Cabrillo Choirs
Cheryl Anderson
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.
Sloan Canyon Wind Ensemble
Jordan Mathisen
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.
The Fisher Middle School Firebird Chorus
Erin Brearley
The Fisher Middle School Firebird Chorus, consisting of 7th- and 8th-grade singers, hails from Greenville, SC. This ensemble performs locally in upstate South Carolina and around the country. The Firebird Chorus has received Best in Show, the Gold Award, and superior ratings at Festival Disney in Orlando, FL, as well as superior ratings at the Carowinds Festival of Music in Charlotte, NC. This year will mark the third time that the Firebird Chorus has performed at Carnegie Hall with DCINY, and all singers are grateful for this extraordinary opportunity.
Erin Brearley has been the choral director at Dr. Phinnize J. Fisher Middle School since 2021. A native of Prairie Village, KS, Erin received her Bachelor of Music Education from Furman University. She has taught music for eleven years at both the primary and secondary levels in Nashville, TN and Greenville, SC. Erin was named Teacher of the Year in 2020. Outside of the classroom, Erin enjoys singing with the Greenville Chorale in upstate South Carolina, where she resides with her husband and two daughters.
Eastchester Middle School Honor Choir
Erin Bonner
The Eastchester Middle School Honor Choir is an elite vocal ensemble at Eastchester Middle School in lower Westchester County, NY. Comprised of talented students in grades 6-8 who have successfully auditioned, the group meets weekly to rehearse a diverse range of choral music. Under the direction of Erin Bonner, the Honor Choir strives for excellence in vocal technique, musicianship, and performance. The choir provides students with an opportunity to showcase their musical abilities and work together as a cohesive and dedicated team of young singers.
Erin Bonner has been the 6-8 choral educator at Eastchester Middle School since 2018. An esteemed conductor and choral singer, she has conducted and performed with choirs throughout North America and Europe. Most recently, Erin was featured as the All County Chorus Conductor for Duchess County, NY (2024) and Nassau County, NY (2025). She is the director of the EMS Honor Choir, and the co-director/music director of the EMS Players Club. She is a proud graduate of the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam. She would like to thank her wife, family, and school community for their continued support.
Grimmer Middle School 8th Grade Choir
Kristen Marsh
The Grimmer 8th Grade Choir has been together since 6th Grade. Last year at ISSMA (Indiana State School Music Association) contest, they received Gold with distinction. The highest rating you can receive at contests.
Kristen Marsh has taught at Grimmer Middle School for the past 20 years. Besides teaching choir and general music, she conducts the Hand Bell Choir, Show Choir, 5th Grade Choir, and runs the Student Council. She is married to Josh Marsh, a 5th Grade teacher. Together, they have 3 wonderful daughters. 13 year old twins and an 8 year old. This is Kristen's second time working with DCINY.
Mauldin Middle School Mustang Choir
Vanessa Tarter Rhodes
MMS Mustang Choir is honored to return to Carnegie Hall for their third encore performance with Distinguished Concert Series (DCINY). MMS Mustang Choir has received national recognition with consecutive Superior Ratings at Choral Festival Disney, 2017-2024. Mauldin Mustang Choir is an auditioned group of 55 singers. Students are selected for their focus, dedication, and willingness to work towards excellence. This choir was established in 1999 when the school opened, under the direction of Mrs. Rhodes. MMS Mustang Choir performs at least eight time per year. Their goal is to reach a higher level of artistry daily and with each performance!
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.
Robert R Lazar Middle School Chamber Choir
Jordan Green
The Robert R Lazar Chamber Choir is a group of forty 7th and 8th grade singers, all of which attend Robert R Lazar Middle School in Montville, New Jersey. The group is in its third year of existence and has grown significantly since its start in 2022. The group is audition-based and includes some of our school's most dedicated and talented musicians.
Jordan Green has been the director of choirs at Robert R Lazar Middle School for the past five years. During his tenure, Green formed the Lazar Chamber Choir, which is an audition-based group of 40 talented 7th and 8th grade singers. Green aims to raise the bar at Lazar Middle school and inspire his students to find their voices. He hopes to develop their music and help them experience new things. Choir at Lazar is a community and a family.
SCAPA Middle School Choir
Amanda Lynn Wells
The School for the Creative and Performing Arts at Bluegrass (SCAPA) is a gifted and talented school in Lexington, Kentucky. SCAPA identifies giftedness in one of nine arts areas: ballet, band, contemporary dance, literary arts, drama, piano, strings, visual art, and vocal music. Students audition in one of these areas for admittance into the school, where demonstration of their artistic abilities is the sole determining entrance factor. The SCAPA Voice program is known for a strong foundation in vocal pedagogy, music reading, and music theory, as well as exceptional musical performances. The SCAPA Choirs receive distinguished ratings in choral and solo settings at the state level and have participated in the DCINY concerts in 2019 and 2022.
Amanda Lynn Wells was born and raised in Pike County, KY where she stayed very active with her school band, chorus, speech and drama team, and school theatre productions. She attended Morehead State University and gained knowledge in both instrumental and vocal music and obtained a BM and MME. She has worked as an elementary music teacher and middle/high school choir director in New York City Public Schools, Morgan County Public Schools (KY), Rowan County Public Schools (KY), and taught in higher education at Morehead State University as an adjunct professor in the KY Center for Traditional Music in traditional voice and the MSU Theater Department. Amanda received the KMEA District 8 Elementary Music Teacher of the Year Award in 2012 and the KMEA District 8 Middle School Music Teacher of the Year Award in 2014. Currently, she is the Vocal Director at SCAPA Bluegrass and works with SCAPA students at Lafayette High School with vocal coaching and Musicianship.
