“The 2023 concert was the best in my 8 years at Leo! So many people came out to support our boys, friends, supporters, alumni and families were on hand to hear the absolute best choir in the city. Congratulations Kings, you shined last night!!!!”
Principal Rawls
Leo’s enrollment increase has given Choir Director LaDonna Hill more voices to work with—20 has been the number for most performances this year. Under Mrs. Hill’s expert tutelage, that many singers are capable of producing some exquisite harmonies, thus it’s fair to say the Choir has never sounded better.
Some of the highlights:
• A September performance at Holy Name Cathedral for the Catholic Lawyers Guild Installation Mass.
• Participation in a “Save Our Scholarships” rally for the tax-credit scholarship program at St. Sabina in October.
• A four-song set at the eighth annual Leo Scholarship Benefit at the Four Seasons Hotel on Nov. 29.
• A performance for the Chicago Realtors Association at the same venue one week later.
• A Christmas-carol set for the Chicago Bears Holiday Party at Leo on Dec. 11.
• Headline billing as the entertainment for the Alpha Gamma Alpha Sorority gala on Dec. 16.
• A Christmas music lunchtime concert for downtown workers, shoppers and visitors at the 203 N. La Salle Building on Dec. 19.
The Choir acquired a new fan in Barbara McCaskey, wife of Bears Chairman George McCaskey, who chatted with Mrs. Hill for several minutes following the Holiday Party performance. Mrs. McCaskey explained that she directed her school’s choral group during her teaching days. She understands how difficult it is to arrange and coordinate a performance with the charm and skill Mrs. Hill displays, and she made it a point to express her admiration.
“They’re great wherever they perform, but being on their ‘home floor’ really brings out the best in them,” said Principal Shaka Rawls, who has witnessed every Choir performance this year and often stops by the music room on his morning rounds to hear the singers practice.