New Children’s Choir Starting in South Carolina

CHERAW, SC — At the front of G.W. Long Presbyterian,
instructor Karen Wilkerson leads two pews of students from
elementary to high school with First Methodist organist Jonathan
Kroepel playing piano.

Wilkerson is facing two challenges: prepping the group for a
Christmas concert 3 p.m. Dec. 19 at the Second Street church and
recruiting more elementary students.

Shanice Davis, 18, one of Wilkerson’s former students, joined
the choir when the call for voices went out in August.

“I love music and Ms. Wilkerson is a great teacher,” she
said.

After being one of the many Chesterfield County School District
working retirees ousted from their positions in June, Wilkerson
couldn’t leave teaching behind.

“I found out there is no chorus offered in schools for grades
three through eight. That gave me an idea that a community choir
would fill that void for students who wish to sing but don’t have
the opportunity at school,” she said. “If we don’t continue this
tradition, the community will suffer.”