Stunning trajectory

UD Chorale ensembles have an impressive history of international tours and competition results, but DCS’s recent accomplishments are unprecedented. 

In 2024, DCS received four gold medals and three division wins at the World Choir Games in New Zealand, an accomplishment that earned them the number one spot on the Interkultur World Choir Rankings.

This led to an invitation to compete in the 56th Tolosa Choral Competition in Spain in October 2025, where they took three first place prizes and the grand prize for top overall score. 

The Tolosa results in turn led to the EGP, where the winners of six competitions in Bulgaria, Italy, Hungary, Latvia, Slovenia and the Basque region of Spain compete for the top prize. 

“This has made Delaware choirs a household name,” Paul D. Head, DCS director and Unidel Professor of Music and director of choral studies in the School of Music, said. “I can show up somewhere on the other side of the world and people say, ‘Oh, Delaware! We know you.”” 

He said the ensemble’s unique composition is a key element of its success. 

“The amalgamation is key,” Head said. “The younger singers bring energy and optimism to the group, and the alumni raise the bar because they have the vocal maturity.” 

Learning from each other

The combination was a natural progression for dedicated choral singers — students and alumni — who want to push themselves harder to achieve more. 

For student members, it offers an extended learning and networking opportunity beyond their standard coursework.

“The music is very difficult and we learn at a fast pace, so having people I can go to for guidance is so helpful,” Gonzalez said. “Being able to turn to the people next to me and just ask them, ‘Hey, how does this go?’ or, ‘What is this rhythm?’ is the biggest help.”

Stephanie Gilmour, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering with minors in mathematics and computer engineering, said that being one of the few members who does not study music is an extra challenge.  

“Working with seasoned musicians quickly forced me into becoming one myself in order to retain my position in the choir,” she said. “Through the kindness and sheer skill of the members of this choir, I have grown into a stronger musician than I ever thought possible.”

Tom Kuchler, who graduated in 2016 with a bachelor of music in music education, is the director of performing arts at Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania. He called DCS the “best professional development for choir teachers that exists.” 

“It’s a sort of shot in the arm of energy and enthusiasm," Kuchler said. “The time commitment is tough, but to get something meaningful you need to put the time and energy into it. It always ends up being worth it.” 

He said he gets inspiration from watching accomplished choirs perform, and he takes that back to his classroom. 

Full circle moments

Despite the low-key awkwardness of what to call each other — “I yell it every time. I'm not Mr. Kuchler anymore!” Kuchler laughed — DCS members embrace their music-making community. 

Kuchler loves that his alma mater is the nurturing environment he remembers. 

“Seeing that UD is still doing a great job of preparing music educators and incredible musicians makes me feel good about the profession,” he said.

Gonzalez chose UD based in large part on his recommendation, and it turned out to be the right choice. 

“I first learned to love choral music in his classroom. Now, having the opportunity to be in this high-level, high-achieving choir that is so passionate and focused is a dream come true,” she said

She is also discovering more of her former teacher’s personality. 

“He can be a little bit of a clown during rehearsal,” she said. “We try to have fun and be productive, but he lets his personality show. I’m like, ‘Oh, he’s really funny.’” 

And Kuchler is seeing his former student grow up. 

“Now when I see her I consider her a colleague and a peer,” he said.

Competition day

DCS has traveled and competed frequently, but the big day still brings excitement. 

“I can’t wait to share music-making on an international stage once again and feel the joy and emotional release of our performance,” said Xander Costas, a junior majoring in applied music with a minor in neuroscience. 

Naturally there is pressure to perform well, but no matter what the final results are, DCS will always have that special Blue Hen connection. 

“The best thing about the experience is the community aspect, and the friendships, and the connections,” Kuchler said. “Professional connections, personal connections, I think it is a living, breathing organism.” 

The 2026 European Grand Prix for Choral Singing begins at 11:30 a.m. on April 18. (5:30 p.m. Central European Time)

Delaware audiences can watch the competition on live stream.