Duke Ellington School of the Arts Voices In Motion Show Choir

The highly acclaimed and national award-winning Duke Ellington School of the Arts Voices In Motion Show Choir has thrilled audiences throughout the United States, Germany, Paris, London, France, Japan and extensively in the Caribbean.

Organized in 1986 under the capable leadership of founding director Samuel L.E. Bonds and guided by the strength of the torch carried by former director Dr. Monique Spells, these young artists travel from neighborhoods spanning the entire Washington Metropolitan area to attend Washington’s premier arts-centered high school. Students in the choir are required to perform at a high scholastic and artistic level to maintain membership.

In its 30^th Anniversary year, Voices in Motion became the proud Grand Prize, 1^st place winners of the Show Choir America Competition in Orlando, FL; also claiming top prizes in Best Combo, Best Choreography and Best Vocals. The group has traveled to Europe, Asia, Caribbean Islands and throughout the United States and its territories. They have performed at Carnegie Hall, the John F. Kennedy Center, the White House for Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, as well as inaugural events for former District of Columbia Mayor Adrian Fenty and President Barack Obama.

Sharing stages across the globe with industry notables Earth Wind and Fire, Clay Aiken, Patti LaBelle, Jasmine Guy, Patti Austin, Boyz II Men, Sting, Paul Simon, Babyface and Denyce Graves, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Show Choir, much like the great Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington, are true ambassadors for the nation and the Ellington School.

Under the current direction of Ellington administrator and 2004 alumnus, Maestro Greg Watkins, the choir maintains the standard of exemplary creativity and artistry, combining a tour de force of singing, acting, and dancing comparable to any Broadway stage experience.

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