The goal of the Detroit Children’s Choir is to develop young leaders who will bring about positive change in our city – now and in the future. Research indicates that this goal is realistic and attainable. A study by Chorus America, ‘America's Performing Art: A Study of Choruses, Choral Singers, and Their Impact ’, 2003, finds that:

· Early introduction to choral music early in life sets the stage for development of academic, team building and listening skills, creativity, self confidence and discipline
· Choral singers are apt to be highly involved in their communities, not only in the arts but in other positive social and civic activities
· Choral singers tend to be better informed, in general, than most Americans
· Choral singers feel strongly that the bridging of social gaps and the exposure to different perspectives on life is one of the most rewarding and sustaining aspects of their choral singing

2006-2007 – Building the Foundation

The Detroit Children’s Choir has made extraordinary progress in its first year of operation. Four in-school choirs were established in the 2006-2007 school year: Carstens Elementary School (48215), Guyton Elementary School (48215), Stark Elementary School (48215) and Academy of the Americas (48210). These choirs, all located in Detroit Public Schools that do not have music instruction, served nearly 110 students.

In addition, a Neighborhood Choir was established in Southwest Detroit in partnership with Southwest Dance, one of the programs of Living Arts. The Southwest Neighborhood Choir is based out of Messiah Church (48216) and meets on Thursday evenings.

The school year concluded with a collaborative concert featuring the nearly 110 members from all choirs and guest singers from the Off the Street Choir of the Chicago Children’s Choir. This exceptional event was sponsored by the Junior League of Detroit.

2007-2008 – Developing the Structure for Expansion

In the 2007-2008 school year, enrollment in the four existing in-school choir programs is expected to increase. In addition, a new two-choir program for elementary and middle school students will begin at Nichols Elementary School (48214).

A new Neighborhood Choir has been established in Southeast Detroit in partnership with Wayne County Community College District. The East Side Neighborhood Choir will meet on Tuesday evenings at Wayne County Community College District’s Eastern Campus on Conner.

We need your help!

The model of city children’s choirs has been extremely successful in such major cities as Chicago, Boston, New York and Washington, D.C. The Detroit Children’s Choir can change the lives of the children of our city. But, we need your support – for music, music directors and accompanists, travel expenses, and other program expenses. The children of Detroit are our future…help us give them the leadership skills they will need to bring about positive change in our community.