Alexandria Kinderchoir Expands Beyond Del Ray

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Alexandria Kinderchoir, the city's only community children's choir, announced it has expanded beyond Del Ray. Formerly known as the Del Ray Kinderchoir, the non-profit group now has participants from around the city.

With the expansion, the choir moved into a larger rehearsal and performance space at Convergence on North Quaker Lane. This year, enrollment doubled, and the choir expanded age offerings to support kindergarten through sixth grade in three rehearsal groups. Alexandria Kinderchoir added a new musicianship teacher to offer dedicated time to reading and composing music each week.

Last year, the choir hired Dr. Benjamin Hutchens as managing artistic director. With more than 20 years of experience leading children's choirs, he also serves as director of music ministries at Westminster Presbyterian Church. Hutchens was honored for his work with the Community Builders Award from a local Masonic Lodge in 2018.

Founded in 2015, Alexandria Kinderchoir began in Del Ray resident Kay Sidahmed's living room. Since then, it has grown by providing children with a noncompetitive atmosphere to develop their love for singing. The choir spent three years rehearsing and performing at Del Ray United Methodist Church and growing enrollment for first through fourth grades.

The choir's mission is "fostering a child’s natural gift for music and singing; promoting choral musicianship; and sharing the joy of music with our neighbors," according to its website.

The Alexandria Kinderchoir is supported by tuition and private donations. The group will aim to raise $10,000 during Spring2ACTion on April 10. The funds will support the nonprofit's budget and scholarships for additional children.

The Alexandria Kinderchoir holds free concerts twice a year at Convergence. Here are upcoming performances:

• Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Del Ray Farmer’s Market
• Saturday, May 11, 12 p.m., La Bella Strada Festival, 100 E. Windsor Avenue
• Saturday, May 18, 3:30 p.m., The Alexandria Kindechoir’s Spring Concert, Convergence

For more information, visit www.alexandriakinderchoir.org.