Join award-winning children’s music educator and composer Bill Vaananen for “A Gorton Spring Sing:”  a multi-generational family event celebrating Gorton’s 50th Anniversary.  Incorporating classic folk songs such as “This Land Is Your Land” and “Country Roads” as well as many of his own unique compositions, “Mr. V.” and a chorus of Gorton area children will lead the multi-generational audience through a cultural experience weaving together song, story, and shared values that bring all of us together as one big Gorton family.

Bill Vaananen is an award-winning music educator and composer who has taught and directed elementary-aged students for over 45 years.  Originally from Oklahoma, “Mr. V.” was general music teacher at Wescott School in Northbrook for 37 years.  He has written hundreds of songs and dozens of original theater works that have been performed across Chicago’s northern suburbs.  Recipient of the Golden Apple Award, NEA-IEA Human Rights Award, National-Louis Distinguished Alumni Award for Social Justice, and Star of Teaching Award for the State of Illinois, Vaananen continues to perform classes and presentations for children, weaving his original music into inspiring lessons on Nature, history, culture, and adventure.