Above: Wilmington Children’s Chorus remains a tuition-free experience for all members.
By Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald
Photos by Bob Hanes
For more than 20 years, the Wilmington Children’s Chorus (WCC) has been nurturing the youth of Wilmington through the power of music and the power of the kids’ own voices. WCC not only provides an artistic outlet for ages 1-18, it also provides invaluable life experiences like teamwork, self-esteem building, and multiculturalism.
In 2002, Wilmington Mayor James Baker and Office of Cultural Affairs Director Tina Betz aimed to create a project to engage Wilmington’s youth in the arts. WCC was born of that effort. Once considered “the tiny non-profit that could,” it now comprises six staff members, over 700 singers, and a wealth of supporters. And true to its original mission, the choir remains a tuition-free experience for all members.
WCC is going strong as its own vibrant non-profit organization, hosting five performing ensembles, three Neighborhood Choirs, an early childhood music program, an international exchange program with Wilmington sister cities like Fulda, Germany, and numerous summer camps.
Kimberly Doucette has been with WCC since 2005, first as Associate Director then stepping into the Artistic Director position in 2009. During her tenure, she has reinforced WCC’s reputation for excellence and expanded access for children across our community, building a musical home where youth of all backgrounds come together and learn more about themselves, their community, and their world.
“While the core values of excellence and access haven’t changed,” Doucette says, “my own understanding of the hard work and imaginative thinking required to make this opportunity equitable and inclusive for all children has deepened.”
Executive Director Lianna Magerr equally shares Doucette’s dedication and vision. “When I started working for WCC in 2015, we were the ‘tiny nonprofit that could’,” Magerr recalls. “For the first five years, growth was my main focus. I’m so proud of what we’ve built.”
Among the things Doucette and Magerr have built are programs that meet the community’s youth right where they are. WCC’s Neighborhood Choirs and Early Learner’s Music (ELM) program enable children from 6 weeks to 13 years of age to enjoy music education in spaces where they live and learn.
Governor John Carney commends chorus members on a performance well done.
ELM partners with centers like Kingswood Community Center and Las Americas Aspira Academy, where youth can participate in twice-a-week music classes embedded into their regular school day. The Neighborhood Choir program was established to address another barrier to participation in afterschool activity — transportation. WCC collaborates with area community centers and schools such as Boys and Girls Club of Delaware, Walnut Street YMCA, and Evan G. Shortlidge Academy to provide music programs to more than 250 children across the city.
“I’m excited to broaden our reach even further through additional community partnerships and strategic relationships with schools,” Magerr says. “Ultimately, our programs are designed for students to ‘graduate’ from one program to the next and eventually join the ranks of hundreds of WCC alumni.”
Doucette says working with WCC continues to teach her much about the rich tapestry of our community and the incredible potential of our young people.
“I want our choristers to know that who they are is important, unique, and special,” she says. “I want them to see that they are loved for who they are, that everyone has a musical home here, and I want them to experience the power and strength that can come from working together.”
“Here, I experience a growing community where we feed off each other’s energy,” says Marley Saunders, a 17-year-old member from St. Mark’s High. “I love that we encourage each other to soar, become better, and make great choices.”
One of Marley’s goals is to inspire more young children to sing and express their joy of music “by sharing meaningful messages through our songs and showing that singing is cool. We shouldn’t be afraid to show our gifts and talents; this choir is a great way to do that.”
Another WCC chorister, 16-year-old Marcus Auld-Saunders from Delcastle Technical High School, enjoys the opportunity to come together, see friends, and learn great songs. “The thing I love most is being able to sing with all the awesome performers, being a part of this experience,” he says.
One of Marcus’ favorite memories with WCC was a spring concert where they performed Shosholoza, a rendition of a South African miners’ work song arranged by WCC Associate Director Philip Doucette. “I was inspired both by the song and its message,” said Doucette. “I felt strongly it was something I needed to share with our young people. It has since become a staple of the choir.”
“The song is so great — the flow, the lyrics,” says Marcus. “The energy it brings to the audience is infectious. It’s also the last song we sing with the graduating seniors, so it’s a nice send-off.”
Another important aspect of WCC is the support of its chorister parents. Marsha Auld-Saunders’ children have been involved with WCC for eight years, initially discovering the ensemble through its summer camp.
Associate Director Philip Doucette leads WCC in a holiday performance.
“The camaraderie, the fun songs, and the end-of-camp showcase was the highlight of their summer,” she says. “When there were auditions, they begged to join, and we’ve been proud members of the WCC family ever since.”
Her children have gained many valuable fundamentals as WCC members, she adds. “Time management and discipline. The value of teamwork, order, and having fun while creating something magical, are all great lessons learned during their tenure.”
Doucette’s favorite parts of WCC are seeing her members’ emotional reactions to their art. “The looks of pride after nailing a particularly difficult song; a choir member’s tears of joy upon seeing the audience rise for a standing ovation; the warm smiles from alumni who join us in every concert finale; and the countless joyful expressions on faces in every rehearsal and performance.”
“The most important lesson any child can learn is the importance of community,” Magerr says. “Choral singing is great at teaching this because a choir is literally the sum of its parts. I want [our choristers] to remember these lessons, because being part of a community requires you to show up, do hard work, and take care of one another.”
— This month is particularly busy for WCC, with concerts and holiday-themed collaborations with Cartoon Christmas trio and Delaware Theatre Company. For a complete rundown of their December calendar, visit WilmingtonChildrensChorus.org.
DTC Keeps it Local for the Holidays
Delaware Theatre Company is presenting a holiday first as Willmington Children’s Chorus along with six other organizations in Greater Wilmington are partnering to present Home for the Holidays in the 302.
Directed by Rebecca Wright, this inaugural holiday production runs Dec. 4-22 and is being billed as White Christmas meets The Ed Sullivan Show. Joining WCC in the song-and-dance extravaganza include Christina Cultural Arts Center, Delaware Shakespeare, Elevate Vocal Arts, Opera Delaware, The Choir School of Delaware, and the Buccini Pollin Group.
“In our inaugural Holiday Extravaganza, we are thrilled to unite an incredible array of talented artists — from across the region — under one roof,” says DTC Executive & Artistic Director Matt Silva. “This celebration embodies the warmth and joy of the season, offering a unique and festive experience that captures the feeling of what it’s like to be home for the holidays.”
— Tickets start at $32. Call 302-594-1100 or visit online at
DelawareTheatre.org.
