Jerry Alred passed on June 1, 2021. This amazing husband, father, grandfather, author, teacher, and friend will be missed greatly. As the creator and developer of InlandChorus.com, his foresight ensures that this site will remain indefinitely. May he rest in peace. [ Gerald "Jerry" James Alred: February 24, 1943 - June 1, 2021 ]
Publicity photo ~ 1954
Welcome to the Web home of the Inland Children's Chorus!
This website is dedicated to preserving and making widely available the history and music of the Inland Children's Chorus, which was an original and historically unique contribution by American industry to young people, the community, and the performing arts.
The Chorus was sponsored from 1936 to 1970 by the Inland Manufacturing Division of General Motors Corporation to give 8- to 16-year-old children of employees "a musical education and training which they otherwise might not be able to obtain and to make a contribution to the cultural life of Inland employees and the community." Inland engaged Broadway theatrical designer and Tony Award nominee Raymond Sovey to stage the concerts. The Chorus often performed with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and gained national acclaim on radio and television. The Inland Children's Chorus has been called "one of Dayton's greatest by-products of industry." (DPO/p11).
View a one-minute video profile of the Chorus by Dayton Daily News journalist Lisa Powell. Inland General Manager John D. O'Brien suggest why a corporation might value tradition and the performing arts: six-minute audio. O'Brien's comments were given at the 25th anniversary concert following one of the area's most damaging ice storms. See the top of this and each page for links to sections.
