girls, ages 10 to 18.
When OGC began, the mission was focused on achieving artistic excellence in an atmosphere
of mutual respect and encouragement and to make this experience available to all eligible
girls regardless of ability to pay. As the year progressed, this goal became a reality.
The choir members worked diligently to attain an extraordinary level of musicianship.
The girls also developed strong, supportive relationships and 20% were on full scholarship
based on need.
In May 2006, OGC concluded its first year successfully with concerts at Church of the
Ascension in Pittsburgh, followed by a concert tour in Western and Central New York State.
The second year brought many changes for OGC. Choir membership increased to 27 girls
who memorized and performed two hour-long concert programs: “The Story of Christmas in Song”
and “Creation, Hope and Restoration”. As the reputation of the OGC grew, local concert
attendance doubled in size to approximately three hundred people.
To manage and sustain its growth, OGC affiliated with Oakland Service Ministries, a non-profit,
tax-exempt organization, and assembled a 7-member board of advisors with professional experience
in non-profit management, fundraising, opera, improvisational acting, public radio, entertainment
technology, and directing church music programs. These steps have enabled people to donate to our
scholarship fund, resulting in an increase in scholarship recipients to 30%.
Now in its third year, OGC has continued to grow. The advancement in musicianship and
artistry of the choir has necessitated the addition of a training choir (OGTC) for girls
beginning in third grade. New members of OGC must now be in sixth grade and have had a
minimum of one year of experience in the training choir.
In order to meet the increased demand for OGC performances throughout Pittsburgh, and
to continue to challenge those who are ready for a greater commitment, we added an 11 voice
chamber choir (OGCC) in September 2007. The OGCC members attend an additional rehearsal each
week and will be performing regularly throughout Western PA and on all OGC concerts.
Another change for the 2007/08 Season is that OGC is becoming an international tour choir.
We are planning a tour of The Netherlands, Germany and Austria for June 13 – 30, 2008.
Our long range plan is to tour abroad every third year.
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History