Master music educator Loraine Enlow wanted to address two concerns when she conceived of establishing Washington Heights Choir School in 2010: the serious lack of meaningful music education – and the consequent negative educational outcomes – in Washington Heights’ public primary schools; and to ensure that underserved children were able to experience the deep joy and sense of community that can be gained by group singing and music-making.
Loraine Enlow’s dream has been realized. WHCS’s students, who attend the program free of charge in Holyrood Church, come from schools all over the neighborhood, and have been exposed to a diverse repertoire in a variety of languages and styles. Boys have also earned scholarships to the renowned Saint Thomas Church Choir School and St. Albans School, while all the students have appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America. Many have continued their music-making activities beyond their participation in the program.
In addition to group/ensemble singing, which is the cornerstone of WHCS’s curriculum and mission, and the choral activities that take place every day the program is in session, there are others such as S’Cool Sounds, which serves thousands of students in the USA and abroad, and aims to lift spirits and change lives through the transformative power of music. WHCS students strengthen their music literacy skills while broadening their understanding of the world. Voice instruction helps to strengthen and support the ensemble sound by empowering singers to explore and cultivate their natural gifts. Every student receives private lessons, which ensures their receiving instruction tailored to their special abilities and needs.
The Washington Heights Choir School works to foster kindness, respect, and responsibility in its students, as well as to provide time each day for homework and recreation in a positive and inclusive environment.
We are grateful to the Vestry for its approval of a grant to Washington Heights Choir School, which has helped to make one educator’s dream to bring the joy and beauty of music to children come true.
