Blog

For Immediate Release
Choir School of Delaware Contact: Hannah Grasso
hgrasso@choirschoolofdelaware.org | (302) 543-8657 x4

CHOIR SCHOOL ANNOUNCES OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM; NEW STAFF APPOINTMENTS

DATES: August 2022 – June 2023, starting August 29
SIGN UP: https://choirschoolofdelaware.org/forms/audition/
LOCATION: 2013 N Market Street, Wilmington, DE 19802
PRESS INQUIRIES: Hannah Grasso, hgrasso@choirschoolofdelaware.org
STUDENT INQUIRIES: Dr. Tracy C. McNair, tmcnair@choirschoolofdelaware.org

The Choir School of Delaware is now enrolling students ages 7-17 for its after-school program, which combines music education and performance with comprehensive mentoring. All students are welcome and no prior music experience is required.

The Choir School’s out-of-school-time program gives children from all backgrounds the skills, confidence, and competence needed to achieve their full potential. Programming addresses the systemic causes of generational poverty and socioeconomic disparities by serving as a “community center that sings” to create a more equitable Wilmington.

The after-school program runs Monday through Thursday and follows the Brandywine School District calendar. Transportation is available and a daily meal is provided. The Choir School works to ensure that no students have financial barriers to accessing its dynamic programming. Tuition for the entire school year is $400. Generous financial aid is available through private sources and Purchase of Care.

The Choir School’s intergenerational choir, now in its 140th year, is the cornerstone of the after-school program. Students sing alongside adult mentors, give public performances throughout Delaware, and often tour various parts of the country. In addition, students receive homework help, college and career counseling, private voice and piano lessons, and one-on-one, long-term mentor connections.

Students and alumni cite a sense of belonging and acceptance at the Choir School:

• “I love the atmosphere at the Choir School. Every time I come here, I leave feeling much better than I came.” – Ari, Class of 2020
• “The Choir School is a place where no matter who you are or what age, race, or gender you are, you’re still part of the family. With how divided the world can be, that gives me a lot of hope for the future.” – Lex, Class of 2021

Students and families who would like to learn more can contact Dr. Tracy C. McNair, Family Services and Programming Coordinator, at 302-543-8657 x7 or visit choirschoolofdelaware.org.

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In support of increased student enrollment, the Choir School is pleased to announce one staff promotion and two new staff appointments. The work of these committed individuals will increase family engagement, facilitate community connections, and welcome more students to the after-school program.

Ms. Brittney L. Stanton was promoted to Deputy Director and Assistant Conductor. Since her appointment as Director of Education and Assistant Conductor in 2019, Ms. Stanton has overseen three successful seasons of educational programming and performances while building strong relationships with students, families, volunteers, and community leaders. Her leadership was instrumental in the Choir School’s successful emergence from the pandemic and the expansion of its program offerings. In her new role as Deputy Director, Ms. Stanton will work with the Executive Director to oversee the Choir School team in daily project management and long-term planning.

Ms. Stanton is a professionally trained music teacher and soprano who works with students of varying ages and abilities to help them develop strong music literacy skills and grow a love for the arts that is lifelong. Having taught music in both suburban and urban settings, she is a dedicated, veteran pedagogue. Ms. Stanton studied Music Education at McDaniel College in Westminster, MD with a focus in choral arts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Additionally, Ms. Stanton holds a Master of Science degree in Teaching, also from McDaniel College.

Mr. Malcolm S. Richardson was appointed as Director of Education and Programming. He will work closely with students, families, and volunteers while overseeing the after-school program.

Mr. Richardson is a native of Newark, New Jersey and currently resides in Newark,

Delaware. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Vocal Performance from the nation’s first historically Black degree granting institution, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania. He also earned a Master of Arts degree in Music Education from Liberty University, where he is pursuing a Doctorate of Music Education. While attending Liberty, he also serves as Director of Education & Programming for the Choir School of Delaware, where he sings among and mentors young vocalists through a shared gift of song, and love for music education. Mr. Richardson serves as a resource and advocate for young musicians and strives to strengthen their love for music and arts education.

Ms. Sophia DiLeo was appointed as Executive Assistant. She will support the Choir School staff in logistics planning, workflow organization, and other administrative tasks. She will also serve as a liason to the Board of Directors.

Ms. DiLeo is a native of Princeton, New Jersey and holds a B.M. in Music Education and M.M. in Voice Performance from the University of Delaware. Her professional endeavors and aspirations specialize in arts advocacy, trauma-informed voice instruction, empowering young women in the performing arts, and creating space for all genres and styles in the voice studio. She has served as a private voice instructor, a production assistant for the University of Delaware Opera Theatre, and an administrative assistant for the National Opera Association. She has performed in a wide range of styles and venues throughout her career. Recent roles include Diana in Next to Normal and Paige in the world premiere of From Our Roots. She will debut her first professional role at Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theatre for the 2022-2023 Mainstage Season. Ms. DiLeo is absolutely overjoyed to further the Choir School’s mission this year and to continue strengthening the power of advocacy and spirit of kindness within the community.

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About The Choir School of Delaware

The Choir School of Delaware’s (CSD) out-of-school-time programs combine professional-level choral training and performance with academic tutoring and one-on-one adult mentoring. Children from all backgrounds gain skills, confidence, and competence to achieve their full potential. CSD’s programming addresses the systemic causes of generational poverty and socioeconomic disparities by serving as a “community center that sings” to create a more equitable Wilmington.

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To download the official press release, click here.