John Alston is Founding Director of the Chester Children's Chorus, an organization that was inspired by his own transformative experiences as a member of the Newark (N.J.) Boys Chorus. Founded in 1994, the Chester Children's Chorus "uses music as a vehicle to offer children who live in the Chester-Upland School District the opportunity to expand their intellectual and cultural horizons and strengthen their life skills." The Chorus now has over 130 singers ranging in ages from 8-18.

Dr. Alston was previously an Associate Professor of Music at Swarthmore College, where he taught from 1990-2013.  He retired from the Swarthmore Music Program in 2013 to concentrate full time on his activities with the Chester Children's Chorus.

He received his B.M. from Yankton College, his M.M. from the University of Northern Iowa, and D.M. from Indiana University.