Omaha Children's Choir was founded on the premise that the study of music makes a positive difference in the lives of young people in ways that can help them socially, emotionally, and even academically. Significantly, it gives them a unique opportunity to learn about their own and other's cultures and the society in which they live, as well as helping them develop sophisticated skills and an empowering aesthetic awareness that generates self-esteem and empathy. Research proves that these gains cross boundaries, providing the same advantages to all students, regardless of their ethnic or socioeconomic backgrounds. Students who develop their musical skill to a high degree have many advantages, including advanced performance opportunity and potential college scholarships.\\Unfortunately, it has become more and more difficult for some children to gain the same access as others, especially in our urban areas. All of these benefits are often effectively limited to those students whose families can afford them. In order to bridge this gap, our mission is to improve access for all students by providing quality choral music instruction for those students who want to sing, but may not have the resources to sing in a choir outside of their school or even to take private lessons. It is our belief that when students have the tools, they will gain access, have more opportunities, and will participate more fully in musical offerings around them.\\We are fully supportive of the Omaha Public Schools music program, and encourage OCC students to be fully contributing members of their home school choirs or to take advantage of other school and community vocal music opportunities.\\Mission Statement: Omaha Children's Choir exists to provide all children with an appreciation and understanding of our city's diversity and inspiring social change through the power of choral music.\\Vision Statement: Omaha Children's Choir envisions a community where choral music education is accessible for all children.