The Children’s Chorus of Washington will expand to Southwest DC in fall 2024. Courtesy of the Author
By Southwester Staff
Children’s Chorus of Washington (CCW), one of the premier children’s choirs in the United States, is opening a new campus at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church (222 M Street SW) in September 2024.
The chorus, which regularly works with some of DC’s most prestigious performing ensembles, has been providing outstanding music education to young people for almost 30 years.
“Chorus is a phenomenal experience for a young person,” said Executive Director Robbie Jacobs. “As well as building a lifelong love of music and singing, our choristers grow in confidence, develop critical thinking skills, and learn how to collaborate with others to achieve a common goal.”
The new Southwest Chorus is open to young people in grades 2 to 5, and takes place on Wednesday evenings, after school. The chorus is led by Para Perry, currently the music educator for Amidon Bowen Elementary School, and CCW’s Chief Program Officer and Associate Artistic Director, Christen Hernandez.
Many choristers who join CCW at a young age stay with the chorus for their entire childhood.
Nicole Talledo, a member of CCW’s student council, is about to graduate from high school, and has been a chorister since she was eight years old. Reflecting on her CCW experience, she said: “I don’t think I could live in a world where I wasn’t part of such a supportive community. The friendships I’ve made have stuck with me as I’ve moved along my musical journey. CCW shaped me into the person that I am today, and I couldn’t be more grateful.”
Thanks to generous contributions from a range of supporters, substantial financial aid is available to cover the cost of tuition for families that need it. To find out more about Children’s Chorus of Washington, please visit childrenschorusdc.org/auditions.