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The Chicago Fathers Choir goes from tuxes to genuine talent

April 16, 2015

In July 2012, a group of middle-aged Korean American fathers in Chicago came together to sing, and to find new hope and courage within the music.

The Chicago Fathers Choir continues — the 31-strong men’s choir faces a Father’s Day performance at Techy Towers Conference and Retreat Center on June 21.

The amateur choir, led by conductor Park Geun-bae, is comprised of fathers in or past their 50s.

Feedback for their first performance netted compliments on their outfits. For the second, people complained that the choir seemed to only be yelling. It took the third performance to finally hear a positive review.

The choir practices for an upcoming performance inside the Korean Cultural Center in Chicago Monday.

The choir practices for an upcoming performance inside the Korean Cultural Center in Chicago Monday.

Members come together for two-hour practice every Monday inside the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago.

“They’re people who have never done music before, but they show off charisma. Most of the members have stayed since the beginning, and they never miss practice each week. That passion is admirable,” Park said.

Choir leader Choi Young, 79, said he saw the choir’s very first performance and was inspired to join, touched by their voices.

“I feel the energy of life through the choir,” Choi said. “We always welcome fathers who are up to the challenge.”