Our History
In the late 1980s, local music teacher Jan Westrick enjoyed the concerts given by the American Boychoir and wondered why no similar organization existed for girls. With that aim in mind, Jan created Princeton Girlchoir. Volunteer parent Janet Perkins began supporting the choir, and soon became the first Executive Director.
Twenty-seven girls made up the first choir; 27 girls who did not regularly sing in two-part harmony. They came from local schools and practices took place at Princeton Day School on Mondays — a rehearsal day that continues thirty years later.
Quickly, the size and the scope of the choir changed. The choirs expanded as more girls and their parents realized the advantages of raising their voices in song, the confidence earned by performing in our home community and abroad, and the rewards of an incomparable musical education. Throughout this growth, under the stewardship of Ms. Westrick, the choirs continued to flourish, and honors and distinctions followed the choristers. They have performed on concert stages from Carnegie Hall to St. Peter’s Basilica for dignitaries and world leaders and at prestigious national conferences.
Our organization came full circle by announcing the creation of Princeton Boychoir. Under the direction of Fred Meads, the three choirs that comprise PBC have grown to become an integral part of the organization.
Jan Westrick’s legacy is celebrated and honored today through the creation of Westrick Music Academy, which is home to Princeton Girlchoir and Princeton Boychoir, along with a growing number of music education offerings serving our choristers and the broader community. Together, these musicians unite in raising their voices in song.
Today, under the leadership of Artistic Director Dr. Lynnel Joy Jenkins, the choir continues to expand both its performance and music education offerings.
