On Saturday, December 14th, I treated myself to a scenic drive through the picturesque Swarthmore suburbs to attend one of the two Winter Concerts presented by the Chester Children’s Chorus (CCC). Upon arriving at the beautiful Swarthmore College campus, I followed a winding walking path adorned with stunning architecture and lush, rolling greenery that led me to the Lang Music Building. My research on the organization had sparked a deep personal intrigue. Many years ago, while serving as a choral music educator in Orlando, I was approached to help develop a youth music organization. Its educational mission and model were similar to that of the Chester Children’s Chorus: a year-round initiative dedicated to the musical, socio-emotional, and academic enrichment of youth in our community. The organization aimed to provide opportunities and exposure for young people, particularly those in often-marginalized communities. Although it was a noble and worthy endeavor, that dream ultimately did not come to fruition. The CCC reminded of that unfulfilled vision. As I entered the Lang Music Building, I was eager to see that dream realized, but my expectations were pleasantly altered by a delightful surprise: the free performance had generated such robust community support that there was no available seating in the splendid 450-seat concert hall! The organization provided a livestream for the performance in a building adjacent to the Hall. I decided to watch the performance from the comfort of my car!
Nevertheless, I witnessed a performance that evoked joy, excellence and a bit of nostalgia on my part. Watching the students perform a Stevie Wonder medley made me reminisce on my time in middle school choir, performing a very similar medley. I was thoroughly impressed by the chamber choir’s rendition of “Ave Maria” by Javier Busto. Having performed this piece as a high school student and conducted it with my own students, I am acutely aware of the hidden complexities in an arrangement that may appear simple to the casual observer. The intonation, likely the most challenging aspect of the piece, was consistently strong throughout. Their jazzy G Major 6 chord on the final cadence was particularly well-tuned! The audience’s engagement and appreciation were palpable during the entire concert.
Dr. John Alston and his colleague Sean Tripline deserve commendation for fostering a nurturing and energetic environment for both the students and the supportive community. This remarkable performance is a testament to the outstanding organization’s commitment to developing both the individual and the musician.
