Our ensemble includes both vocal performance majors and talented singers from other fields. The choirs have performed concert premieres at Walt Disney Concert Hall and regularly collaborate with living composers. Additionally, they have been part of professional recording projects and most recently, in the summer of 2023, the UCI Chamber Singers performed at the American Song Book Festival in Ireland. During this time the Chamber Singers performed solo concerts and recitals, collaborative programs, as well as professional music videos. The UCI Chamber Singers will be partnering with Signum Records for an album release in the summer of 2024.

The Edmond North Mixed Chorus is the premier choral ensemble at Edmond North High School. Students selected to be in this ensemble must demonstrate proficient knowledge of vocal techniques, music literacy, performance elements, and aural skills. The chorus has received various awards for outstanding performances and contest and festivals. Edmond North Mixed Chorus provides entertainment to the Edmond, Oklahoma community through concerts, community performances, and outreach programs.

Kenneith Stock is a passionate Educator, Conductor, and Clinician from Del City, Oklahoma. Kenneith received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, Oklahoma. While at Northwestern he studied choral music and choral conducting under the tutelage of Dr. Irene Messoloras. Now is his 7th year of teaching, Stock is the Director of Choral Activities at Edmond North High School where he conducts and oversees the vocal music program. He is excited to help foster a sense of pride and community within the Edmond North Vocal Music Program.

Francis Howell Central High School has four choirs participating in this festival; Treble Choir, Concert Choir, Chorale and Chamber Choir. We have 9th through 12th graders participating. Our Chorale recently had the honor of being chosen to perform at Missouri Music Educator's Conference.

Donna served as a vocal music and choral director for middle school and high school in Colorado and Wyoming for 16 years. She is now the Director of Choral Activities at Francis Howell Central High School in St. Louis, Missouri. Donna has been a clinician and adjudicator for state festivals and served in state leadership roles for the Wyoming Music Educators Association. She is also a director for the St. Louis Children's Choirs. She holds her Master of Music Education degree with an emphasis in Choral Conducting and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Colorado State University.

The Hoosick Falls High School Chorus hails from a rural district with singers aged 15 to 18 years. Their recent performances include participation in the ACDA-NY Senior High Choir and Albany Pro Musica’s High School Choral Festival. Two students, Daniel Lane and Samantha Lyle, are honored to be serving internships with APM for their current season. The Senior Chorus of Hoosick Falls has performed at prestigious venues from Troy Music Hall to Carnegie Hall over the years. Their high ratings at festivals and performances in TV specials have created a tradition of excellence that serves as inspiration for all students.

Dr. Ambigay Yudkoff is a South African educator, author, independent researcher, and chorus director who resides in the United States. In addition to chapter contributions in other academic publications, Yudkoff’s book, Activism through Music during the Apartheid Era and Beyond (2021) is the first in the Lexington Series in Historical Ethnomusicology. Her research explores musical connections from spirituality, activism, patriotism, cultural diplomacy to intercultural exchange. Yudkoff has presented at international conferences from Azerbaijan to Italy with an upcoming conference in Finland this year. Ambigay is delighted to share her joy of singing alongside her students through the DCINY Concert Series.

The Edwardsville High School Choral program consists of three curricular choirs: Concert Choir I, for entry level singers; Concert Choir II, for auditioned sophomores through seniors; and Chamber Singers, a small, auditioned group of fifteen to twenty members. In addition, there are two extra-curricular groups: Bel Canto, an auditioned treble choir, and AcaFellaz, an auditioned bass choir. The students performing this weekend are singers from Concert Choir II and the Chamber Singers.

Emily Ottwein holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education, a Master of Music in both Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance, and a Vocal Pedagogy Certification from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. Accomplished in many styles of singing, Ms. Ottwein has performed throughout the area as a featured concert soloist. She has been an adjudicator in vocal competitions and conductor for various choral festivals. She has also served as adjunct faculty in the music departments at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville, and McKendree University. She is passionate about the choral art form and about encouraging others to be a part of the magic of corporate singing.

BOUNDLESS vocal ensemble feature singers from northern Idaho and southern British Columbia. The group presents choral theater works, highlighting a cappella and accompanied choral works with poetry, visuals, story, and dance. Recent original productions have included “Draw the Circle Wide”, “Unfurling our Wings”, “Ancient Voices: songs of Earth and Ancestors”, “Stardust: embracing the cosmos”, “The Elusive Heart: science and myth of the human heart”. BOUNDLESS members performed last fall in Cuba’s Choral Festival in Santiago de Cuba and sang in The King’s Singers 50th Anniversary Concert with DCINY in Carnegie Hall. We are thrilled to be back for this performance.

Vicki Blake Thompson, came to conducting after a career as a dancer/choreographer. For the last 25 years she has worked with high school, community, and children’s choirs. Her choirs have been selected to perform for state and regional music educators’ conventions, and for several international festivals. She has been blessed by music’s power to bring people into community in her home town as well as around the world. Her choirs have shared music in China, Tanzania, Cuba, Iceland, Greece, Costa Rica, Ireland, Austria, and Hungary. This is their second appearance in Carnegie Hall. Bringing people of diverse cultural, political, and spiritual perspectives together to work as one to create a work of beauty fuels her love of choir conducting and touring.

The Cohoes High School chorus is currently undergoing it's renaissance. After several years of enrollment at around 10 students, the chorus now sports a modest 40 members. Members of the Cohoes High School chorus have taken part in NYSSMA solo festival and have been accepted into honor choirs including Area-All State (Zone 7), Melodies of Christmas, High School Choral Festival (Albany Pro Musica), and All-State (NYSSMA). Although the entire chorus could not be present, Cohoes is proud to be able to send the 10 select members who will be taking part in this incredible event!

Christian Gunn is a choral and theatre director and teacher in the Capital Region of New York. He holds degrees in Vocal Music Education from the College of Saint Rose (B.S.) and Ithaca College (M.M.). He is currently employed by the Cohoes City School District as a middle school and high school teacher where he teaches multiple choruses, college-level theatre courses, and directs two drama productions each year. Christian also plays for various accompanying gigs around the Capital Region and has worked with several of the area choruses and theatre groups.

Created in 1989 by a committee of individuals representing choral music performance in schools, churches and community choruses from throughout the county. Kathleen Milford, directed the first performance in 1990. Her retirement in 2019 led to the appointment of Paul E. Shellhammer, III. The chorus is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to the mission of providing quality performances of significant choral works for Ashtabula County audiences while providing singers with educational and musical experiences. No auditions are required and are open to singers age13. We rehearse late August to late May and sing 2 or more free concerts.

Paul E. Shellhammer III is an accomplished organist and director. He obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in organ performance from Ohio University. At OU, he received the inaugural Socciarelli Service and Leadership Award. Paul participated in Master classes at Juilliard, St. Olaf and the Manhattan School of Music. He joined Bunn-Minick Voicing Department for tonal finishing and installation of 60+ pipe organs throughout the United States. Shellhammer was Director of Instrumental Music at Stonybrook United Methodist in Gahanna, Ohio. He directed choirs at Columbus' Trinity Lutheran and Conneaut's Good Shepherd Lutheran. Locally, he performs on both piano and organ.

The Ensemble Vocal Ganymede is a TTBB chorus whose mission is to offer high quality concerts, inspired, but not limited to classical music. The ensemble strives for excellence in its music, working to continuously improve the singing skills of each member, and uses choral singing to increase awareness in its audience of a variety of musical styles and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ2S+ community. The choir is an inclusive and welcoming space for its musical and social activities and there is a feeling of friendship and community among the members, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Ganymede was created in 1991 by Yvan Sabourin, who remains its current Artistic Director. Since 1991, Ganymede has distinguished itself by participating in cultural events such as the Montreal Pride Community Day each year. The choir has also engaged in a number of joint productions with other choirs in the production of great works for mixed voices such as the Rutter Magnificat (2019), and Handel’s Coronation Anthems (2018). In a more modern theme, Ganymede performed the K. Lee Scott Lux Aeterna for the holiday season in 2017 in Montreal. For the 2016 holiday concert, the choir performed with the Canterbury Trebles Women’s Choir of Ottawa conducted by James Caswell. First in Montreal and then in Ottawa, these were two performances appreciated in both cities. In the summer of 2010, Ganymede was selected to compete in the International Choral Festival in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, receiving the special award for diversity. In 2007, the choir flew to France for concerts in Paris and Lyon, while in 2009, the choir was welcomed by the Maine Gay Men’s Chorus in Portland for a joint concert. In 2006, Ganymede won the gold medal in the Festival of Choirs section of the Outgames in Montréal. On two occasions, Ganymede hosted prestigious choral gatherings: the Choralies du Rallye des Arts du Centre-Sud de Montréal (1996) and Gala Choruses (2004), the largest cultural event in the LGBTQ2S+ community worldwide. The choir has made three recordings: one for Disques A Tempo (best recording from this record label, 1995), and two for ATMA (1996) and O Vos Omnes, in 2011 (still available for download). Ganymede was featured on the mainstream musical scene by participating in several competitions: the Festival Choral de Montréal (Special Jury Prize, 1994, First Prize in the category “Advanced Choirs” in 1995 and 1997), the National Music Festival (official representatives of Québec on the jury’s recommendation of the Festival Choral de Montréal, 1997), the Festival International du Chant Choral de Trois-Rivières (finalist, 1997; invited choir, 1998) and Podium, 1996 et 2002 editions. The choir has also frequently celebrated in the Saint-Jean Baptiste parade. At the peak of the HIV crisis in the 1990’s, Ganymede sang at several vigils in memory of those who died of AIDS.

Yvan Sabourin completed his musical studies at the Université de Montréal and a Master’s degree in choral conducting at the Université de Sherbrooke with guest professor Nicole Paiement. In 2009, he also completed an advanced training program in France with conductor Bernard Tétu. For the past fifteen years, the practice of yoga and meditation has led him to transform his choral conducting as well as his pedagogy in teaching singing. In the summer of 2007, he toured France with the Ensemble vocal Ganymède, then presented, as workshop leader, a repertoire of works by Canadian Lionel Daunais at the Choralies Internationales d’À Cœur Joie in Vaison-la-Romaine. Under his direction, the Ensemble vocal Ganymède won the gold medal in the choral competition at the 2006 Outgames de Montréal and, in 2010, the special diversity prize at the Festival Choral International de Neuchâtel in Switzerland. In the spring of the following year, still under his baton, the men’s choir recorded O vos omnes, on the ATMA label. He is the founding Artistic Director of three of his current groups: Ensemble vocal Anémone (feminine voices), EV Ganymède (masculine voices) and EV Stakato (mixed choir). He also has been directing the Ensemble vocal de Saint-Laurent for almost 15 years.

The SFCC Chamber Singers is a primarily a cappella ensemble that serves as the auditioned flagship choir. They learn and perform at the highest level possible and are the premiere traveling ensemble.

Nathan Lansing earned his Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Central Washington University. He has directed award-winning ensembles in public high schools and taught at the middle school, community college, and university levels. Nathan serves as clinician, adjudicator, MC, or conductor at numerous vocal, choral, and jazz festivals, competitions, camps, retreats, and honor choirs. At SFCC, Nathan directs five choirs, assists with Musical Theater, and teaches courses in pop history and music theory. He is a published arranger, lyricist, composer, and performer in the greater Spokane area jazz and choral community and serves as a St. John’s Cathedral Scholar.

Parkway West Choirs have a long standing tradition of choral excellence. Students consistently earn Exemplary ratings at state music festivals and are regularly represented in the Missouri All-State Choir. The mission of Parkway West Choirs is "Great Music, Better People", and we strive to uphold those ideals each day.

Karey Fitzpatrick earned a BS in Music Education from Missouri State University in 2002. She earned a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2010. She currently teaches vocal music at Parkway West High School in St. Louis. Mrs. Fitzpatrick recently served MMEA as Choral VP and was awarded the Outstanding Director Award for St. Louis Suburban District(2023). She also received the esteemed Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award(2017). Mrs. Fitzpatrick has conducted a featured ensemble both at the MMEA(2015) and at the Choral Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City(2016).

Parkway North High School has a long history of excellence in choral music with groups from the school consistently receiving top ratings at the district and state level. Students love working together to learn music of all styles and genres. Parkway North offers traditional choir as well as a competitive A Cappella group. Our school includes a diverse population of students which allows them to connect more deeply with music of all cultures. We work to create a community of inclusivity and love for music.

Kimberly Roback has been teaching high school choir for 16 years. Kimberly has taught in the Mehlville, Washington, and Parkway School Districts with her last 7 years being at Parkway North High School. She currently teaches 3 performance ensembles, Piano 1 and 2, and Valholla which is a competitive A Cappella group. Kimberly received a BS in Vocal and Instrumental Music Education from Missouri State University in 2002 and a Masters in Vocal Music Education from the University of Texas-Arlington in 2008. Under her direction, her choirs have consistently received Exemplary ratings at State Large Ensemble contest, students have been named to the Missouri All State Choir, multiple students participated in District and State Solo and Ensemble Contests, and her a cappella group has participated in both the Quarterfinal and Semifinal rounds of ICHSA Competitions. She currently serves as the MSPLC leader for the Parkway high school vocal music teachers, and also serves on the Parkway Fine Arts District Department Team. She is an active member of MMEA, MCDA, ACDA, NAfME, and NEA. When Kimberly is not in the classroom, she can be found spending time with her husband of 10 years Darren, and her beautiful 7 year old daughter Olivia.

Little Elm High School Choirs stand as a musical powerhouse, boasting numerous awards and accolades. Tonight's performance showcases a passionate blend of singers from various choir levels, including athletes, scholars, and artists. Rooted in the belief that music is for everyone, we encourage students to explore a spectrum of activities during their time at LEHS. In our classrooms, the dynamic atmosphere fuses fun with rigor, where laughter harmonizes with hard work to create a space dedicated to creating beautiful music. United by a shared passion, our singers embody an unwavering commitment to musical excellence.

Bryce Lewis, Associate Director at Little Elm High School, earned a Masters of Music in conducting from Texas Tech University under Dr. Alan Zabriskie. Her Bachelor of Music Education, under Dr. Irene Messoloras at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, laid a foundation of excellence and passion for choral music. Bryce's leadership at Little Elm spurred significant growth in the program with choirs consistently earning superior ratings at state-level contests. Beyond conducting, Bryce is a catalyst for a love of choral music, inspiring singers to pursue careers in music or education. Her commitment to excellence in public education distinguishes Bryce Lewis in the world of choral music.

The Francis Howell High School Choir is excited for its debut performance with DCINY at Carnegie Hall. The students featured on stage are part of four different ensembles at FHHS: Women’s Chamber, Mixed Chamber, Concert Choir, and Chorus. Francis Howell High School Choirs have received exemplary and outstanding ratings the last several years at Missouri State Large Ensemble Contest, and have had several students selected to attend District Honor Choir.

Pamela Cajka has taught for five years at the secondary level and is in her second year as Director of Vocal Music for Francis Howell High School. Mrs. Cajka directs four choirs at the high school and assists with a community choir at a local university. She graduated with a Bachelors of Music with a minor in K-12 Education in 2019 from Lindenwood University and returned to complete a Masters in Music Education in 2023. Mrs. Cajka serves as the treasurer for her local Missouri Choral Directors’ Association chapter and is president-elect for her local Missouri Music Educators’ Association chapter.

The Vermont Symphony Orchestra is home to a 100-member volunteer chorus, founded in 1993 by VSOC Conductor Emeritus, Robert De Cormier. The first performance, Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, took place in May 1994. Since then, the chorus has performed works from the classical, popular, folk, and contemporary repertoires in venues around the state. Our choral musicians, like those in the orchestra, travel from far and wide to be a part of this great organization. They are motivated by their love of choral music, the camaraderie of singing together, and ultimately, by the thrill of performing onstage with the orchestra. The Vermont Symphony Orchestra Chorus, under the direction of José Daniel Flores-Caraballo, always welcomes new members in all voice ranges. Those interested in auditioning for the chorus, or needing more information, should be in touch with Chorus Coordinator Hannah Hansen at hannah@vso.org. José Daniel Flores-Caraballo, Chorus Director

José Daniel Flores-Caraballo is a widely acclaimed conductor and musical director recognized for his artistry and integrity in stylistic performance of choral literature, his methodical and uncompromising approach to music learning, and his gifts as a patient and inspiring teacher. Dr. Flores-Caraballo brings that unique combination—along with an ambitious and energizing vision—to Albany Pro Musica (APM) as the Opalka Family Artistic Director, a role he has held since 2014. As a trained organist as well as a celebrated orchestral and choral conductor, Dr. Flores-Caraballo places strong emphasis on technical precision as the fundamental seed from which musical artistry can grow. Dr. Flores-Caraballo joined Albany Pro Musica with the goal of building upon the group’s impressive and cherished legacy and elevating APM to be among the best choirs in the nation. Through Dr. Flores-Caraballo’s leadership, APM is pushing the boundaries of choral performance in the area, embracing challenging musical programming, innovative national and international partnerships, and a renewed commitment to civic and educational initiatives.

Francis Howell North High School Knight Choir is thrilled to be returning for its third residency with DCINY, including past Carnegie Hall performances with Ola Gjeilo in 2019 and under the direction of Eric Whitacre in 2022. North has four performing ensembles including two chamber choirs (Knight Sound and Bella Voces), as well as Knight Concert Choir and Aurora Treble Choir. Since 2017, the four ensembles at Francis Howell North have received consistent exemplary ratings at the Missouri State Large Ensemble Contest, the chamber choirs have been named Best in Class at numerous competitions, over 132 students have been selected for the All-District Honor Ensembles, and twenty-three students have been selected for the Missouri All-State Choir

Jennifer Oncken is currently in her seventh year as Director of Vocal Music for Francis Howell North High School in St. Charles, Missouri, where she conducts four ensembles. Ms. Oncken serves on the Missouri Choral Directors Association Executive Board as St. Louis Metro District 8 Representative, and is Choral Co-Vice President of Missouri Music Educators Association St. Louis Metro District 8. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a K-12 Certification from Lindenwood University in 2016 where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and received the Supero Asperum Award. She is a member of the National Association for Music Educators, and resides in Edwardsville, Illinois.