What's It Like To Be A Kantorei Parent?
Rewarding, heartwarming, prideful and exhausting. Our son is in his second year with this amazing group.
Last year he was honored to sing with the Cadet Choir. The sounds that the directors were able to bring
out of the boys were so full of love, spirit and absolute beauty. From the faces of the boys as they sang
those amazing hymns and choir pieces, it was evident that the love of singing was in their hearts. We were
truly proud parents at each and every concert.
This year our son has advanced to the Lyric Choir. This commitment has required twice-weekly trips from Oregon
to Rockford. Although homework often has to be done in the car, and supper eaten on the run, we see the benefits
of learning and performing challenging music that he would not receive through his school music experience.
We are also grateful for the new friendships our family has formed through this experience. These are great
boys from all over the area. We want our kids to develop the best friendships that they can. What better way
than through the common love of singing?
We truly believe that we have been given a gift of a boy who loves to sing and express himself through
music. Kantorei is an environment where he can truly thrive, and we thank those who have made this possible
for him. We look forward to seeing where music takes him into the future. We know that he wants to continue
in Kantorei for many years to come. We will be right there in the audience as proud parents for years to come
as well.
Mitchell and Susan Lauer
Kantorei Parents
Our journey with Kantorei began on Discovery Day in 2009. As many families can relate with, that busy school
night was already filled with homework, one child�s sports practice, two younger children to nurture, and a
birthday. Our son Bailey had asked us a year before if he could attend. We waited a year. Now a year had passed
and he asked us again. Not having any idea of what to expect, I brought him on that night. As we signed in, a choir
member introduced himself and engaged Bailey in friendly conversation as we made our way to the gathering area.
As the evening�s events progressed, I was impressed at the level of professionalism, respect and camaraderie of
the boys, directors and families of Kantorei. Bailey joined that spring, and is now a Performing Choir member,
learning so much, working hard and having fun with his new friends who all share a love for music. We have chosen
to make this a family commitment because of the blessings that come from the many hours of discipline and dedication:
a love for, and a deeper understanding of music...sung out by the boys with that incredible Kantorei sound!
Paul Peterson
Kantorei Parent
To our family, Kantorei means involvement, commitment, quality time, growth,
opportunities, music education and promoting life skills. This list could go on and on. In today�s world,
youngsters are easily influenced by their surroundings. For a young fellow who likes to sing, I can�t think
of a more positive environment than Kantorei.
My grandson, Jaylen Marks, has been a member for seven years. Initially, I drove him to rehearsals for the Cadet choir.
I would stay and listen in amazement to the melodic sounds of the boys. In no time, I found myself volunteering in any way
that I could. Of course this very soon became a family affair. We have sold wreaths and tickets, made cookies, ushered at
concerts, greeted guests, and attended concerts in town as well as out of town. Some of our favorite experiences are reading
about the boys� activities while on summer tours sent via the Internet. The extremely heartfelt daily blogs make us feel as
if we�re on tour with the boys! My favorite video clip was the choir singing America the Beautiful while floating down the
serene Colorado River with the azure blue sky painting a beautiful backdrop. As a Cadet, Jaylen and his mother traveled to
Kansas City, MO to participate in the 2005 MKMEA Honors Choir. He still delights in telling about making so many new
acquaintances from different parts of the United States. All tours have been great exposure and the boys are likewise
great ambassadors for our community and our nation.
As you know, grandmothers are afforded certain bragging rights. I�m convinced that Jaylen has evolved into one of Rockford�s
finest young men. He has acquired better self- confidence and social skills through quality music education experiences. I
certainly have witnessed the same with many of the other choir members. Some of their encounters have been life changing.
The worth of it all is that while their life skills are enhanced, they are becoming fulfilled as professional performers.
I am presently serving on the board and continue assisting whenever or wherever I can. As I see it, my participation as a volunteer is
extremely worthwhile! So please join me in saluting the stellar all-boy choir, Kantorei, the Singing Boys of Rockford.
Karen Marks
Kantorei Board of Directors
Considering Kantorei as an activity for your boy?
I am a composer, performer and music teacher living in Rockford. For almost two decades I have traveled the world with a music
ensemble called One Drum. I have had the opportunity to create music with thousands of children each year as an Illinois State
artist-in-residence. Now, as a Kantorei parent, I have a rather specific inclination towards the choir programs and music education
offered by Kantorei. Why is this program so important for my ten-year-old son? Every day that I teach music reinforces my belief
that singing and direct musical experience enhances brain development and function on multiple levels. Simply put, Kantorei offers
the best vocal music training available for boys in the Rockford region! There are also social and emotional benefits for youth in
a well-managed choir experience.
Young people know if something is right for them and they respond. What our family has supported in rehearsal hours with Kantorei has more
than paid back in enthusiasm for learning, faster/better comprehension in reading and math, and greater interpersonal and social skills for
my son. While participating in the choir is not always easy, what I see is that it is both challenging and immensely satisfying. Kantorei�s
young men become bright interesting people to speak with; they are polite and kind to each other. It just goes with the territory. What most
people do not realize is that Kantorei is a truly world class experience, a treasure in the center of Rockford with the potential to be an
engaging force for development of the mind and spirit of a young man you care about.
David Stocker
Kantorei Parent
