Photo by Travis Pratt Judith DuBose has been the leader of the Frederick Children’s Chorus for the past 25 years.
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It is a familiar sound for Judith DuBose, who for 25 years has taught and trained the melodious voices of the Frederick 's Children Chorus, leaving a legacy of music to everyone from the very young to chorus alumni who are professional musicians.

Their passion for the music shows on the children's faces, DuBose said. "It just fills them with so much spirit."

In directing the chorus, DuBose, a longtime music educator, has found her own passion for giving children an outlet for their creativity and expression.

This year marks a quarter century for the chorus and affords DuBose an occasion to reflect on the work she has done.

"The part that feels like 25 years is seeing how we developed," she said.

The chorus, which includes about 160 singers ages 5 to 18, started with only a handful of children as part of the Frederick Singers, which DuBose conducted.

Five years later the group had grown large enough to stand alone.

For DuBose, who teaches music full time at Lake Seneca Elementary School in Germantown, the effort has been a family affair.

Her two daughters, now adults, were involved since the beginning. Both still assist with the organization.

The chorus is divided into five ensembles. The most advanced is composed of 41 high school students, some of whom work as intern conductors for the younger groups.

"What we've really developed here is a musical education process," DuBose said.

"It's a great connector to other arts."

The chorus is planning a 25th anniversary concert at the Weinberg Center for the Arts. Two professional composers are writing songs for the occasion, which will include a reunion performance from past chorus members.

The chorus will hold its annual Christmas concert Dec. 12 at Oakdale High School.