From Fall 2023 through Spring 2025, we had a unique opportunity to examine the effects of sustained choral music engagement on the cognitive, affective, and behavioral development of children aged 10–18. In celebration of its 150th anniversary, the Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia commissioned "On the Horizon", a major choral work centered on climate change, and partnered with Commonwealth Youth Choir to collaborate with composer Melissa Dunphy in intentionally bringing the voices and perspectives of children into the text and creative process. This collaboration provided a rare, longitudinal context in which youth were deeply immersed in climate-related material through artistic creation, rehearsal, reflection, and performance. Using a mixed methods research design, we investigated how participation in this process influenced young singers' understanding of, emotional responses to, and engagement with climate change. Data collection included small- and large-group conversations that invited participants to share their thoughts and feelings about climate change, pre- and post-surveys using validated instruments, and qualitative post-performance interviews.
Major findings suggest that despite scoring highly in both belief and knowledge about climate change, students demonstrated little evidence of eco-anxiety, even after spending several months immersed in preparing the climate-focused performance. Rather than increasing worry, the experience appeared to deepen understanding while fostering reflection and engagement. This finding directly challenges political claims that educational and scientific institutions are "deliberately fueling youth climate anxiety." Student reflections instead suggest a constructive intellectual and emotional response. In addition, results highlight art-making as an expressive and affirmative space for developing understanding, as well as a meaningful site for youth agency in a context where young people often feel limited in their ability to influence climate outcomes. Together, these findings suggest that sustained, creative engagement can support climate literacy and empowerment without exacerbating eco-anxiety, offering important implications for arts-based climate education and youth well-being.