Children's chorus executive

Kirsten Halker-Kratz '96
Music and Chemistry majors

Kirsten Halker-Kratz has been named Executive Director of the Chester Children’s Chorus, a program of Swarthmore College. In her new role, Ms. Halker-Kratz will be responsible for all administrative management, fundraising and public relations of the chorus, working closely with founder and artistic director, John Alston.

Ms. Halker-Kratz spent the past 12 years in various administrative roles at Settlement Music School, the nation’s largest community music school with six branches in the region. Most recently, she was their Manager of Executive Affairs, working on a number of projects in program development and strategic planning. Prior to that, she served as Branch Director for the School’s West Philadelphia branch where she coordinated programs, lessons and performances for 900 students and created innovative, community partnerships.

Ms. Halker-Kratz holds a bachelor’s degree from Bluffton University, Bluffton, OH, a dual masters degree in piano pedagogy and organ performance from Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH with professional studies in executive administration from the University of Pennsylvania. She and her family reside in Media, PA.
 
Founded in 1994, The Chester Children’s Chorus uses music as a vehicle to offer children who live in the Chester-Upland School District the opportunity to expand their intellectual and cultural horizons and strengthen life skills. It provides rigorous musical training in a structured, supportive environment.