The Collinsville Chorale is a not-for-profit corporation which performs regularly in the Metro-East
Area. Membership to the Chorale is by audition only, and all singers are encouraged to audition.

The Chorale was formed in 1994 by Mr. Gary Humphrey, who had an interest in music and a
desire to improve the arts in Collinsville and the surrounding area. Singers were recruited from
area churches and the general public. Under the direction of Mrs. Lisa Neal, the first concert was
held on September 25, where 15 singers and a pianist performed for an audience of almost 50
people. By the end of its first season, the Chorale was 35 members strong and audiences grew
to nearly two hundred. At present, the Chorale has over 80 members and routinely performs for
audiences in excess of five hundred!

The Collinsville Chorale performs four concerts each season in October, December, March and
June. The Chorale exists due to generous donations from its audience and supporters, as no
admission is charged for regular concerts. Members pay dues for music and purchase their own
uniforms, while donations go toward covering expenses.

The Collinsville Chorale has had four directors. After directing the first concert, Mrs. Lisa Neal
was unable to continue due to other commitments. From 1994 through 1998, the Chorale
blossomed under the direction of Rev. Gary Hoobler. When Gary accepted a call to the New
Covenant Bible Church in Iowa, the Chorale fondly bid him farewell. Mr. Marty Johnson became
director in the summer of 1999 and led the Chorale into 2006, when he handed the baton to Mr.
Andy Waggoner.

The Collinsville Chorale is governed by a board of directors made up of an Executive Director,
the Artistic Director, a member of the local clergy, a member of the Chorale, and an outside
supporter. The Chorale's day-to-day operations are governed by an officer's group from within
the choir. New members are always welcome and encouraged to audition.