Girls Choir of Harlem

In 1979, following the enormous success in cultivating vibrant, young men through the Boys Choir of Harlem and Choir Academy of Harlem programs, parents prevailed upon Dr. Walter Turnbull to found a Girls Choir of Harlem.

And so in 1988, once the growing Boys Choir organization was able to sustain it, a full Girls Choir program was instituted to translate Dr. Turnbull's vision for the Girls Choir into reality. The Girls Choir of Harlem seeks to help young women transform their lives through music, build self-esteem, find positive role models, and develop a strong value system of discipline and hard work. Three hundred students in grades 4 to 12 comprise the Girls Choir of Harlem. They attend the Choir Academy of Harlem, a co-ed public school with a full academic curriculum structured by the Board of Education. The program includes conservatory quality artistic instruction and performance opportunities, academic education, and such student support services as counseling, tutoring and college prep. Choir rehearsal is mandatory at the end of the academic day, from 2:30 to 6:00 for grades 9 to 12.

Under the direction of Lorna Myers, the performing arm of the Girls Choir consists of about 50 girls in grades 9 to 12 selected on the basis of excellence in academics, conduct, commitment, dependability, and full knowledge of the repertoire.

The program provides the girls --- who are primarily Afro-American and Latino and come from Harlem and the neighboring communities --- with a safe, secure and consistent environment. Seventy-five percent of the girls are from single parent families; 55 percent are living below poverty level; and 90 percent are considered "at risk" of dropping out of high school.

The Choir also provides opportunities to engage in meaningful activities where the girls can be successful. Artistic director Lorna Myers, a professional musician herself, expects a tremendous amount from each girl, both in terms of her behavior and musicianship. Myers believes that such discipline opens the girls' eyes to the fact that their behaviors have consequences and helps to prepare them for life beyond the Choir.

The relationship between Lorna Myers and the girls plays a critical role in the success of the program. The director and choir staff members serve as caring / trusted adults who believe in the girls, stand by them, motivate them and push them to succeed.

The Girls Choir's public acclaim has given its members the opportunity to become role models themselves. According to Myers, with all their fame, the girls are most proud of the impact they have on girls outside the choir and the younger girls in the school.

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Repertoire of Songs: The Girls Choir of Harlem has an artistic repertoire ranging from classical music to jazz, contemporary songs, gospels, spirituals and specially commissioned works by leading African-American composers.