Honoring ourRoots, Spreading our Wings
Text Box: VALKOMMEN The Waukegan Swedish Glee Club has a long history dating back to 1905 when Swedish immigrants organized a male chorus on the south side of Waukegan. The purpose as stated in its by-laws is to nurture and disseminate Scandinavian culture and to sponsor social activities. Originally it was required that a member be of Swedish descent, however that is no longer the case and we welcome all who enjoy and have some knowledge of choral singing. Thru most of our history we have been a male only chorus but recently we have been working toward singing together more often with the women of the Waukegan Swedish Women’s Chorus. As a combined chorus it gives us new options to present in our concerts. Although we will continue to have a male chorus as well as a separate women’s chorus we look forward to singing together and invite you to come to hear us when you can. We welcome new singers of either gender so if you are interested please do not hesitate to contact one of our members for further information. We rehearse every week at the American Legion Post in Lake Forest, IL on Wednesday at 8 pm.

To contact us here is our mailing address:

Waukegan Swedish Glee Club

PO Box 8523

Waukegan, IL 60079 or contact any officer for more information

Waukegan Swedish Women’s Chorus

Waukegan Swedish Glee Club

About our Director:

 

Jeff DeLay has been our director for the last 12 years. He has a Masters Degree in Vocal Performance from North Park University. He also has a Bachelor of Music Composition from Moody Bible Institute. Jeff is Youth and Choir Director at First Presbyterian Church in Waukegan, IL.

He also directs the Waukegan Swedish Women’s Chorus and the Chicago Swedish Male Chorus. In addition, he is the Director-in-Chief of the American Union of Swedish Singers and has performed as soloist and conductor during chorus tours of Sweden. He also teaches voice at College of Lake County and Jack Benny Center for the Performing Arts in Waukegan and private voice and piano lessons. He is a very patient, but determined to get the best from us and we are very fortunate to have him as our director.

About our Accompanist:

 

Ruth Porikos has been our accompanist for the last 13 years.

She has a Master’s Degree in Organ Performance and Church Music from Northwestern University. She has been employed as organist for several churches on the north shore and chaired the Music Dept. at Ferry Hall and Lake Forest Academy.

She is currently the organist  at Lake Bluff Union Church.

Ruth is an extremely talented and versatile musician and she is in high demand as an accompanist in the Chicago area, so we are very fortunate to have had her with us for so many years.

Waukegan Swedish Grand Chorus

Waukegan Swedish Glee Club

Male Chorus