The Children's Aid Society
219 Sullivan StreetNew YorkNY10012
212-533-1675212-420-9153

Program: The Children's Aid Society Chorus Year Started: 1990 Focus: Music Youth Served: 100 Ages: 8-16 Budget: $142,000 "We're trying to bring the community of New York City together through song," says Francisco Nuñez, founder and director of The Children's Aid Society Chorus, a professional, premier choral group. NuñezĖs program crosses gender, race and economic lines to unite city children and offer them a rare chance to develop life-long skills and build new friendships through singing. To join the rigorous performance-based education program, students must pass an audition and maintain a B average at school. They also are required to pay a $35 admission fee to demonstrate their commitment; however, more than 50 percent of the participants are on full or partial scholarship. Twice a week the young singers meet at a Children's Aid Society community center in Greenwich Village, where they rehearse after school and 1 weekend a month. Composers help singers create new work to perform at 30 public concerts throughout the year and on tour, during which they work with other young choruses. The program is structured to meet a variety of needs beyond quality music instruction: Academic tutoring, high school entrance counseling, family life and sexuality classes, on-site social work counseling at every rehearsal, transportation services and a summer mini-camp also are offered. Recently, the Alvin Ailey Dance Company choreographed movement to the music; several youth were accepted into specialized arts high schools, and the Chorus began performing at prestigious halls such as Lincoln Center. "The Chorus is raising the expectations of everyone involved," says Nuñez.