Mission & History

Artistic Excellence: PACC transforms lives by building upon our tradition of excellence in choral artistry and serving as the region’s premier all-volunteer community choral ensemble.

Community: PACC transforms lives by bringing together individuals, families and groups from a host of diverse backgrounds in the shared enjoyment of singing.

Education: PACC transforms lives by inspiring a love of singing that motivates both children and adults to pursue musical excellence.

History

The Peoria Area Civic Chorale (PACC) is an auditioned, community-based vocal ensemble of professional and dedicated avocational musicians from throughout the greater Central Illinois area who are passionately committed to bringing a diverse program of choral literature excitingly to life. The singers currently present two concert series annually; these include An American Family Christmas, a beautiful and spiritually uplifting Holiday concert each December, and a themed concert each spring. Of great pride to the organization is the acknowledgement that throughout its existence since its inception in 1982, the PACC has developed the reputation for being an ensemble of consequence, recognized with enthusiasm throughout the region, the State of Illinois and in Europe for its dedication to music education and the highest standards of musical performance in the presentation of choral repertoire in all styles and genres.

The Peoria Area Civic Chorale was founded in 1982 by a group of dedicated and enthusiastic singers from the Arcadia Avenue Presbyterian Church choir in Peoria, IL. It was their dream to create a “community choir.” This group worked diligently using their time, their talents, their financial resources and their energy to set up the initial undergirding, bylaws and launch what is now our current Peoria Area Civic Chorale. This group selected Mr. Barth Dowling to serve as the first Director of this small ensemble of approximately 30-40 singers, who enjoyed performing vocal music. The first concert was presented in December of 1982 at Peoria’s Northwoods Mall. The
perpetuation of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale has continued throughout the years due to the many dedicated singers and also great and generous support from individuals and businesses in our community. This diverse group has now grown into an organization of between 65-80 singing voices representing approximately fifty communities in Central Illinois. From Renaissance to contemporary, art music to folk and pop, and Broadway to jazz, the repertoire of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale continues to encompass a wide variety of styles and delight and inspire audiences.

Dr. Joseph D. Henry, Professor of Music at Eureka College, became the Artistic Director/Conductor for the Peoria Area Civic Chorale upon Barth Dowling’s retirement in May, 1994. Dr. Henry served in this role until December, 2011, at which time he took a position as Assoc. Provost at Eureka College. Mr. David German served as interim artistic director from January 2012 through December 2012, at which time he took a position in Nashville, TN. Dr. Tim Fredstrom, professor at Illinois State University, then took over as Artistic Director/Conductor in January, 2013. In June, 2013, due to new work commitments at Illinois State University, Dr. Fredstrom resigned, and Mr. Mark Grizzard was hired as Artistic Director/Conductor from August 2013 through May of 2014.

In June, 2014, Dr. Joseph Henry was in a position to return, and he once again took the position of Artistic Director/Conductor of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale, serving the organization his retirement in May of 2025. At that time, following 30+ years of service to the Chorale, Dr. Henry was named the first Artistic Conductor/Director Emeritus of the organization. Subsequently, Mr. John Clark, who served as the accompanist for the organization from December 1994 through May 2025 also became the first PACC Accompanist Emeritus.

In August, 2025, Dr. Joshua Russell was named as the current Artistic Director/Conductor of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale. (Please see the Music Director and Accompanist page for more information about Dr. Russell.)

Since its initial inception in December, 1982, the Peoria Area Civic Chorale has performed at two Illinois gubernatorial inaugurations, has had the opportunity to sing in concert with Michael Crawford at Chicago’s United Center, and has performed at conventions for both the America Choral Director’s Association and the Illinois Music Educators Association on several occasions. In addition, the Peoria Area Civic Chorale has collaborated on several occasions with Peoria area arts organizations including the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, the Heartland Festival Orchestra, the Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra, the Peoria Heritage Ensemble, Opera Illinois, Peoria Ballet, and the Bradley Community Chorus. The Chorale also has had the opportunity to travel to Europe on tour and performed in cathedrals and for events in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The PACC organization is governed by a Board of Directors that is dedicated to the Civic Chorale’s mission: to develop, create, produce and perform a diverse repertoire of the highest quality presented in the most professional manner for the enjoyment, entertainment, aesthetic enrichment and education of its members, its audiences, and those who live in the communities it serves.