Events

The Whitachords are a unique and ever-evolving ensemble of singers who come together not through regular rehearsals or shared hometowns, but through a deep love of music—especially the works of composer Eric Whitacre. We are individuals from different backgrounds who learn our parts independently, yet when we unite in New York City for a performance with DCINY, we create something truly special.

Some of us are returning veterans of the group, while others are experiencing this incredible journey for the first time. Regardless of experience, every member brings their passion, dedication, and voice to the mix. Though we arrive as individuals, we leave as part of a community, bonded by music and the unforgettable experiences we share.

Each year, the Whitachords grow and change, always welcoming new voices and new friendships. And no matter what, one thing remains constant—we have the time of our lives with DCINY and Eric, singing our hearts out, and making memories that last forever.

Founded in 2010, The Community Concert Choir of Baltimore was established to preserve the musical heritage of the African American Church. The inaugural concert at Baltimore's Union Baptist Church met with a standing room only audience and enthusiastic support, which continues 15 years later. This ecumenical choral aggregation of nearly 200 singers spans age, race, faith, cultures, traditions and geography, celebrating music that has shaped history and reinforced the power of music, faith and hope over generations.  

The choir's repertoire includes spirituals, anthems, hymns and the evolution of gospel music, meeting the commanding presence of patrons in the Baltimore/Washington Metropolitan areas. In addition to its four seasonal signature concerts in area churches and concert halls, the choir has been featured at Washington's MLK, Jr. Memorial, at Morgan State University, The National Urban League Convention, The US Presbyterian Assoc. Convention, in Baltimore’s Cathedral of Mary Our Queen, and a tour Rome, Italy in 2023 before sold out audiences and standing room only crowds, including a private performance for the Vatican. This fall, the choir will perform its annual concert in the nation's first Cathedral, Baltimore's Basilica of the National Shrine of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

As a 501 c(3), all concerts are free and open to the public. Donors enable the choir to support music education and cultural enrichment programs in Baltimore, including providing annual scholarships for worthy students and aspiring musicians. Your tax deductible contributions may be sent to The CCCB, Inc. P.O. Box 26666 Baltimore MD 21207

Baltimore native, Marco Merrick's music contributions span nearly 50 years. He began piano studies at 8 years old at the Peabody Conservatory of Music. His church music positions in Baltimore and Boston led to him subsequently, founding the Community Concert Choir of Baltimore in 2010. He is deeply committed to preserving the sacred music of the Black Church.

A member of the Choir Directors & Organists Guild of the Hampton Ministers Conference and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the nation’s oldest music fraternity, he has been piano faculty at the Nathan Carter School of Music and is sought after as consultant, facilitator, lecturer and has been director for the ACT-SO Chorus during NAACP national conventions. 

His TV news and programming career informed Marco producing features and specials on music and arts; and he was Performing Arts Coordinator at Morgan State University with Dr. Nathan Carter, where he produced the master class featuring world renowned soprano Leontyne Price and coordinated MSU Choir’s Bonn, Germany tour. A member of The Society of Living Makers of Black History, the Nat'l Assoc. of Negro Musicians, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and the Carter Legacy Singers, he is board member for the MD State Boychoir.

Merrick holds a M.A. from the Univ. of Baltimore, B.S. from Towson University, numerous awards and commendations, including an honorary doctoral degree in Sacred Music from Eastern Theological Seminary.

The Warwick Valley High School (WVHS) Chamber Orchestra is a distinguished ensemble within the Warwick Valley Central School District's music program. Under the guidance of director Elissa Maynard, the orchestra has achieved significant milestones, including collaborations with renowned musicians and performances at esteemed venues. This is an audition based honors orchestra. The Warwick Valley High School (WVHS) Symphony Orchestra is a cornerstone of the school's vibrant music program, offering students the opportunity to engage in a comprehensive orchestral experience. This ensemble is open to all students proficient in violin, viola, cello, or string bass; the Symphony Orchestra does not require an audition for participation.

E'lissa Jones Maynard is a multifaceted musician renowned for her exceptional skills as an educator, singer, songwriter, and violinist. Hailing from Colorado and landing in New York, she has made significant contributions to the world of education and the folk-jazz genre. E'lissa has been an educator for 24 years and is the Director of Orchestras, Music Theory, and Music Production at the Warwick Valley High School. Throughout her performance career, E'lissa has been recognized with several accolades, including being a Grammy Ballot Nominee and was voted Hudson Valley Singer-Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist of the year on multiple occasions. In 2012, she was honored as the Best Multitalented Musician by Hudson Valley Magazine. E'lissa founded the Hudson Valley Ebony Strings in 2017, a chamber group dedicated to promoting classical music among young African American musicians. This initiative continues the legacy of her mentor, Tom Humphrey, aiming to inspire future generations in the classical music scene. E'lissa has graced numerous prestigious venues and festivals, including New York's The Blue Note and Birdland, as well as international stages like the Newport and Montreux Jazz Festivals. Her performances are celebrated for their emotional depth and musical prowess, captivating audiences worldwide.  Beyond her musical endeavors, E'lissa is deeply committed to community engagement, using her platform to mentor aspiring musicians and advocate for cultural enrichment. Her story is a testament to passion, dedication, and the transformative power of music.

The Vocalino Choir is renowned for its diverse repertoire, ranging from classical to pop, jazz, and gospel. Classical highlights include the Swiss premiere of Dvořák's Requiem with a chamber orchestra and performances at Tonhalle Zürich featuring works by Haydn, Mozart, and Orff. The choir has also performed pop concerts like Beatles Revival, jazz oratorios, and staged productions such as Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice, and Dähler's musical "Deal is Deal." In 2023, they captivated audiences with tango music and Palmeri's Misatango. Notable events include 'CinemaParadiso - Film Music Live' and the sold-out 30th-anniversary performance "Kings & Queens" at Tonhalle Zürich in 2024.

Cheryl Anderson serves as Director of Choral and Vocal Studies at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, California. She conducts acclaimed Symphonic Chorus, Cantiamo!, Chorale, Cabrillo Youth Chorus, Cabrillo Opera, Voice Master Class, and Cabrillo Stage. Under her baton the ensembles have concertized throughout the Czech Republic, Russia, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Cuba, South Africa, Ireland, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Slovakia, and around the U.S. This performance marks her third guest-conducting in Carnegie Hall. She is sought after as a clinician, guest-conductor, and adjudicator throughout the country. 

Numerous composers have written compositions for her ensembles: Imant Raminsh, Ēriks Ešenvalds, Kirke Mechem, Daniel Pinkham, James McCray, Steven Tosh, to name a few. Her Voice/Choral studies were done at West Liberty University, University of Northern Colorado, and College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. She has been a member of MENC/NAfME, NATS, NCCO, IFCM, and ACDA, and served as Western President of ACDA. Ms. Anderson sang in the Robert Shaw Carnegie Hall Institute  in Carnegie Hall and in Atlanta, was a Conducting Fellow with Helmuth Rilling, and has enjoyed an active solo career. She has been named Alumni of the Year at West Liberty University, Artist of the Year for Santa Cruz Arts Commission, received the Cabrillo Meritorious Teaching Award, the Gail Rich Award for the Arts. Her teaching career began K-7 school, and spans all levels through Doctoral Candidates.

The Sloan Canyon Wind Ensemble is the premier performing ensemble of the Sloan Canyon Wind & Percussion Studies Program, housed within the Keys Conservatory at Pinecrest Academy. Since its founding, the ensemble has grown into a distinguished group of young musicians dedicated to artistic excellence. Under the direction of Jordan Mathisen, the ensemble has earned top ratings at district festivals and was awarded Gold ratings at the prestigious Con Brio Music Festival in Whistler, Canada. The Sloan Canyon Wind & Percussion Studies Program has flourished since its inception in 2019, expanding from just 30 students to over 200. This rapid growth is a testament to the program’s commitment to musical excellence and the holistic development of its students. With a philosophy centered on individual growth, the program emphasizes critical thinking, leadership, and collaborative skills essential for success in both music and academics. With a passion for performance and a dedication to artistry, the Sloan Canyon Wind Ensemble continues to push musical boundaries, inspiring the entire Henderson and Las Vegas community.

Jordan Mathisen brings 14 years of experience to his role as the High School Director of the Wind & Percussion Studies Program at Pinecrest Academy Sloan Canyon, part of the Keys Conservatory. He is a dedicated educator who works with both middle and high school bands, guiding students to achieve excellence in their musical pursuits. Mathisen is known for his ability to foster individual growth and build thriving music programs. Over the years, Mathisen has successfully developed music programs across multiple Pinecrest Academy of Nevada campuses, earning a reputation as a visionary educator skilled in curriculum design, student engagement, and program management. In addition to his work as an educator, Mathisen is an accomplished bass clarinet soloist and arranger, with national recognition for his contributions. He was a member of The Desert Winds contemporary wind ensemble and served as its music librarian from 2011-2013. His original arrangements have been performed across the country and received critical acclaim. Mathisen studied at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, performing with the UNLV Wind Orchestra under the baton of Thomas G. Leslie and recording for the Klavier Record Label on *Lost Vegas* and *Ventanas*. Under the tutelage of esteemed conductors Dr. Charles A. Maguire, Dr. T. André Feagin, and Dr. Jason Caslor, he honed his skills as both a performer and educator. An active committee member of the Nevada Music Educators Association, Mathisen is committed to advocating for music education across the greater Las Vegas area.

Vanessa Rhodes is the Director of Choral & Theater Programs at Mauldin Middle School, Greenville County Schools, South Carolina. Related Arts Department Chair & former Teacher of the Year, she holds a B.A. in Music Education (Newberry College) M.Ed., (Converse College) and National Board Teacher Certification (Music-Early Adolescent/Young Adult). Mrs. Rhodes began her education career 42 years ago and serves as GCS Middle School Music Lead Teacher, 1996-present. She is a member of FBC-Simpsonville Proclaim Music Ministry. She is married to Battalion Chief B. K. Rhodes (retired) City of Greenville Fire Department, South Carolina. They enjoy traveling with their growing family! She is the proud member of The Crossfire Band of Upstate South Carolina.

Founded in 2008, CANTALA is an award-winning, vibrant young choral group in the Toronto, Canada choral community. Cantala is a “musical home” for those who have a passion for achieving choral excellence and a great love of choral music. Each Cantala singer values the quality of life that singing in a choir brings to one’s life. For the past 16 years, Cantala has enjoyed workshops with esteemed Canadian and international conductors. Cantala has participated in local festivals and has received many awards, scholarships, and accolades. Cantala has performed a solo recital at Roy Thomson Hall, toured New York city to perform with Eric Whitacre at Lincoln Center and attended the Banff Center for the Arts choral arts program. Now in its 17th season, Cantala is very excited to have the honor of presenting a solo recital on the stage of Weill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall. Cantala is also thrilled to announce that our newest recording release, Songbird, is now available through all online music streaming providers. This is Cantala’s 4th recording release and features all Canadian music. It has been generously financially supported, in part, by the Ontario Arts Council.

NANCY SINGLA, Cantala’s founder and artistic director, completed her Master’s in Music degree from the University of Toronto and Undergraduate studies in vocal and piano performance at the University of Victoria. She holds an Associate diploma in piano performance (ARCT) from the Royal Conservatory of Music and the Victoria Conservatory of Music (AVCM). Nancy completed her Master’s in Teaching (MT) degree from the Ontario Institute for Secondary Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto in Spring 2022 and is now teaching music in the Toronto District School Board.

The Gloria Deo Classical Academy Choir is in its third year of being part of the very stringent academic curriculum. The choir includes students in grades 7-12 and rehearses in two thirty-five minute class periods each week. The choir has participated in activities sponsored by the Missouri State Activities Association and in a competition sponsored by Silver Dollar City. Several GDA students are honored to have accepted the invitation to perform in this concert in Carnegie Hall.

Sharon Wilkins, a high school, university and community choir director for 5 decades has directed concerts in all 50 States and 23 foreign countries, including four at Carnegie Hall. Her professional honors include Who's Who Among American Teachers, Who's Who in American Education, nominations for Outstanding Young Woman in both Springfield and in America. Sharon has held offices in Missouri Music Educators Association and in the American Choral Director's Association. In addition to continually directing church choirs, she served as musical director for the Springfield Little Theatre, Springfield Regional Opera, and a local Christian arts organization that traveled throughout Europe and Asia.

Since 1989, the Bay Area Choral Society (BACS) has been committed to providing choral musical excellence in the Forgotten Coast Area. Our volunteer chorus features local accomplished musicians who have joined our ranks for the past 40 years. The mission of BACS is to both entertain and educate our audiences. With music and narrative, we expose them to various genres and eras of music and strive to provide the highest quality performance and educational experiences. BACS presents two different concerts per season, each December and Spring, in Gulf and Franklin counties with some audience members traveling from other counties. Gulf and Franklin counties are located in the panhandle of Florida and are often referred to as The Forgotten Coast. The Bay Area Choral Society (BACS) performs two concerts each year in both Gulf and Franklin counties. For their Spring 2024 concert, BACS commissioned Mr. Ed Hogan to compose a song that expresses how the beauty of our surroundings on the forgotten coast fill us with music. The song titled “The Maker’s Song” debuted at the concert with Ed Hogan performing with the choir.