Established in 2009, the Decatur Avondale Children's Choir (DACC) is a community choir of over 120 singers ages six to eighteen performing in three ensembles. Emphasizing choral excellence and artistry, the goal of the DACC is to provide singers with enriching experiences in choral performance and engendering a lifelong love of music and music participation. The Decatur Avondale Children's Choir has performed in concerts with The Mercer University Singers, Georgia State University Opera, The DeKalb Choral Guild, The Decatur Civic Chorus, and the Atlanta Opera Worship among others. This will be DACC's third performance at Carnegie Hall with DCINY.

R. Mark Green is a choral musician with over four decades of experience directing choirs of singers from elementary age to senior adults. Known affectionately as "Mr. Mark," he is a dedicated choral conductor renowned for his warmth, artistry, and commitment to excellence in musical performances. Green is an alumnus of the University of North Georgia, holding a degree in Music Education, and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he earned a Master of Church Music degree. Currently, he serves at First Baptist Church of Decatur and leads the Decatur Avondale Children’s Choir, a community choir of more than 120 singers.

The Ilwaco High School Vocal Ensemble is a distinguished group that has earned the highest ranking solos and ensembles in our region. Renowned for their exceptional performances, they have traveled from New York City to the Pacific Northwest, showcasing their talent and dedication. Under expert direction, the ensemble continues to excel, bringing pride to their school and community with each performance.

Rachel Lake, a distinguished music educator, has dedicated over two decades to inspiring students and colleagues. From her early days as a student teacher to leading district-wide music departments, she has earned accolades such as the Southwest Washington Music Educator of the Year award. Rachel's innovative projects and leadership in the Washington Music Educators Association highlight her commitment to excellence. She enriches students' lives through transformative trips to Florida, San Antonio, Hawaii, New York, and across the Pacific Northwest. Teaching Jazz Band, Concert Band, Mariachi Band, Choir, Drama, Marching, and Pep Band, Rachel’s impact on music education is profound and enduring.

The Hartselle High School Choral Department is comprised of approximately 125 singers who participate in 4 distinct choirs. Students from the HHS Choral Department are regularly selected for the Alabama All State Choral Festival, Alabama All State Show Choir Festival, various Honor Choirs throughout the Southeast, and are featured in multiple collegiate and professional programs throughout the region. The HHS Choral Department regularly receives superior ratings at State Choral Performance Assessment, and has performed at a variety of venues across the United States.

Kate M. Dupuis currently serves as the Choral Music Director at Hartselle High School in Hartselle, Alabama, where she conducts all choral ensembles and teaches AP Music Theory. Kate holds a B.M. in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine (SOM ’08) where she double majored in both voice and trumpet, and an M.M. in Music Education from Boston University (CFA ’12). She is currently pursuing her National Board Certification. HHS Choirs perform at venues in Alabama, throughout the Southeast, and beyond. Most recently, they have performed for audiences at Walt Disney World and at Truist Park for the Atlanta Braves.

Lauderdale Community Choir was formed in 2010 and is a thriving mixed-voice choir, based in Lauder in the Scottish Borders, attracting members from across Lauderdale and beyond. The choir sings a variety of music including pop, classical and folk, performing a main annual Concert and local community events, especially at Christmas. The choir has also performed at the Glasgow Music Festival, winning the Mixed Choirs class in 2018. This is the second time Lauderdale Community Choir has participated in the DCINY Series. Members of the choir have also performed in the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin.

James Robertson is a former music therapist and now devotes his time to choral conducting and composition. He lives in Edinburgh and it was here that he establised the first Music Therapy training program in Scotland at Queen Margaret University. James has been the Musical Director of Lauderdale Community Choir for almost ten years. He is also a singing for lung health practitioner. As a composer, his largest-scale work is 'Requiem for the Innocent', written for the Edinburgh Bach Choir. James has also had works performed by VOCES8 and Ars Nova Copenhagen.

Under Scott Dixon’s expert direction, the St. Andrew Catholic Church Choir has flourished, becoming a beacon of musical excellence and spiritual inspiration. Comprised of dedicated members from all walks of life, the choir is known for its harmonious blend of voices, delivering performances that uplift and inspire the congregation. The choir's repertoire spans a diverse range of sacred music, from traditional hymns to contemporary worship songs, all performed with profound reverence and artistry. - Successfully directed numerous seasonal concerts and special church services, including Christmas and Easter celebrations. - Organized and led choir tours, bringing the choir's uplifting performances to other communities and churches. - Fostered a welcoming and inclusive environment, encouraging new members to join and share their musical gifts.

As the Music Director of St. Andrew Catholic Church, Scott Dixon brings a wealth of experience and passion to the role. With a deep love for both sacred and classical music, Scott has dedicated his career to nurturing the musical talents within the church community and beyond.

Anthony Wayne High School is proud to present Symphonic Chorale & Close Harmony! Symphonic Chorale is an auditioned choir made up of sopranos and altos, singing a variety of three and four part choral music. Close Harmony is an auditioned SATB a cappella choir, singing a variety of pop a cappella music. These groups perform at multiple events throughout the year, achieving the highest level of performance in the community, district, and at the state level. Each student is so talented, and together they showcase their love and talent of music with each and every performance they do!

Kayla Dye is the Director for the Anthony Wayne High School Choirs, and is so excited to enter another year of music making with her amazing students! She has taught choir at Anthony Wayne for four years: Two years at the Junior High, and is entering her second year of teaching at the High School. Outside of school, Kayla is the Music Director at the Waterville United Methodist Church, and gives piano and voice lessons to multiple students. She is so thankful to experience this opportunity with her students at Carnegie Hall, and make music with amazing musicians!

The Cedarburg High School Vocal Music Department develops well-rounded musicians through an engaging and progressive curriculum. Students explore music literacy, theory, history, culture and multiple genres, growing their vocal skills and providing high-quality performances. The CHS Vocal Music department consists of five ensembles open to all levels of ability. CHS choral music students can be heard in State Honor Choir events throughout Wisconsin, annual musical productions, community performances and district and state Solo and Ensemble festivals. CHS is grateful to be singing at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Mr. Eric Whitacre and collaborating with student-musicians from across the country.

An energetic and collaborative music educator, Mr. Tony Mudra brings 20 years of experience in vocal music at the secondary and university level. He is currently the vocal music director at Cedarburg High School (Wisconsin). Previously, Mr. Mudra led the music program at the International School of Stavanger (Norway) and completed his Master of Music in Choral Conducting under the direction of Dr. Zack Durlam at UW-Milwaukee, where he also co-directed university ensembles. Mr. Mudra has been the guest conductor or accompanist for 13 regional and international honor choir events in Belgium, China, England, France, India, Luxembourg, Portugal and Wisconsin.

The Piedmont Choral Society, founded in September 1997, is the area's premier community-based mixed-voice choir. This all-volunteer, auditioned group averages 60-80 members, including talented singers from various backgrounds, many of whom hold professional roles as teachers and church musicians. The Society's mission is to provide vocalists with a challenging and managed artistic outlet, delivering high-caliber performances of sacred and secular choral masterworks while serving the community. A full-time, professional music director and pianist lead the choir. The Piedmont Choral Society aims to enhance the educational and cultural activities of the Greater Cabarrus County community of N.C.

Joseph Judge is the Musical Director and conductor of the Piedmont Choral Society in Concord, North Carolina. He previously served for 15 years as Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at Pfeiffer University. Judge has conducted major choral works with orchestras, musical theater, and opera productions. As a soloist, he has performed across the United States and Europe. He holds a B.A. in Music Education from Pfeiffer University and an M.M. from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Judge is also the Director of Music Ministries at Central United Methodist Church in Albemarle, NC.

The Anne Arundel Community College Chamber Singers is comprised of students ranging in age from 18-83. They have toured Spain and Austria with the AACC Symphony Orchestra. Recent performances include a highly acclaimed production of Craig Hella Johnson’s “Considering Matthew Shepard.” Members of the ensemble include students and community members.

Douglas Brandt Byerly is Professor of Music at AACC where he heads the Choral and Vocal Studies. Doug is an active composer, clinician, performer, and is also the Director of Music at the historic St. John the Evangelist parish in Baltimore County, Maryland. A champion of new music, Doug frequently programs the music of Eric Whitacre.

The Brookfield East High School Spartan Singers of Brookfield, Wisconsin are thrilled to be back in New York City performing at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Eric Whitacre. Under the direction of Kari Doepke-Warnes, this non-auditioned travel group is comprised of 86 singers representing all levels of high school music experience. Back home, the students are enrolled in one or more of our curricular choirs (of which there are four), and serve as leaders within our specialty co-curricular ensembles. They are wonderful stewards of their musical gifts, using their music to serve within the school and extended community.

Kari Doepke-Warnes is currently enjoying her 25th year of teaching choral music in the School District of Elmbrook at Brookfield East High School in Brookfield, Wisconsin. During her career, she has had the joy of directing choirs at the middle, high, and collegiate levels, but really finds her “happy place” with her students, ages 14-18. She is excited to be back in NYC with DCINY at Carnegie Hall after having brought students to perform under Eric Whitacre’s direction back in 2019. She is immensely grateful for this incredible opportunity to make music and memories again here in the City!

Michael Siegel is the Vocal Music Director at Calabasas High School and received both his bachelor's and masters in Music at CSUN. While at CSUN, Mr. Siegel helped start one of the school’s a cappella groups and took part in festivals and competitions. During and after college, Mr. Siegel managed music artists, produced concerts, and worked as a vocal coach with multiple singers and groups.

Cantamus Singers, all DCINY Alumni, was established shortly after several of its singers took part in the 2023 Interkultur Residency and Concert with Eric Whitacre, held in Barcelona. Spain. The singers bring with them a wealth of vocal experience from the worlds of music theatre, church and choral music. They regularly sing together and are excited to be performing again with DCINY and Eric Whitacre in 'An Evening of Holiday Music with Eric Whitacre' in Carnegie Hall.

A graduate from Durham and Cambridge Universities, Susan taught in Devon, Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire before joining Bedfordshire's Music Service in 2003. Passionate about the benefits of singing she was an Area Leader for the National Programme Sing Up; a Wider Opportunities Vocal Trainer for Trinity Guildhall and eventually Music Director for Central Bedfordshire's Music Service and Education Hub until December 2017. Susan is a long-time member of the Association of British Choral Directors, Sing for Pleasure and the Independent Society of Musicians. She currently directs several adult choirs and was delighted when friends suggested she also lead Cantamus Singers.

The Novi Singers are 35 high schoolers from Novi, MI. They come from the top ensembles at their school, who consistently receive top ratings at District and State Choral Festivals. This is the fourth time these groups will be represented here at Carnegie Hall and they are so excited for this incredible opportunity to work with Eric Whitacre.

Claire Schurig has been the choir director at Novi High School for 13 years, where her choirs repeatedly receive top ratings at District and State Choral Festivals. She is a proud graduate of Michigan State University, and a proud mom to Hazel, Eliza, and Bobby. This is her fourth time having her choirs perform at Carnegie Hall.

McMannen United Methodists' Chancel Choir was founded in 1870 in Durham, North Carolina in the years following the Civil War. The church location is less than a mile from where the largest surrender of the Civil War took place between General Johnston and General Sherman in 1865. It is a welcoming and historic church in the greater Raleigh-Durham area. The chancel choir sings regularly at our Sunday morning services as well as throughout the United Methodist Corridor District. For this performance, we have asked additional singers to join us in this performance. Many of our singers serve the greater community as church musicians, educators, medical professionals, and avid singers. This is the first performance at Carnegie Hall for McMannen United Methodist.

John Benton is a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he received his Bachelor’s of Music and Masters of Arts in Teaching degrees in Music Education. While at UNC, he was the recipient of the Sydney M. Dowd Fellowship for Piano Performance Studies. He has taught in the North Carolina Public Schools for over 14 years, teaching in Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools as well as Wake County Public Schools. In 2021, John became a Steinway and Sons Verified Teacher and Educational Partner for excellence in teaching piano. John serves as the Director of Music Ministries at McMannen United Methodist Church in Durham, North Carolina. His choirs perform frequently with DCINY at Carnegie Hall and his choirs have also performed across the United States, most notably Radio City Music Call, as well as The Walt Disney World Resort Festival of Music.

The GCVI Chamber Choir is an auditioned ensemble of singers attending the Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute in Ontario, Canada. With numerous gold and platinum standings at Musicfest Canada and the Ontario Music Festival Association's (OMFA) provincial finals, the GCVI Chamber Choir has been fortunate to perform at the Harrogate International Youth Festival (HIYF) in England, and was a first place recipient of the CBC Canada's Greatest Music Class Challenge in 2023. The GCVI Chamber Choir regularly supports touring musicians, which includes recent performances with Foreigner, David Bowie's previous bandmates for BowieCon 2023, Susan Aglukark, Wilco and Everclear. They are thrilled to sing with Eric Whitacre and all participating ensembles tonight in their second performance at Carnegie Hall.

Lane Osborne is an accomplished music educator working in Ontario's public education system, with expansive experience instructing voice privately and assisting with direction of the esteemed Hamilton Children's Choir. She is the recipient of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada's (SSHRC) J.A. Bombardier Graduate Scholarship, her choral work has earned her first place standing in the CBC Choral Competition, and she was offered prospective candidacy to the University of Michigan's Ph.D. program in music education. When not making music with her students, Lane can be found in Guelph, Ontario wrangling her husband, son and beloved shetland sheepdog, Ollie.

The Vocal Voyages National Chorus brings together singers from across the U.S. who share a passion for music and travel. United by their love of singing, this ensemble thrives on the joy of creating music together while exploring new places. While this marks their debut as the Vocal Voyages National Chorus at Carnegie Hall, every member is a proud Carnegie Hall alum, having performed here previously with Face Vocal Band and Deke Sharon. Now, they return with excitement, ready to fill this iconic stage with their harmonies once again!

Diana Dolan, is a versatile singer, songwriter, and keyboardist from the Greater Denver area, and a seasoned music event planner. She has organized group music and travel experiences for Vocal Voyages, giving singers of all levels opportunities to perform in remarkable venues, including Carnegie Hall, and internationally. With a background in classical, pop, rock, and jazz, Diana has performed with various ensembles and bands, and is currently singing with a local community choir. Her passion for fostering musical connections extends to her role in leading future international singing adventures with Vocal Voyages.

Douglas Dynamics is the auditioned vocal ensemble at Douglas High School. The students in Douglas Dynamics are active performers across Douglas County, performing at a variety of school district and community events throughout the school year.

Mark Porter is in his 4th Year as the Band and Choir Director at Douglas High School in Minden, NV. Prior to his position at Douglas High, he completed his Bachelors in Music Education at Louisiana State University.