Capital Harmony Works

Dear Friends of Capital Harmony Works, 

My name is Maya Halcomb and I am a former student of Trenton Children’s Chorus. Music has always been a foundational part of my upbringing, and I recognize that my involvement in the Trenton Children’s Chorus (TCC) has largely shaped who I am today. Beginning in the Choral Readiness choir, TCC was a space where I made my earliest lasting friendships. I entered rehearsals with excitement because it was a place where I felt like I didn't have to fit in – everyone was there to make music together. In retrospect, having the TCC community as a constant in my childhood routine instilled my values of collaboration and growth. It allowed me to explore my identity and navigate how I as an individual fit into a diverse and dynamic group of students of different ages, skills, and experiences. Here, not only were my musical skills nurtured, but my character was valued in ways it struggled to come out in school. 

Now, I am a sophomore at Wellesley College studying Peace & Justice and Sociology. This summer, I had the privilege of working with Capital Harmony Works doing social media outreach and assisting with the Trenton Children’s Chorus by documenting the student experience. 

The opportunity to work with Capital Harmony Works felt particularly special because I was able to start giving back to the community who gave so much to me. The children I worked with this summer were all unique in what they brought to the program, yet their care and excitement felt just like my childhood experience, which shows how deeply rooted this program’s values and approach to learning are. My positive experience with Capital Harmony Works, then and now, is why I am writing to you today to share our 2026 Back to School Appeal.

At Capital Harmony Works, we strive to empower youth through music education. Through engagement with both classical and contemporary choral and orchestral repertoire, students develop confidence, collaboration, discipline, and creative excellence. Most of all, they become a part of a grounding and welcoming community that expands what they believe is possible for themselves. 

This past year, our students brought their talent and curiosity to new stages, collaborators, and challenges. We have so much to celebrate and are eager for another year of growth!

During the 2025-2026 season, we were thrilled to collaborate with NJ Symphony Orchestra, Mill Hill Playhouse, Rex Arts, and peers from El Sistema NJ Alliance programs. We also had the pleasure of hosting guest artist Dr. Timothy Schwartz, violin professor at Rowan University and London College of Music.

The Trenton Children’s Chorus was invited by Elevate Vocal Arts to sing repertoire composed by Black artists alongside regional high school choirs. This summer, TCC’s vocal camp brought together students in grades 1-6 to learn and perform selections from Seussical The Musical and KPop Demon Hunters. The Trenton Chamber Orchestra of the Trenton Music Makers participated in a series of master classes, learning from musicians in the NJ Symphony Orchestra. They too had a successful summer intensive session. Music for the Very Young continued to grow, now engaging 230 preschoolers and their families across 16 classrooms. Along the way, we supported NJ public school teachers with weekly mentorship and twice-annual professional development to integrate music and movement into the early childhood curriculum. 

Our students are the heart of this community, and you make it possible. Thanks to your donations, Capital Harmony Works is free and open to children of all skill levels, offering musical, social, and academic enrichment through continuous partnerships, performance, and dedicated instruction.

Your support helps students keep growing as leaders who represent the beauty and richness of their city.

When I think back on my childhood at TCC, I remember receiving an immense sense of care and support that fostered my genuine excitement to learn. I can attest that the community I remember has carried on and is going strong. Having worked with Capital Harmony Works, I understand that it's the combination of students and resources that keeps the community alive, and I want to thank you for being part of it.

With gratitude, 

Maya Halcomb