Mission   The Trenton Children’s Chorus gives young people, especially those who might not otherwise have an opportunity to do so, the chance to sing a wide range of choral literature in a caring, nurturing environment where they can grow and learn about themselves, about other young people from different backgrounds, and about the world and their opportunities in it.

History  Founded in 1989 by Sue Ellen Page and Marcia Wood, TCC began as an entirely volunteer-run organization with 11 children its first year. Today’s program serves from 80 to 100 students in kindergarten through 12th grade from Trenton and the surrounding communities, and is under the care of an advisory board, a paid professional staff, and a cadre of volunteers.

Program  The after-school program meets Tuesday and Thursday, September through May at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Trenton and includes rehearsal, drumming, music theory and enrichment, a generous healthy snack, tutoring and homework assistance in a caring, nurturing and safe environment. Folk, sacred, jazz, classical and world music are taught. Children learn to read music and acquire musicianship skills that will serve them for a lifetime. Most importantly, they learn the value of commitment and hard work.

The Trenton Children’s Chorus identifies and seeks educational opportunities for its members that they might not otherwise seek for themselves. TCC offers current students and graduates generous financial support for tutoring, music lessons, private secondary schools and college. Because many students are the first in their family to attend college, mentors assist them through the process. Students are also placed in music and academic enrichment programs and summer camps.

Most middle and high school aged singers have been members of the Chorus since elementary school. Every single child who has stayed with TCC to the point of high school graduation has attended college. In a city with a high school drop out rate of 50%, this is an extraordinary record. The TCC experience makes an undeniable difference.

Performances  TCC has performed at the United Nations; at the swearing in of Congressman Rush Holt in Washington, DC; with Bobby McFerrin and Dave Brubeck; with Boheme Opera of Trenton, Princeton Pro Musica, and the Greater Trenton Symphony Orchestra; for interfaith prayer services sponsored by the Children’s Defense Fund at the National Cathedral; and most recently for the inauguration of NJ Governor Chris Christie. Moments like these give a child a vision of life’s possibilities.