It is with sadness that I share that, after 30 years, the Elgin Children's Chorus will be permanently ceasing operations after our December performances. Declining enrollment for several years has taken its toll on the program, and despite the best efforts of many to turn things around, it became obvious this year that the hopes to rebound would not happen. My thoughts at this time are two-fold. First, I am thankful that Jay Kellner decided to hire me in 2001 to be an acco...mpanist for the organization. All of my work with Neuqua Valley and numerous other schools around the Chicagoland area, as well as IMEA festivals throughout the state of Illinois, can all be ultimately traced back to me starting with the Chorus, and for that, I am grateful. Second, I am also thankful that my daughter was able to join me and sing in the Chorus for the final 4 1/2 years of its existence, starting when she was 7, and was able to work her way through the ranks and experience wonderful directing and teaching from both Jay and Lisa Bettcher, both of whom have impacted her life for the better. For any Chorus alums who see this, spread the word that there are hopes to do a final performance next June involving anyone who has been involved with the Chorus over its 30 years, and I thank everyone who made my time with the Chorus over the second half of its existence a wonderful experience.