HISTORY AND MISSION

At this year’s Spring Soirée, CCW families, alumni, and supporters came together to celebrate student performances and raise critical funds for the organization’s programs.

CCW opened its Southwest Campus under the Expand Our Reach campaign, broadening access to music education for children across the DMV, regardless of geography.

CCW joined the National Symphony Orchestra to perform Leonard Bernstein’s Mass at the Kennedy Center, honoring the 50th anniversary of this powerful choral masterwork.

CCW produced the “Stand Up: Harriet Tubman Tour,” a journey exploring Tubman’s legacy and path to freedom, blending history, music, and community reflection.

To improve accessibility, CCW launched the Joan Gregoryk Scholarship Fund, affirming its commitment to provide quality choral education to singers from all backgrounds.

“Peace, Peace” premiered on WETA’s Songs of the Season holiday special, featuring Ms. Clark and ten DC-based choirs in a celebration of togetherness through choral singing.

CCW performed in a regional choral festival at Strathmore with youth choirs from Shenandoah Valley, Roanoke Valley, and the Strathmore Children’s Chorus, fostering regional collaboration.

In partnership with DCPS Arts, CCW launched the DCPS All City Chorus, offering young DC singers a joyful day of musical exploration, community, and artistic collaboration.

Founder Joan Gregoryk stepped down as Artistic Director, passing the baton to Margaret Nomura Clark. Her legacy was honored with a gala gathering alumni, families, and supporters.

At the DC Mayor’s Arts Awards, CCW received the “Excellence in an Artistic Discipline” award from Mayor Muriel Bowser, honoring their impact on the local arts scene.

CCW performed at the White House for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, sharing holiday music with national leaders and guests.

CCW earned the WAMMIE Award for “Best Choral Group,” a regional honor recognizing outstanding contributions to music by artists and organizations in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.

CCW introduced the Young Men’s Ensemble, their first group dedicated to choristers with changed voices, expanding support for vocal development through adolescence.

CCW embarked on its first self-produced international tour in Italy. Over 50 choristers performed in cities like Florence, Pisa, and Rome, showcasing their talent abroad.

CCW added Bel Canto Choir to support upper-elementary and middle school students, providing more tailored ensemble experiences for developing vocalists in the region.

CCW premiered The Nightingale, a choral opera by Imant Raminsh, co-commissioned with Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus and Portland Symphonic Girlchoir, highlighting young voices on stage.

CCW toured Europe for the European Children’s Chorus Festival, performing in Vienna’s St. Stephen’s, Salzburg’s University Church, and Prague’s historic Smetana Hall.

CCW was invited to perform Carmina Burana with The Washington Chorus in a live WETA broadcast, marking another step in CCW’s growing presence in Washington’s musical landscape.

In 2000, CCW introduced the Treble Chorus, expanding opportunities for young singers in the DC metro area and allowing the program to serve a broader and more diverse group of students.

CCW made its international debut at the Tuscany International Children’s Chorus Festival, with performances in Florence’s Duomo and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

CCW launched the 'Building Community Through Song' Festival with Urban Nation Youth Ensemble and Brooklyn Youth Chorus, expanding access to choral music with free community concerts.

Invited by Leonard Slatkin, CCW performed with the National Symphony Orchestra and Oratorio Society at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall in Henri Pierné’s The Children’s Crusade.

In their second season, CCW debuted at the Kennedy Center, performing Ralph Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony with the Oratorio Society of Washington, now known as The Washington Chorus.

In response to local interest, Joan Gregoryk founded the Children’s Chorus of Washington. After outreach and auditions, 74 singers from 45 DC-area schools formed the inaugural CCW chorus.