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Eligibility

We welcome students from a broad region in the Wilmington, Delaware area. No prior music experience is required!

The Choir School’s after-school program meets four days per week, Monday-Thursday. Students travel directly from school to the Choir School, where they enjoy a meal, study hall, homework help, mentoring, and interdisciplinary activities before choir rehearsal. Dismissal times are between 6:30 and 8:30pm, depending on the student’s age and daily schedule. Limited transporation assistance is available.

To enroll at the Choir School, students must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be between the ages of 7 and 17
  • Must live in the greater Wilmington, Delaware region
  • Must complete a preliminary meeting

Program Cost

The Choir School is committed to ensuring that our afterschool program is accessible and affordable for all families.

For Brandywine School District students, our afterschool program is free. For students in all other districts, families pay only what they can afford. 

Please contact Malcolm Richardson to learn more. You may reach him at 302-543-8657 or at mrichardson [at] choirschoolofdelaware.org.

Expectations from Students & Families

Academic Excellence

  • Attend weekly one-on-one mentoring meetings
  • Participate in after school study hall at least one day a week
  • Participate in enrichment activities, including community outreach

Practice & Performance

  • Attend two or three evening rehearsals per week
  • Attend weekly piano and voice lessons
  • Perform in weekend concerts from September through June

Family Engagement

  • Review the choir schedule
  • Participate in scheduled rehearsals, services and concerts
  • Communicate limited but necessary absences to the Choir School staff

The Application Process

The application process starts with a “hearing.” A hearing is an informal opportunity to get to know the child that requires no preparation and no prior music experience.
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The Hearing

Your child’s hearing will last for approximately 30 minutes. It is designed to acquaint our team with your child’s strengths and areas for growth. No preparation is needed and no musical background is required.

The hearing will focus on the following areas:

  • Deportment: professional conduct, including posture and concentration
  • Singing: pitch, range and rhythm
  • Reading: accuracy and word recognition
  • Discipline: following instruction and willingness to learn

Ready to Apply?

If you think that your child and your family are a good fit for the Choir School, start the enrollment process by completing this form!

Enroll a Student

Funding for this Nita M Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers program is provided by the US Department of Education and administered by the Delaware Department of Education.