Westrick Music Academy Poised To Grow As They Seek New Singers

This Patch article is sponsored by Westrick Music Academy.

Princeton Girlchoir was started 33 years ago by Janet Westrick, then music teacher and choir director at Princeton Day School. She often attended and enjoyed American Boychoir concerts in the area and wondered why no similar organization existed for girls, but she would soon change that.

Today, under the leadership of Artistic Director Dr. Lynnel Joy Jenkins, the choir has continued to expand both its performance and music education offerings, to become the area’s premier choir for girls.

With the announcement of the American Boychoir School’s closure in 2017, the organization came full circle by announcing the creation of Princeton Boychoir as a sibling organization to Princeton Girlchoir, and officially founding Westrick Music Academy (WMA) as home of Princeton Girlchoir and Princeton Boychoir.

With Mr. Fred Meads at the helm — former Director of Vocal Studies at the American Boychoir School and 13-year veteran with the WMA choirs — Princeton Boychoir continues to grow and enjoy professional performance opportunities. Today, our 10 choirs and various music education programs serve nearly 400 children in Mercer and Bucks County each year.

Patch had a chance to talk with Westrick Music Academy.

Patch: What types of opportunities does Westrick Music Academy offer students?

Westrick Music Academy: Following two years of largely virtual rehearsals and performances, we have been thrilled to return to singing in-person this spring. We regularly perform at venues throughout the Princeton region and beyond. Recently, the Girlchoir and Boychoir have performed at McCarter Theater in Princeton, Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, Voorhees Chapel and Kirkpatrick Chapel at Rutgers University, and in various church venues in the Princeton area.

In addition, Princeton Boychoir has appeared on NBC with Michael Bublé in his 2021 ”Christmas in the City” special, at the Baltimore Boychoir Festival, the International Boy’s and Men’s Choral Festival in Arizona, and will make their international debut in Prague and Vienna in 2022.

Princeton Girlchoir has been honored to perform in a wide array of venues for audiences both nationally and internationally. Notable performances include the North American premiere of Tan Dun’s Symphony with Yo-Yo Ma at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center; multiple appearances at Carnegie Hall; performances for dignitaries such as Hillary Rodham Clinton, Jeb Bush, Rush Holt and Sandra Day O’Connor; performing the national anthem at several professional sporting events; and appearances at conferences of the American Choral Directors Association, Organization of American Kodály Educators, and NJ Music Educators Association. Last spring, our Girlchoir sang at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

All of our choirs provide opportunities for children in grades three through 12 to hone their vocal and musicianship skills; encourage students to find their confidence and their voice; provide professional performance opportunities and experience; and make it possible for them to travel the world to perform.

The power of a child’s voice, the confidence of a young adult, and the empowerment of a generation of young men and women are all benefits and legacies of Westrick Music Academy. But perhaps most important of all, our choristers find lifelong friendships and camaraderie here at Westrick Music Academy. Our alumni often return to support our young choristers and sing with us at concerts.

Patch: What type of experiences do music students get to participate in as part of Westrick Music Academy?

Westrick Music Academy: Members of both our Girlchoir and Boychoir will be traveling abroad to perform this summer. Members of Princeton Girlchoir’s Concert Choir, Cantores, and Ensemble will be touring and performing in Quebec, Canada this summer, with concerts in Montreal, Laval and Quebec City.

Our Boychoir will be traveling to perform in Prague and Vienna in early July. Traveling with them and Mr. Meads will be Dr. Rollo Dilworth, a renowned choral composer, who wrote a newly-commissioned choral work in honor of Princeton Boychoir’s Fifth Anniversary. The Boychoir performed this piece for the first time at their Fifth Anniversary Concert in May and will premiere this song internationally at the Prague Festival and in Vienna.

Patch: What type of summer programs do you offer for students?

Westrick Music Academy: This summer, we will be running a summer camp in August for grades three through nine, with Mr. Meads directing. Each day will be filled with inspiring musical activities in singing, musical theater, ukulele and more, along with plenty of games to stimulate each camper’s interests. Our experienced instructors and counselors create a fun, safe environment offering opportunities for students to develop musical and vocal technique while making friendships and learning to work together. No audition is required to join!

There will also be “Poco Voce” voice classes for singers in rising first and second grades. During each lesson, children will focus on tone development and fundamental musical skills through fun and engaging games and activities. Poco Voce is the perfect opportunity for your young musician to develop their singing voice and musicianship skills.

We are also continuing to offer private voice lessons. Summer is the perfect time to focus on your student’s voice training. They can learn the basics or improve their vocal skills. Through six lessons, they will gain more confidence and consistency in their overall singing. Each singer will prepare at least one song for future performances.

Patch: Do you have any special events upcoming?

Westrick Music Academy: We are currently auditioning for the 2022-23 school year. Come sing with us next year! If you would like to join Princeton Girlchoir or Princeton Boychoir, please sign up for an audition on our website.

Patch: How can readers learn more about Westrick Music Academy and its programs?

Westrick Music Academy: Readers can learn more by visiting our website and signing up for our newsletter. They can also follow Princeton Girlchoir on Facebook and Instagram.

Again, readers can learn more about all of our programs including Camp Westrick!, Poco Voce, private voice lessons and upcoming auditions on our website.