Swarthmore College - Chester Children's Chorus

The Chester Children's Chorus is an official division of Swarthmore College, and the College provides essential in-kind support to its operations and activities. The College's Advancement Office provides systems support and consults with the Chorus to coordinate donor solicitations. The annual operating budget is approximately $900,000, which is raised from individuals, foundations, faith communities and other philanthropic organizations. The Chorus was founded in 1994 by John Alston and now numbers approximately 120 children ages 8 - 18 years old. Its mission is to provide an intensive, sophisticated, and joyful choral music experience to young people of the city of Chester, and to support their academic achievement and personal development. The year-round program consists of after-school and Saturday rehearsals during the school year, and a summer learning program at Swarthmore College that includes choral rehearsals, performances, as well as academic, art and athletic experiences.