The Baltimore City College Choir

For over 180 years, Baltimore City College, also known as the “Castle on the Hill,” has

stood proudly as a beacon of academic and artistic excellence. This prestigious

institution has nurtured generations of students, fostering a legacy that extends far

beyond the classroom. Among the most enduring and celebrated traditions at City

College is its choral program—a shining example of musical excellence. From the

triumphant voices of the early male glee club to the sophisticated SATB (soprano, alto,

tenor, bass) choral ensemble of today, the Baltimore City College High School

Choral Program has become one of the finest high school choral programs in the

region. This program fosters a deep sense of pride, history, and passion for music.

The heart of the Baltimore City College Choral Program lies in its diverse membership,

The program comprising over 80 students from grades 9 through 12 offers opportunities

for students with varying musical abilities to perform and a chance to develop their vocal

skills and explore a broad range of musical genres. From the classic works of Handel

and Praetorius to the soulful spirituals of Dawson, Hogan, and Smallwood. The

program’s inclusivity is reflected in its broad repertoire, which spans centuries of music

history, from the Renaissance period through to contemporary compositions by

Ellington, Gibbs, and other modern composers. There are four choirs/ensembles that

include: The Concert Choir, an auditioned group of 50 students; The Singin’/Swingin’

Knights Ensemble: A highly selected group of 25 students with advanced music

training, specializing in smaller works ranging from Renaissance to modern-day

compositions. The Knights and Daze Show Choir: A vibrant and energetic group that

combines jazz, pop, and show music with choreography, appealing to a wide range of

musical tastes. The Male Glee Club: Continuing the long tradition of male voice

ensembles at City College, this group remains a central part of the choir’s history and

performance schedule.

These varied ensembles allow students to engage with a rich spectrum of musical

styles. The strength of any choral program lies in its leadership, and the Baltimore City

College Choir has been fortunate to benefit from the guidance of several exceptional

directors over the years. Early directors like William Griggsby and Dorothy A.

Marshall helped lay the foundation for the program. Under the leadership of Linda R.

Hall from 1987 to 2013, the choir reached extraordinary accomplishments.

Under Hall’s direction, the choir gained national and international recognition,

performing at some of the most prestigious venues in the world. The choir’s

accomplishments during this time include performances at the White House, Carnegie

Hall, and international tours to locations in France, Italy, and Spain. These

performances helped establish the choir as one of the premier high school choral

ensembles in the country, and Hall’s dedication to musicianship and artistic cultivation

left an indelible mark on both the students and the broader City College community. W.

Patrick Alston has served as an accompanist for the choir since 1999 transiting between

directors.

In 2013, Marcus D. Smith, an alumnus of Baltimore City College, was appointed the

new choral director following Hall’s retirement. Honoring the traditions of the program

and its musical excellence, has a deep connection to it, having previously served as

both an accompanist and assistant choral director before his appointment.

Under his direction, the choir has had the privilege of performing alongside some of the

world’s finest musicians, including renowned conductor Ken Lam and legendary

performer Andre DeShields, both of whom performed with the choir at Baltimore

Symphony Orchestra events. The choir’s collaboration with the Baltimore Symphony

Orchestra has included memorable performances such as the "Home Alone" live

production and Duke Ellington’s Sacred Concert in 2024.

In addition to these prestigious collaborations, the choir has maintained a strong

presence in local venues throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area. Participating in

numerous competitions and adjudications, the choir has consistently earned superior

ratings, first-place trophies, and a reputation for musical excellence. In 2024, the

choir performed at the inauguration of Baltimore’s 52nd mayor, further cementing its

place as a key cultural ambassador for the city.

The choir’s influence is not confined to Baltimore alone. As part of its ongoing mission to

inspire and uplift audiences, the Baltimore City College Choir continues to travel the

world, performing in diverse locations and reaching people from all walks of life.

Through these performances, the choir not only celebrates the rich musical traditions of

the past but also strives to create a vibrant, inclusive future for music education and

performance.

City Forever