After 32 years, seven children grew into nearly 1,000. And now, the man who made it happen is passing the baton. 

John Alston, the founder and longtime director of the Chester Children’s Chorus, recently stepped down, marking the end of an era for one of Delaware County’s most beloved youth programs, according to staff for 6abc. 

Alston launched the chorus in 1994 with a handful of kids and a vision, and what he built over the next three decades was far greater than a choir. 

“I’m proud. It’s wonderful to know that you’ve done a small piece of what the world needs to be better,” Alston said. 

The program grew into a full educational experience for young people in Chester, pairing choral training with individualized math tutoring provided by Swarthmore College students.  

Alumni of the Chester Children’s Chorus have gone on to attend Harvard, Stanford, and the University of Pennsylvania, among other prestigious institutions. 

Taking over is Sean Tripline, who has spent 12 years with the organization and most recently served as assistant music director. He credits Alston himself with planting the seed. 

“I had a conversation with Dr. Alston after a concert, and we were just casually talking about his retirement,” Tripline recalled. “And then he quietly said, ‘You know, Sean, you could do this too.’” 

Tripline is already looking ahead, with the chorus preparing for its upcoming summer learning program. As for Alston, he plans to rest, spend time with his son, and possibly return to teaching someday. 

Read the full story on 6abc to learn more about John Alston’s remarkable three-decade legacy and what’s next for the Chester Children’s Chorus under new leadership. 

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