Washington Youth Choir
| WISH LIST
$50: sheet music for 1 student for a year;
$75: a student visit to a college campus;
$250: transportation for the choir to a singing engagement;
$1000: a college scholarship for 1 student
|
In 1988, when the Eastern High School Choir was invited to compete at the prestigious International Youth and Music Festival in Vienna, the seemingly impossible happened: they brought home the silver trophy - the first time an African-American choir had won the honor. Back in DC, the choir performed for President Reagan, and graduating seniors were promised full scholarships to UDC. But to director Joyce Garrett's dismay, only three applied. Thus was born Excellence Without Excuses, a program designed to encourage choir members to pursue higher education, no matter what challenges they face. Operating since January 2006 under its new name, the Washington Youth Choir continues to be DC's chorus of choice for high-profile events like Christmas in Washington and the Kennedy Center Honors. Building on the success of the original model, its mission is to enhance the educational experience of DC-area youth with the rigorous study and performance of music, and to facilitate their successful transition out of high school. In addition to two hours of daily practice (a serious commitment for serious singers), the 70 choir members also attend college prep workshops and tour local and out-of-state colleges. Over $420,000 has been awarded to 191 college-bound choir members since the inception of the scholarship fund in 1989 and now 92% choose college--most at four-year institutions. For accepting nothing less than excellence, Joyce Garrett has been named Agnes Meyer Teacher of the Year and Washingtonian of the Year. There really are no excuses for not lending your support to this superb group.
|
