About The Tower Chorale
Choral Excellence rooted in community since 1986
For nearly four decades, The Tower Chorale has brought together dedicated volunteer singers to perform meaningful choral music at a high artistic level, rooted in community and shared purpose.
Who We Are
The Tower Chorale is a high-quality, all-volunteer community chorus presenting three thoughtfully programmed concerts each season. Our repertoire spans major choral masterworks, seasonal favorites, and music drawn from diverse traditions and styles — sacred and secular alike.
Across every program, our focus remains constant:
careful preparation, expressive music-making, and respect for the music and the people who bring it to life.
We regularly collaborate with professional instrumentalists and guest artists, enabling volunteer singers to participate in performances of depth, scale, and artistic integrity — experiences often associated with fully professional ensembles.
Artistic Leadership
The Tower Chorale is guided by strong artistic leadership that challenges singers musically while fostering a welcoming, respectful rehearsal culture.
Under the direction of Patrick Godon, the Chorale presents performances that balance artistic ambition with thoughtful preparation and deep respect for volunteer singers. Working closely with skilled accompanists and professional collaborators, the artistic team creates performances that are both rigorous and rewarding.
Artistic Director
Patrick Godon
Patrick Godon has served as Artistic Director of The Tower Chorale since 2011, shaping the ensemble’s artistic vision, rehearsal process, and performance standards. Under his leadership, the Chorale has earned a reputation for polished performances, ambitious repertoire, and a musical culture that balances rigor with respect for the volunteer singers who choose to be there.
An accomplished pianist, organist, and conductor, Patrick maintains an active performing career alongside his work with the Chorale. He performs regularly with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as a principal keyboardist on piano, organ, celesta, and synthesizer, and has appeared with the CSO at Orchestra Hall, Ravinia, on national and international tours, and at Carnegie Hall. His performances have also been heard on WFMT, Chicago’s classical music station.
Patrick has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras and has collaborated with many of the world’s leading conductors and musicians. He is in frequent demand as a collaborative pianist, with work spanning orchestral, chamber, vocal, liturgical, and popular repertoire — reflecting both deep versatility and musical curiosity.
In addition to his work with The Tower Chorale, Patrick is the founder and Artistic Director of International Chamber Artists, a professional ensemble dedicated to high-level performance and audience engagement. The ensemble is frequently featured on WFMT. He also serves as Organist and Choirmaster at the Church of the Holy Spirit, where he oversees a comprehensive choral program and leads ensembles that have performed nationally and internationally, including residencies in England.
As a conductor and collaborator, Patrick is known for his clarity, preparation, and ability to draw committed performances from musicians at all levels. His approach to leadership emphasizes musical growth, shared responsibility, and the joy of making music together — values that define The Tower Chorale’s rehearsal room and performances alike.
Accompanist
Cheryl Skoda
Cheryl Skoda serves as Accompanist for The Tower Chorale, bringing exceptional musicianship, versatility, and collaborative sensitivity to the ensemble.
A classically trained pianist, Cheryl holds a Bachelor of Music in Composition with a focus on piano performance from DePaul University. She is an experienced choral accompanist with a wide-ranging background that includes classical repertoire, sacred music, chamber music, musical theatre, and contemporary styles.
Cheryl also serves as Piano Accompanist for the Lyons Township High School Choral Department and St John of the Cross music ministry, and is an experienced mezzo-soprano/alto with many years of choral singing. Her dual perspective as both pianist and singer enhances her work as a responsive and supportive musical collaborator.
A Collaborative Musical Team
Artistic leadership at The Tower Chorale is grounded in collaboration.
Conductor, accompanist, and singers work as musical partners — listening closely, responding to one another, and shaping performances together.
For major works, this collaboration is enriched through performances with professional instrumentalists and soloists, reinforcing a shared commitment to musical excellence.
Our History
The Tower Chorale was founded in 1986 by James Winfield, in collaboration with the Western Springs Community Center Association. From its earliest days, the ensemble was envisioned as something uplifting — its name inspired by the iconic Western Springs water tower and a shared aspiration to bring people together through music.
Over time, the chorus grew into an independent nonprofit organization, drawing singers from a wide range of musical backgrounds and presenting performances in the western suburbs and beyond. Milestones have included collaborations with distinguished musicians, performances in notable venues, and meaningful musical experiences at home and abroad.
Since 2011, under the artistic leadership of Patrick Godon, The Tower Chorale has continued to evolve while remaining grounded in its founding values: care for the music, respect for volunteer singers, and belief in the power of shared musical experience.
Governance & Organization
The Tower Chorale is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization governed by a Board of Directors and supported by a committed community of singers, patrons, and partners.
Our work is sustained through ticket revenue, member dues, grants, donations, fundraisers, program advertising, and volunteer leadership. We value continuity, thoughtful planning, and shared responsibility — creating an organizational structure that supports artistic ambition while remaining accessible and welcoming.
This balance allows The Tower Chorale to maintain high musical standards while staying true to its community-centered mission.
Our volunteer Board of Directors provides leadership and stewardship in support of The Tower Chorale’s artistic mission and long-term sustainability: