When Director Harry Langley organized the Pekin Orchestra and Choral Society in 1953, he had dreams of a successful adult music group with growing popularity. Little did he know that his group would emerge into a 90 member Pekin Civic Chorus, presenting a five night sellout performance every other year, plus a Sunday matinee!

In December of 1953, the chorus gave its first performance with the Pekin Symphony Orchestra, when they presented "The Messiah", the famous Handel Oratorio. The group was know as the Pekin Orchestra & Choral Society. In 1954, the group again sang "The Messiah" in December and followed with two symphony concerts in January an February of 1955. Paul Wagner was the director of the 52 piece orchestra.

However, that form of musical entertainment did not have enough appeal to the general public and since expenses were becoming prohibitive the group decided to disband.

The Civic Chorus board then decided to give the community a fresh sound with the presentation of "A Night with Rodgers and Hammerstein" in October 1957. The show was an instant hit with the audience and proved to be the right direction for coming shows.

"One Hundred Years on Broadway" was the next presentation in 1958 and played to a packed house. (Only one performance was given for the first two shows in the 50's.) Broadway music seems to suit the Pekin audience taste and much more of this music would be given in future shows. Also, the chorus kept its musical background by giving two oratorios between the Broadway shows. "Saint Paul" was given in 1957, with piano and organ accompaniment. Margaret Fair and Thomas Neal accompanied the chorus for "The Holy City" in 1959, with the 130 voice chorus!

"Sounds of Music" was presented on April 17th and 18th, 1961, featuring popular selections from "The King & I", "The Sound of Music", "Gigi", Flower Drum Song" and "The Music Man". The Pekin Daily Times gave the headline, Civic Chorus "Sounds of Music", a tremendous hit! Harry Langley again directed the chorus, Larry Fogelberg directed the orchestra, Nina Dancey staged the show and Roslyn Murphy accompanied the chorus for the first time.

The chorus expanded their next show in November of 1962 to three performances and sold out each night. It was the first "Showtime" production and the show still carries the name today. "Showtime 62" proved to be a winner with songs from such great musicals as "Kismet", "Pajama Game", "West Side Story" and "Camelot". The Times review said "Magnificent, and other plaudits for "Showtime'62". The Pekin audience had indeed fallen in love with the great hits from Broadway!

The chorus remained under the direction of Harry Langley till 1983, when after 30 years he decided to retire from directorship. "Showtime '83" was dedicated to Harry G. Langley for his tireless efforts and dedication to the Pekin Civic Chorus since his founding in 1953.

Donald J. Valente took over after Langley's retirement and moved the chorus in a new direction, with more choreography, changes in staging and a strict style that produced results the audience appreciated.

In September of 1992, the Chorus honored its founder, Harry Langley for his many years as director of the chorus. With the assistance of the Pekin Park District, the Chorus dedicated a Meditation Garden near the Pavilion and the Lagoon in the Pekin Park.

In 1995, Civic Chorus was again fortunate to obtain the services of an excellent choral director, who had just assumed the leadership of the Cultural Studies Department including the P.C.H.S. Music Department. Sharon Samuels Reed, former director of the Woodruff High School choir was to be the first female leader of Pekin Civic Chorus.

Mrs. Reed's first show, "Showtime '95", showed a fresh style because of her singing background and education. She was an accomplished singer and knew how to produce the sound that she wanted and the audience expected.

The new millennium brought us Mrs. Lisa McKenzie as a new director. Lisa, a vocal music and classroom teacher at Pekin Public School District 108, sang in Pekin Civic Chorus for many years. When she stepped up to the podium, she brought Civic Chorus to a new level of entertainment. Audiences have been "Wowed" by her fast-paced shows adding more choreography, dance and specialties than ever before. "Showtime 2004" will be Lisa's third show as director for PCC.

Civic Chorus was blessed with many fine accompanists through the years. Barbara Uditsky, Jody Asbell, Carol Harmon, and Gayle Wallis. The retirement of Roslyn Murphy in 2002 (whose talent and wit we have enjoyed since 1961), led us to yet another fine accompanist, Jo Sommer, also a vocal music teacher in Pekin Public School District 108. All of our accompanists have shown their fine talents and worked well with their conductors, chorus and soloists.

Only one member of the original chorus is still active with the chorus. George Beres, who has also been the only treasurer of the group, is the only original member still singing. However, Norma Yock and John Kriegsman still attend each and every one of our shows!

The present Civic Chorus officers are President, Ivan Berg; Secretary, Marcia Jansen; and Treasurer, George Beres. Other board members include Debbie Mahoney, Costume Chair; Roz Murphy, Music Librarian and Cast Parties; Greg Springborn, Lights and Sound; and Ken White, Backstage.

Other vital chorus members who do not serve on the board are Sue Venturi-Johnson, Choreographer and Dick Barker, Set Design.

Civic Chorus has given back to the community all profits from "Showtimes" since the chorus first realized a profit from their performances. The Norma I. Yock Annual Scholarship was started in 1987 and is given to the P.C.H.S. outstanding music student who is intending to pursue a career in music. In addition to the scholarship, over $75,000 has been given throughout the community to many deserving groups. The Chorus has also donated much of their sheet music to the P.C.H.S. music department.

The chorus appeals to all types of people from many backgrounds with a love of choral music, singing and good fellowship. These singers are now in the midst of practice, learning notes and memorizing words so that once again they may re-appear on the stage to give their best performance for the community. Its "Showtime 2004"!!