Chester Children's Chorus Celebrates 15 Years

Associate Professor of Music John Alston created a community of strivers and seekers in the Chester Children's Chorus, which he founded with seven boys in 1994. Now with more than 100 boys and girls of all ages that enjoy a summer learning program that includes science taught by College faculty members, African dance and drumming, and a reading program, the chorus makes far more than a joyous sound. "While I hope that most of them will remain music-lovers and some of them will embrace classical music, what I really dream about for these kids is that they can go out and change the world," Alston says. "And that's the truth." Alston's efforts to expand upon the successful model of the chorus culminated last fall with the opening of the Chester Upland School of the Arts. Students there, currently in pre-K to second grade, are immersed in a curriculum that combines rigorous academics with music, dance, and visual arts. The chorus will celebrate its 15-year anniversary with concerts on May 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. in Lang Concert Hall.