When people hear “choir school,” they think of singing. And while the 142-year legacy of The Choir School of Delaware is built on beautiful music, their vision for 2026 encompasses so much more. It’s about survival, business, and the future. And with the support they receive from the Light Up the Queen Foundation and Shine A Light, The Choir School isn’t just teaching music; they are teaching hustle.
In reality, The Choir School is a workforce development engine for teens from historically marginalized communities. And, through the school’s Young Artist Program, the students evolve into emerging music professionals thanks to the support they receive on multiple levels, including:
- Business training encompassing financial literacy, marketing, and project management skills.
- Mentoring and direct access to professional artists via the Pro-Series program.
- A safe haven providing safety and stability with available financial assistance that keeps them off the street and out of low-wage retail jobs, allowing them to focus on their craft.
The Impact is Real
Thanks to a 2025 grant from Light Up the Queen Foundation, the school was able to strengthen its instructional team, which had an immediate positive impact on the ensemble’s performance quality. The grant also allowed the school to extend contracts for mentors, leading to a stunning joint performance with the University of Delaware.
This is the difference your ticket to Shine A Light makes. Light Up the Queen grants impact students’ lives and future careers. It’s not about just funding songs and performances. Foundation grants fund resumes, college applications, and the confidence of young people who are learning that their voice, their passion, and their labor have significance and value.
