In the Spotlight
Trenton Children's Chorus Entertains PFO
Program
Description
Trenton
Children’s Chorus (TCC) is an award winning, 28-year old nonprofit organization
offering exceptional musical, academic, social and personal growth
opportunities for youth in the Greater Trenton Area. The mission of TCC is to
empower the academic, social and spiritual lives of children through artistry
in music. Our tag line, Making Music,
Making Friends, Making A Difference, speaks to TCC’s artistry, its
commitment to community, and a reminder that the gift of music can be used to
make the world a better place.
Music-making is a rising
tide that lifts all boats. TCC believes that
making music can
fundamentally alter how children see the world and his or her place in it. And music-making is just the beginning of the
effects of TCC on choristers and their families. Parents come to TCC seeking safe and
creative outlets for their children, recognizing that the experiences we
provide are tools of empowerment. From music education and performance
opportunities, to academic support, leadership training, mentoring, summer camp
placement, and college scholarships, TCC leverages the transformative power of
music to help children reach their full potential. In a
city with a 40% drop out rate, perhaps the most tangible impact of
participation in Trenton Children’s Chorus is the fact that 100% of choristers
who stay with the program through high school, graduate, and 100% of graduating
seniors go on to college.
TCC serves 170
youth in grades K – 12 in its facility on Parkway Avenue in Trenton. TCC also
operates satellite choirs at Rivera Middle School and Trenton Central High
School in Trenton. In partnership with HomeFront, a homeless shelter and social
services provider, TCC also established the monthly Trenton Youth Drum Circle.
The Drum Circles bring TCC youth together with homeless youth for dinner and
drumming as a tool to build support for vulnerable youth.
TCC has performed
at the White House for President and Mrs. Obama, the United Nations, the
National Cathedral, and Princeton University; for the swearing-in ceremony of
former United States Representative Rush Holt at the Library of Congress and
for the inauguration of Governor Chris Christie; in concert with Bobby McFerrin
and Dave Brubeck; and for corporate, community, church, and private events in
the Greater Trenton area.
TCC began as a
volunteer-run project of Nassau Presbyterian Church in Princeton, in 1989, and
operated once-a-week, after-school for children in grades 2 through 8. In 2010,
TCC secured 501(c)3 nonprofit status, establishing the Chorus as a permanent
cultural presence in Trenton. The program expanded to serve grades K through
12, with programming throughout the week.
Participation in TCC has grown by 54% over the past five years; serving
more children, enhancing programs and services, and securing the Chorus as a thriving
cultural destination.