Desmond walked over and scanned the shelves full of books, eventually picking The Gruffalo to read. The book was about a mysterious, scary creature that lives in the woods, similar to Bigfoot. We went outside and found a spot in the warm sunlight to enjoy the story together. After we finished the book, he told me that a “Gruffalo” might be a real creature somewhere out in the woods. Desmond and I are on the edge of the Swarthmore College campus where The Chester Children’s Chorus holds its summer program. Kids like Desmond spend the day reading books, doing math, making friends, and preparing for their performances. It’s a place filled with energy, laughter, and learning. These moments are just a small part of what is offered by this amazing program.
A Comprehensive Approach to Learning
The Chester Children’s Chorus is a nonprofit organization that provides year-round music and education to the children of Chester, Pennsylvania. Since its founding, more than 950 children have participated in the program, which equips them for academic and personal success in their community and beyond. During the school year, children and youth ages 7 through 18 develop their vocal talents via rehearsals and concerts as well as their math and literature skills through small group and individualized instruction. Throughout the summer, students participate in a rigorous five-week, full-day learning program filled with music, reading and math in addition to science, art, dance, and more. Each child receives individualized instruction from both a full-time teacher and Swarthmore College student coaches. The program finishes in a grand performance, where students showcase the songs they’ve been practicing all summer. This event, on July 25th each year, brings together families and community members to celebrate the children’s accomplishments. Founded in 1994 by Dr. John Alston, a Swarthmore College music professor, the program was inspired by Alston’s own transformative experience with the Newark Boys Chorus as a child. His vision was to provide children from Chester the same opportunity to change their lives through music and education. By putting together academic support and creative outlets like singing, the program not only builds confidence but also strengthens community bonds, demonstrating the power of music and education to transform lives.
Addressing the Challenges of Poverty
Chester, Pennsylvania, is a community where 42% of residents live below the poverty line (three times the national average). Growing up in poverty often leads to significant challenges, including poor health, malnutrition, family struggles, school dropouts, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Programs like the Chester Children’s Chorus work to counter these outcomes by providing children with a nurturing environment filled with opportunities to grow, learn, and create.
A Day in the Life
The summer program is structured similarly to a school day, offering a blend of academics, physical activity, and creative arts. Students participate in daily gym classes, one-on-one reading sessions, math instruction, and group singing rehearsals. Rehearsals and the summer program take place on the College’s campus, with roundtrip transportation provided. Each rehearsal session includes 60–90 minutes of educational instruction, followed by 60–90 minutes of music practice. Divided by age groups, the children rehearse twice per week–once Monday-Thursday and as a full choir on Saturdays. The combination of academics and music prepares them not only for academic success but also for the grand performance at the program’s conclusion, showcasing their hard work and talent to the community.
Auditions
You’re probably wondering how one would even get into a program like this. Children are invited to join the chorus on the basis of musical potential, enthusiasm, and family support. The Executive and Artistic Director, John Alston, and Assistant Music Director, Sean Tripline, explain the program and engage in activities to gauge a child’s musical ability. The kids don’t need to prepare any music but have the choice to perform a favorite song if they choose, no prior musical training is required. Desmond and about 100 other kids, from 2nd to 11th grade, were invited to join after auditioning for the chorus director.
Overall the program emphasizes personal and academic growth. Beyond academics, it ingrains essential skills like focus, collaboration, and creativity. Children develop these abilities in a nurturing environment, where group activities like choir rehearsals and one-on-one mentorship sessions go hand in hand to unlock their potential. With the right guidance and support, incredible things can happen and it’s an honor to be even a small part of it.
At this point I can’t find Desmond, but I know he’s around here somewhere, maybe working on math, playing outside, or inside picking out another book, maybe a funny one this time. I know he’s okay because I saw him at the final performance, singing with all his heart. I’m looking forward to coming back for my third summer and seeing his growth. Later, he and his classmates, both younger and older, will come together to learn a new song and create something beautiful with their voices. I’m so grateful to be near and a part of such a magical program, even if just for a few weeks each summer.
Christine • Jan 29, 2025 at 10:01 am
This is an excellent article and it is wonderful to read about this inspiring and remarkable program.