Children’s Chorus of Washington

Now in its 14th season, the Children’s Chorus of Washington (CCW) stands today as a vital member of the arts community in Washington, DC, and is one of the finest children’s choral ensembles in the country. The Chorus is recognized nationally and internationally for its program and artistic excellence. CCW comprises four performing ensembles – Concert Chorus, Bel Canto Chorus, Treble Chorus and Chamber Ensemble - and draws its choristers from over 100 public and private schools in the greater Washington area.

Combining the challenges of great choral music with the musicianship skills developed in twice-weekly rehearsals allows the singers to experience the joy of singing with artistry, and to develop the self-discipline and confidence that will enhance many areas of their lives. The Chorus produces its own concerts, sings regularly with the National Symphony Orchestra and adult choruses, commissions new works and tours internationally. As the premier children’s chorus in our nation’s capital, the Children’s Chorus of Washington has performed at the Kennedy Center, the Music Center at Strathmore, the White House, the Library of Congress, the West Lawn of the Capitol, and at several Embassies.

Joan Gregoryk, Founder & Artistic Director, is internationally recognized as a leader in the field of children’s vocal music. She taught for many years at Chevy Chase Elementary School where her work with the school’s chorus won her considerable acclaim within professional music organizations, as well as invitations to perform within the United States and Europe. In 1996, she founded the Children’s Chorus of Washington, and has prepared choristers for performances under conductors Mstislav Rostropovich, Helmuth Rilling, Leonard Slatkin, Yuri Temirkanov, Philip Glass, Iván Fisher and Marvin Hamlisch. Ms. Gregoryk is in constant demand as a workshop leader and guest conductor throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, and has regularly conducted the Prague Children's Music Festival. She has taught music educator’s courses on children’s vocal development and the children’s chorus for many years.

Because of her achievements, Ms. Gregoryk has been awarded numerous honors including Outstanding Arts Educator in the United States by the Rockefeller Brothers Funds Awards in Arts Education, the Maryland Outstanding Elementary Music Educator, the Conservatory Medal of Excellence from Shenandoah University and the InterFaith Bridge Builders Award. Ms. Gregoryk holds both a Bachelor and Master of Arts in Music Education, and is an Artist-Teacher Associate at the Choral Music Experience Institute.

http://cchorus.homestead.com/