For 29 years, the Capital City’s children have been singing soul, gospel, the blues, jazz, and everything else with the Trenton Children’s Chorus. While centered at their location on 471 Parkway Ave, their musical talents have taken them on a tour comparable to Sarah Dash as they have performed at the White House, United Nations, National Cathedral, for the swearing-in ceremony of former U.S. Representative Rush Holt at the Library of Congress, the inauguration of Gov. Chris Christie, inauguration of Mayor Reed Gusciora, Princeton University, and at various events and venues throughout the Greater Trenton area.
Their current tour has them making stops at least at Millhill Park for the Levitt Amp Concert Series, Morvon Museum & Garden in Princeton for an October 26th fundraiser, the War Memorial for Pro Musica on December 9th, and the Youth Gospel Explosion on December 14th.
The organization is “empowering the academic, social, and spiritual lives of children through artistry in music” in many profound ways. After the students are picked up from school on one of the buses and arrive at the studio, they enter a nurturing environment with access to positive role models where music is used as the instrument of their development. Almost 150 students ranging from Pre-K to 12th learn music theory, singing, leadership qualities, teamwork, and more while participating in the chorus.
Choristers first receive individual assessments to gauge their learning style and current musical levels. Students of all levels receive one-on-one tutoring and lessons on various aspects on vocals, instrumentals, piano, and drums. Pupils also receive uniforms, instruments, supplies, and nutritious snacks.
The Trenton Children’s Chorus seeks to empower youth in areas beyond just music as the choristers learn about teamwork, leadership, and often get jobs within the chorus.
Academically, the students receive homework help, SAT tutoring and college preparation assistance from volunteers and staff. Chorus members are really singing though as 100 percent of their graduates have gone on to college and while in college receive a scholarship of $1,000 per semester.
The Chorus also makes sure students keep progressing during the summer months as they give many students scholarships for various camps, such as at Westminster Choir College, and most recently held their first summer camp in house as they held the Summer Jazz Institute, a week-long camp of master classes, in conjunction with Mercer County Community College.
Trenton has been home to several notable singers and musicians; the next generation of this talent is currently being developed in the Trenton Children’s Chorus.
If you would like to learn more about the Trenton Children’s Chorus and to maybe even perform at your next event, visit http://www.trentonchildrenschorus.org/home.html or call 609.278.0822. You can also visit them at 471 Parkway Ave, also the location of Christ Temple Ministries Church.
