Choral Music in the Dover Area

The Delaware Choral Society (DCS) was formed in Dover in 1957 by a group of church choirs desiring to perform Handel’s Messiah. Originally Messiah was performed every December, but over the course of time, the group decided to branch out into other choral music of the great composers. Now works by composers from the Renaissance to the present, as well as renditions of spirituals, folk, and popular music, are performed in concerts held at least twice every year. However, every fifth year the DCS celebrates its beginnings by performing Handel’s Messiah. Learn more about our history.

In 2014, we formed the Delaware Youth Chorale (DYC) to introduce school-aged children to the joys of choral singing. The DYC is now an integral part of DCS.

Our Artistic Director

James Wilson, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Music at Wesley College, where he teaches primarily in the areas of vocal music and music history. In addition to his position with the Choral Society, Dr. Wilson directs the Wesley College Choir, the Kent Chamber Choir, and the Chancel Choir at Wesley UMC in Dover. Recent performances with DCS have included Orff’s Carmina Burana, Brahms’ Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, and Mozart’s Requiem. Recent performances with KCC, Kent County’s premiere chamber ensemble, have included Herbert Howells’ Requiem, Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb, and Seth Bingham’s Missa Salvatoris. Wilson has conducted a large number of other masterworks with a variety of ensembles from across the U.S. including the Kensington Consort of North Carolina, the University of Nebraska Chamber Singers and East Campus Choir, and the Boston University Choral Society. He holds degrees from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (D.M.A.), Boston University (M.M.), and The Hartt School of Music (B.M.) in Hartford, CT.

Our Accompanist

Sherry Roscoe serves as as Music Director at Three Stones Church in Dover. Sherry received Bachelor’s degrees in Music Education (K-12) and Music Therapy from Wartburg College in Waverly, IA. Upon graduation she began teaching elementary music, band and chorus in Caroline County, MD. She then began to work as a private contractor providing Music Therapy services to area schools, nursing homes, and agencies serving those with mental and physical challenges. The development of Sherry’s home music studio began in 1995, and Sherry’s Piano Studio continues to thrive, providing piano lessons to students of all ages. Sherry has also served in several local churches as Director of Contemporary Music, Organist, Handbell Director, and Accompanist. She is employed frequently as an accompaniest in the local area with individuals, groups, and schools.