Our Mission
It is the mission of The Westchester Children’s Chorus to engage and empower our diverse community of children through choral education and performance opportunities. Our commitment to artistry and performance creates a collaborative space with hands-on musical learning experiences, while bringing cultural events to the residents of Westchester and its surrounding areas.
We have nine performing ensembles grouped by age and ability from grades 1- 12. Read more about them here.
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
Students are empowered and inspired to become young artists by communicating through song and growing in their own understanding of musicianship and artistry. At the Westchester Children's Chorus, we provide a space for students to collaborate and explore their artistry through music and song.
As a public school music teacher in Westchester, I have observed and collaborated with the talented music educators in our community. I am inspired by what my colleagues are doing in their own school music programs and seek to ornament and complement the wonderful in-school music that is already occurring. The Westchester community has a wealth of outstanding musical opportunities and ensembles and we want to add to these experiences. The Westchester Children's Chorus provides a community-based opportunity for students to further develop their vocal skills, musicianship and artistry through a shared engagement in singing.
Amanda Gundling
Founder, Artistic Director, Conductor
History
The Westchester Children’s Chorus began in 2015 with a festival day and a vision: to create an inclusive, community-based choral organization where young people from across Westchester come together through music. What started with just ten singers is now a vibrant community representing dozens of schools and districts throughout the region.
Since then, WCChorus singers have performed throughout Westchester and collaborated with regional arts organizations. WCChorus continues to perform & collaborate annually at Carnegie Hall and travels biannually to perform on international stages around the world. WCChorus received the ArtsWestchester Sophia Abeles Education Award in recognition of its commitment to arts education and continues to receive the New York State Council of the Arts (NYSCA) Grant annually.
Today, WCChorus continues to give young people a place to share their voices, build community, and discover where music can take them.
Membership FAQs
Yorktown ensembles rehearse weekly on Tuesday afternoons, and Manhattanville ensembles rehearse on Thursday afternoons from September through May, with a break over the winter holiday.
Joining WCChorus is a commitment similar to that of a sports team. We cover a lot of material at each rehearsal, and each week builds upon the material covered the previous week. For this reason, when a student has 3 absences for the semester, participation in the concert will be at the discretion of the conductor.
We have 2 major concerts each year in December and May. In addition, we are often invited to perform at community events or as guests at other concerts. Past performance locations have included a Harlem Globetrotters game, outdoor festivals such as the Larchmont Arts Festival, Armonk Frosty Festival, and Kensico Dam Winter Wonderland, and Carnegie Hall. Take a look at some of our local coverage on the news.
Tuition is $375 (Crescendo) and $525 (all other ensembles) per semester. It is a high priority that no student be turned away for financial reasons.
We know that transportation can be a challenge, and we are committed to eliminating barriers to provide equal access for all interested students. If transportation is an issue for your family, please contact our office.
The Westchester Children’s Chorus is a non-religious organization and welcomes singers of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, religious affiliation, and gender identity.
If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
What Families Are Saying
“We love it! I can say that this is the best program and an amazing opportunity for kids.” ~ Cambiata Parent
“This is beyond what the kids get in school” ~ Chorale Parent
“Thank you for providing my daughter with such an incredible experience!” ~ Chorale Parent
“Thank you so much for creating and developing WCChorus! We are so appreciative of the extended family that you are.” ~ Chorale Parent
“[Our daughter] has absolutely loved her experience with the Chorale thus far! It has far exceeded her expectations.” ~ Chorale Parent
“My daughter's singing ability has skyrocketed under the tutelage of the staff. The selection of songs affords the children the opportunity to sing outside the typical repertoire. It is really unlike any other local chorus.” ~ Chorale Parent
“During these dark times of the pandemic, WCChorus has been a beacon of light for our family! ~ Cantus Parent
“We are grateful our son is learning from such dedicated talented professionals.” ~ Crescendo Parent
“I am really grateful to you. Thank you for the opportunity that you have given [to our students]!” ~ Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts in a local school district
“Thank you all for a wonderful year at WCChorus and for providing the group with such amazing opportunities. [My daughter] was over the moon last night and I know it will be an experience she will never forget!” ~ Cantabile parent
“I have four kids and they have done a million activities throughout Westchester County and there is nothing like the Westchester Children’s Chorus. It’s just a unique place. It’s a place where all kinds of kids come together, which from my perspective, having seen sports and theater, feels different and really inclusive.” ~ Cantabile parent
“I am so thankful for WCChorus. It has helped my daughter’s confidence so much!” ~ Cantabile parent