National Children's Chorus Program Continues at Compton High School
- Compton Chamber Admin
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
One of the more exciting educational developments introduced in Compton over the past year continues to move forward as part of Compton High School's expanding performing arts offerings.
In May 2025, the GRAMMY® Award-winning National Children's Chorus (NCC) announced a partnership with the Compton Unified School District to establish a scholarship-funded, world-class vocal arts program at Compton High School. The initiative was created to provide Compton students with access to the same level of musical training offered by one of the nation's premier youth choral organizations.
The National Children's Chorus is recognized internationally for its rigorous vocal education, with chapters in major cities across the United States including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Boston, Dallas, Austin, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Its students have performed in prestigious venues around the world, including Carnegie Hall, while many alumni have gone on to study music and the performing arts at leading universities.
A Strong Beginning
The program officially began in January 2025.
Every student at Compton High School was invited to audition, with approximately twenty students selected from roughly 1,400 eligible students to form the inaugural ensemble. According to the National Children's Chorus and Compton Unified, the long-term vision is to expand enrollment over time, ultimately serving as many as 120 students annually through the organization's college-preparatory "Scholars" curriculum.
Students receive instruction several days each week in:
Vocal technique
Ensemble performance
Music theory
Sight-reading
Performance preparation
The inaugural group gave its first public performance in May 2025, marking the official launch of the partnership.
Designed for the Long Term
Rather than being introduced as a temporary enrichment program, district officials described the initiative as a permanent component of Compton High School's performing arts curriculum. The program transitioned into the school's new campus with plans for continued expansion and ongoing annual auditions.
Although relatively few public updates have been released since the initial announcement, the program continues to be featured among Compton High School's major educational initiatives, indicating that it remains part of the school's academic and arts offerings.
Part of a Broader Investment in Arts Education
The National Children's Chorus partnership complements a broader transformation taking place within Compton Unified School District.
The district's new Compton High School campus features significantly expanded facilities for arts education, including the highly anticipated Performing Arts Center supported through Dr. Dre's historic contribution. In recent months, Compton High students have also participated in visits and mentorship opportunities involving Grammy Award-winning artists and other creative industry professionals, reflecting the district's growing emphasis on music, arts, media, and creative career pathways.
Why This Matters
Programs such as the National Children's Chorus provide more than music instruction.
Students develop discipline, teamwork, confidence, public speaking skills, time management, and artistic excellence while representing their school and community through public performances. These experiences can open doors to scholarships, higher education opportunities, and careers throughout the performing arts industry.
Equally important, they help showcase another side of Compton—one defined by talent, creativity, dedication, and educational opportunity.
Looking Ahead
While public enrollment updates have not yet been released, all available information indicates that the National Children's Chorus initiative remains active as part of Compton High School's performing arts program.
As the program continues to mature, it has the potential to become one of Southern California's leading examples of how nationally recognized arts organizations can partner with public schools to provide students with opportunities traditionally available only through private schools, prestigious conservatories, and specialized performing arts academies.
The Compton Chamber of Commerce applauds initiatives that expose students to the highest standards of musical excellence, artistic achievement, and cultural enrichment. Experiences like these help build character, develop discipline, foster teamwork, refine talent, broaden horizons, and inspire young people to pursue excellence in every aspect of life.
We encourage Compton Unified School District to continue investing in and expanding this remarkable partnership. Programs of this caliber represent a long-term investment in Compton's future—one that enriches our community, elevates its cultural life, and ensures that generations of local students continue to benefit from world-class educational opportunities.
About the National Children's Chorus
Founded in Los Angeles, the National Children's Chorus (NCC) is one of the world's leading youth choral organizations and a GRAMMY® Award-winning institution dedicated to musical excellence, cultural openness, and artistic development. Today, the NCC provides advanced vocal training to more than 1,400 students in 40 choirs across eight major U.S. metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, Boston, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Dallas, and Austin. Its students regularly perform in renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Hollywood Bowl, while many graduates continue their studies at leading conservatories, colleges, and universities.
Learn more at www.nationalchildrenschorus.com