As we enter 2023, we look forward to a year of singing, supporting our students as they work towards bright futures, and building a stronger Wilmington!

We hope you will join us for our annual Black History Month concert. This year's music promises to inspire you, challenge you, and connect us all.

Dr. Rollo Dilworth, a composer, conductor, and educator, visited the Choir School and introduced us to his composition Weather. Here's what Karma, grade 8, had to say about it:

"I like Weather because it talks about everything that’s actually going on in this world and that’s been going on for a long time. I really think when people listen to it, they’ll take more initiative with what’s going on around the world. 

"It’s good that we’re bringing awareness to it. Some people act like nothing happened. So we have to see schools, programs, and businesses bringing awareness to this."

Read on to learn more about Weather and our visit with Dr. Dilworth!

Join the Choir School as we explore Black History in America since 1900 through song. The repertoire features powerful, thought-provoking works including “Can You See?” by Zanaida Robles and Rollo Dilworth’s Weather.

Sunday, February 19, 2023

Grace United Methodist Church

900 Washington St, Wilmington, DE

FREE | Pay-What-You-Can

Suggested Donation of $25

Seats are limited, so reserve yours in advance!

This concert is generously sponsored by Delaware Humanities.

Image: Dr. Dilworth's visit to the Choir School! (Dr. Dilworth on far right)

Weather sets the poem of the same title by Claudia Rankine. It speaks to our national climate at the intersection of the pandemic and racial injustice — including the George Floyd case in Minneapolis — in June 2020.

On our first rehearsal of 2023, we welcomed Dr. Dilworth to the Choir School. He led our choir in conversations about the events of Summer 2020 addressed in Weather, including racial injustice, protests, and the pandemic. He also introduced us to key musical themes and showed us how they were inspired by the poem.

You can hear from Dr. Dilworth too! He will speak at our Black History Month concert and lead a panel discussion.

Learn more about Weather in this article from the Presser Foundation.

“Historically, the arts have always fulfilled the dual roles of responding to change while at the same time creating change... Everybody has a role to play in building and sustaining communities that are fair and just for all.”

Rollo Dilworth

Can't wait until our concert?

Check out the world premiere of Weather, performed at The College of New Jersey in 2021.

Commentary: 0:00

Poem Reading: 10:00

Music: 12:18

Wilmington City Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver invited representatives of the Choir School to speak as guests on DETV's Community Crossfire on Sunday, January 8.

Click the link to hear the Councilwoman chat with:

• Tabé Masé, Chairwoman of the Board
• Dr. Tracy C. McNair, Family Services Coordinator
• Jada N., Choir School Student

Thank you, Councilwoman Oliver, for the invitation and the spotlight!

On our last program day before Winter Break, our students had a festive Holiday Party! They enjoyed caroling, tasty treats, holiday-themed crafts and games, and all sorts of festive fun, alongside volunteers and staff.

Each chorister received a gift of books, generously donated by our friends at Christ Church Christiana Hundred! Smiles were EVERYWHERE as we opened them. Thank you for your generosity!

In case you missed it: We've started to add songs from Sounds of the Season to our YouTube channel! Check out "New Year Comin'," performed by our choristers. It's the perfect way to welcome in the New Year!

We are welcoming students for midyear enrollment!

Do you know a kid age 7-17 who likes to sing, needs some help with homework, or is looking for a supportive community after school? Enroll them at the Choir School today!

Learn more on our website, or call Dr. Tracy C. McNair at 302-543-8657!

Adults, we would love to see you too! Join our intergenerational choir as a singing mentor, or offer your talents as a homework helper in our after school program.

Connect with the Choir School