Child Singers Powered by Mozart and Math
John Alston, founding director of the Chester Children’s Chorus, takes pride in the group's academic achievements as much as its musical ones.
In 1994, Alston pitched the idea of a boys' chorus to a vice president at Swarthmore College, inspired by his experience in the Newark Boys Chorus.
We couldn't sing a thing, and I didn't know what I was doing
Initially starting with seven boys from one school and one summer session, the program evolved over time, with Alston learning from past experiences and expanding the chorus.
- The program was boys-only for the first few years.
- Older sisters of the boys began joining in, changing the dynamic.
- The chorus sings classical pieces and contemporary artists like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Prince.
Author's summary: Child singers thrive in music and academics.