John Stafford II is currently Associate Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities, and Co-Chair of the Music Department at Kansas City Kansas Community College. Professor Stafford was a 2015 recipient of the John & Suanne Roueche Excellence Award for outstanding teaching and leadership at the community college level. He has also received two teaching awards, within the past year, from KCKCC for Recruitment and Teaching Excellence. He was previously appointed at Millikin University, Eastern Illinois University, and Danville Area Community College teaching composition, theory, orchestration, history, and vocal jazz. He holds degrees from Millikin University (music business), Bowling Green State University (composition), and has done additional doctoral studies at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (choral conducting). Among his professional activities, Professor Stafford serves as the Jazz Chair of the Kansas Choral Directors Association; he is also a member of National Association for Music Educators, Jazz Educators Network, and American Choral Directors Association. Also, Stafford has served as Director of Choral Music at Community Christian Church in Kansas City, MO since 2014.

The primary objective of the Choral Music Program at KCKCC is to educate the students and the community about vocal ensemble music through stylistic variety and tonal diversity, based on historical precedent. This objective is achieved by exposing choir members to music of different nationalities and/or cultures and their commitment to recreate a unique tone quality that identifies with the cultural environment of each composition.

Arleen Widerman is a resident of Burlington, NC. She received a degree in Music Education from Elon College and a master’s in Vocal Pedagogy and Music Education from UNC-Greensboro. She worked for more than 30 years teaching music. Her choral experience includes service as Minister of Music at First Reformed UCC in Burlington. Arleen’s first experience with Alamance Chorale was as a college student, and she has been singing with the group since that time. She says that working with the Chorale as musical director is a wonderful way of continuing to learn and grow as a musician.

The Alamance Chorale, a member of Alamance Arts, was formed in 1974 and consists of about 60 members from throughout the community. Chorale members range in age from early twenties to retirees and come from all walks of life. Members come together every Monday evening for two hours of rehearsal and present three concerts per year: a Christmas Concert, two Dinner Show performances and a Spring Concert. The dedicated members, some of whom have been in the group for forty years, enjoy a variety of musical styles and never shy away from a challenge.

Founder & Director of SWPC, Marcus brings a unique style to music making in the U.K. The GWS has been the most challenging work the choir has taken on to date and are thrilled to have been invited to join Patrick on his journey. Marcus has strong links with musicians here in the USA so the opportunity to perform in such a fantastic venue is a welcome one. The SWPC team look forward to strengthening links with the states and look forward to a return visit in the not too distant future. The SWPC are currently preparing Dan Forrest's Lux for a Perform International UK visit in 2019.

The SWPC are one of the UK's largest musical ensemble to boast its own orchestra. Providing a platform for all musicians of any ability to perform. We have raised thousands of pounds for charity and continue to support local organisations. There is a true family feel within the ensemble and it is a privilege to be part of it. Although a relatively new entity SWPC have performed to a capacity audience over 800+ at every one of their main events. www.swpac.co.uk for more details

Pamela Bazinet has been directing the St. Thomas United Church Adult Choir in Calgary, Alberta since 2003. Previous to directing, she was a member of that choir. Her musical interests also include directing school choirs, playing the violin, both in orchestral and fiddle settings, teaching ukulele skills to school children and adults, playing with a community ukulele group, and singing in Bach, bluegrass, and folk groups.

The St. Thomas United Church Adult Choir is an active group with approximately 45 members who provide anthems and/or hymn support every week for our church services. We meet once a week for rehearsal. Some of the other events that we participate in during the year include the annual 12th Night service with other churches in the north-west area, our annual "choir advance" previous to our fall start-up , the annual Octoberfest party, the bi-annual themed show and more.

Founding conductor of Durham Philharmonic Choir, Robert Phillips holds degrees in performance and literature from Mt. Allison University and University of Toronto. Over the past 25 seasons, he has developed an annual 3 concert series with a chorus of 65 singers and orchestra. He is also Music Director at Simcoe Street United Church, Oshawa and operates a landscape construction business. Born in Cape Breton, he is an avid athlete enjoying tennis, hockey, and skiing.

Durham Philharmonic Choir began in 1993 as an auditioned mixed voice ensemble of about 40 voices and maintains an active roster of about 70. Members come from throughout Durham Region and beyond as do our large and appreciative audiences. Professional soloists and orchestral players enhance the concert experience. The choir has commissioned several works, the latest, a Celtic arrangement by Paul Halley. Striving for excellence, sensitivity and versatility through a wide range of repertoire from the baroque of Bach and Vivaldi to arrangements of contemporary standards by Dolly Parton and Sting, the choir has a special attachment to the Celtic idiom.

Marie van Gend is the Vocal Coordinator K-12 for the vocal program at St Columba Anglican School. The school has ten different vocal ensembles ranging from 120 voice un-auditioned senior choir, to auditioned ensembles for boys, girls or mixed voices. She also runs adult community choirs and school workshops. Marie is currently completing a PhD on adolescent mixed-voice choirs.

The St Columba Chamber Choir is an auditioned ensemble for boys and girls aged 13-18. There are currently 37 members. The group meets weekly for an hourly rehearsal and they focus on classical repertoire. Its purpose is to introduce students to the rich experience these works provide, and give them the chance to challenge themselves musically.

Linda McKeague is Director of Music at St. Elizabeth Seton in Orland Hills, IL. She holds a Bachelor of Music and Education Degree from DePaul University and a Master of Education Degree from National Louis University. She is a pianist, vocalist, organist, composer and choral director. Linda is an avid traveler and has performed in many of the churches of Europe and Israel. Her favorite saying is “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” Linda is married to Tom and mother to Kaitlin, Patrick, and two pups, Sparky and Stella. They are the music of her life.

The St. Elizabeth Seton Choir of Orland Hills, IL is comprised of the Adult and Teen Choir and considered themselves a Choir Family. They sing at Sunday masses, holidays, special events and annual Christmas and Palm Sunday Concerts which are a highlight to parish and the community. They have also performed for Archdiocese Events, the Chicago White Sox and the Minor League Teams in suburban Chicago. This is their first “tour” outside of the Chicago area and are hoping to do more traveling to spread God’s praise through their wonderful music!

Jeremy began his musical career as a chorister in St Paul’s Cathedral, London.. He has sung with many other leading UK choirs since then, including New College Oxford, St Alban’s Abbey and Ely Cathedral. After leaving university he worked as a freelance singer with Ex Cathedra, I Fagiolini, Polyphony, The Academy of Ancient Music, The Finzi Singers and The Gabrieli Consort. He has considerable experience as a soloist in oratorios, both as a countertenor and bass. Jeremy’s main influences in classical choral music come from Barry Rose and Edward Higginbottom. Jeremy started singing with Tapestry in 2012 and has been Musical Director since February 2017.

Tapestry are an a cappella choir of sixteen voices based in Cambridgeshire, England. We come together every week to rehearse- a great antidote to a busy working day! Our repertoire is both secular and sacred, contemporary and period music in a wide variety of genres. Tapestry perform regularly in and around Cambridgeshire, usually raising considerable sums of money for a variety of local charities. We also sing at weddings and corporate events. Not all of our singers were able to get the time off work to travel to New York for this concert, but they are all here in spirit!

Lepha Luttrall is a native of east Texas and received her Bachelor's degree in 1989 from Texas A&M, Commerce, Texas. While always having been a singer, she now finds herself as Director of the First United Methodist Church Choir in Quitman, Texas. She started this position in September of 2017. This has been an exciting time preparing the FUMC choir to come and sing at Carnegie Hall, for many, it will be a first time to visit New York. When not directing, Lepha and her husband, Jim, enjoy playing a round of golf each week.

The First United Methodist Choir helps to lead in worship on a weekly basis. The members come from a variety of backgrounds, from retired pastors & teachers to healthcare professionals. They also provide special music programs to the community during Christmas and Easter, as well as other holidays and special events specific to our hometown.

James Robertson comes from Helensburgh in Scotland. He studied piano and singing at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (now the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland) before training as a music therapist at the Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Centre in London. He has worked for many years in music therapy and music education and is now a Visiting Lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University. He has sung with and conducted several choirs throughout Scotland, including Lauderdale Community Choir. James now lives in Edinburgh where he works as a music therapist and composer.

Established in 2010, Lauderdale Community Choir based in the Scottish Borders, UK is a thriving mixed voice choir singing a range of music from pop to classical, folk to sacred. Membership reflects the community by welcoming people of all ages from different walks of life, and with varying musical experience. We have members who find that singing with a friendly sociable group helps them live with personal challenges, and helps to boost well-being and self-confidence. The Choir contributes to the local community by raising money for local charities, and spreading the joy and enthusiasm that singing together gives us all.

Ellie Calver is a music graduate of Worcester College, Oxford. She has extensive experience as a choral trainer, teaches singing privately, is Director of Music at Pangbourne College, and has been Musical Director for many youth shows including Guys and Dolls, Fame, Bugsy Malone and West Side Story. She has previously brought a girls' choir to perform in the Carnegie Hall.

Pangbourne Choral Society is a local choir in Berkshire, in the UK. It has approximately 100 members and rehearses weekly through most of the year. It performs three concerts per year - usually a carol concert at Christmas, a sacred music concert in March and a lighter selection in June.

Irene Apanovitch-Leites is the Artistic Director of the Torrance Civic Chorale, an accomplished choral organization that has been an integral component of the musical life of the South Bay since 1961. Prior to joining the Torrance Civic Chorale, Irene has worked with choirs of all ages and types in Canada, where she is from. Irene holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Toronto as well a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Alberta. She is currently in the dissertation stage of completing her DMA at the University of Southern California.

Founded in 1961, the Torrance Civic Chorale’s membership is nearly 100 singers. Members come from the various Southern California communities and encompass all age groups from young adults to people with over 50 years’ vocal music experience. The Chorale represents professions in aerospace, finance, education, parenting, military, medical, governmental social services, antique dealers, students, retirees, and church employees. The group’s musical repertoire varies widely from the classics to ancient ballads, pop tunes and Broadway musicals, to newly composed masterworks. The Chorale operates under the sponsorship of the Community Services Department of the City of Torrance.

Born in Charlotte, N.C. and raised in the surrounding areas. Ms. Little is a 1987 graduate of Lenoir Rhyne College in Hickory, N.C., with a B.A. in Music Education. She was a piano teacher for 30 years and has been the Director of Music Ministries in area churches for 25 years. Shelley has been a piano accompanist/soloist for "Magnify" for 15 years with a wonderful Christian choir that performs powerful monthly concerts in Cornelius, N.C. She has been married to David, the love of her life, for 14 years and resides in Cornelius, N.C. Shelley enjoys visiting family, long walks with our dog, and boating. She loves St. Augustine's quote, "Those who sing pray twice"

The Mount Zion Chancel Choir sings each Sunday at the 11:00 a.m. worship service, providing anthems, special music and introits/responses for the congregation, along with leading the congregational singing during the hymns. This choir also provides music for special seasonal services throughout the year and is open to youth age and older. Along with the newer members, there are many participants of the choir who have been members for decades! At the 8:30 a.m. worship services on Sunday, small ensembles/soloists from the Chancel Choir provide the music in a smaller worship setting.

David joined Pinnacle in January 2018 as Director of Ministries in Music and Arts. A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, David most recently served as Director of Music and Worship Arts at Kingwood United Methodist Church in Houston, TX, and as the associate conductor of EVŌK, a semi-professional chamber choir in residence at Lone Star College-Kingwood. David holds a Bachelor of Arts in Instrumental Education from the Cline School of Music at North Greenville University and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of South Carolina.

In the heart of the Sonoran Desert, Pinnacle Presbyterian Church invites all people to hear God’s story and experience God’s love expressed in the life of Jesus Christ; and by the power of the Holy Spirit, we strive to equip the generations with the practices of our faith. At the foot of the mountain we created a sanctuary. We come together as God’s people, reaching out to make a difference in one another's lives, in our community, and around the world. We express our faithfulness through excellence in worship, the arts. The 75 member Chancel Choir is the premier choir at Pinnacle and seeks to lead others in creative, refreshing, and engaging ways each week.

Sandra Dodds is the choir director for both the adult and childrens choirs at the Calgary Central SDA Church. When not conducting, she works as an elementary school teacher. She has experience teaching music from kindergarten through highschool, both choir and band, running her own Kindermusik business, as well as teaching private piano lessons. Sandra holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Music from York University in Toronto, and a Bachelor of Teaching degree from Queen's University in Kingston Ontario. She enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, playing board games, reading and gardening.

The Calgary Central SDA Church Choir has been singing for many years, and more recently, has been led by Sandra Dodds since September 2014. They are thrilled to be part of the DCINY Choplin's cantata premier. Along with regular church duties, the Calgary Church Choir performs a Christmas Cantata and Easter Cantata every year, together with the church orchestra, for the local community, and have performed for various other community events. They are looking forward to participating in the Calgary Performing Arts Festival in the spring of 2019. The main focus and pleasure of the Calgary choir is singing to the praise the glory of God.

A graduate from Durham and Cambridge Universities, Susan taught Music, French and English in Bedfordshire and Devon for many years before joining Bedfordshire Music in 2003. She went on to become an Area Leader for Sing Up; a KS2 Trinity Guildhall Wider Opportunities Vocal Trainer; and Music Director for Inspiring Music, Central Bedfordshire's Music Service, leading both the service and the Music Education Hub until December 2017. A member of the Association of British Choral Directors since 1994 Susan is incredibly proud of the Grand Union Community Choir and extremely grateful to her husband and daughters for their constant support.

Grand Union Community Choir is a non-audition, all embracing choir in which any adult who wants to sing is welcomed and valued. Singers do not have to be able to read music or have any prior musical experience. We work as a supportive team, developing musical skills, whilst having fun as we learn and challenge ourselves. We have shared performance platforms with ABC Big Band, Heath Band, Luton Concert Orchestra and Leighton-Linslade Gala Orchestra, raising money for local and national charities. With half of the choir in New York and half back home in England, we’ll be together in spirit.

With a honours degree in Music (Leeds University), Jane Bryant has been conducting the Candover Valley Choir since 2008/09. Jane’s day job is Chief Executive of Artswork, a national youth arts charity. Previous roles include Chief Executive, Coda Music Trust, and Head of Development with Arts Council England. Jane began her career as Music Teacher in the Orkney Islands, then Head of Music at Dubai College where she also conducted the Dubai and Sharjah Singers/Orchestra. Jane is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA), Fellow of the Incorporated Society of Musicians and Trustee of music therapy charity, Nordoff-Robbins.

The Candover Valley Choir is a chamber choir of some 26 singers based in the Candover Valley near Winchester, UK. We perform a wide repertoire of both sacred and secular music and whist non-auditioned, aspire for high standards combined with genuine enjoyment of music making. Our most recent concert , ‘For the Fallen’ was performed both in Northington and in Headbourne Worthy attracting an audience of over 150 people and performing works by Eleanor Daley, Mendelssohn, Karl Jenkins and John Ireland.

Shayla is a long time choir director. She studied (RCM University of Toronto) and taught piano, voice and guitar. Retired from teaching she concentrates her talents on directing.and composing. As a composer of choral/choir music, many of her works have been performed by numerous choirs throughout Canada. One of Shayla's compositions from her Christmas Cantata was performed in concert "Fanfare of Canadian Hymns & The Great Canadian Hymn Competition" October/09, in which she placed 4th. Shayla remains close to her Finnish heritage and is part of the world renowned Finnish composer Uuno Klaami family. Shayla and her husband reside in Penticton, BC, Canada.

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church Choir has been in existence for nearly 50 years. As most choirs, they rehearse every Thursday evening. The men and women of this choir are individually talented but have come to earn recognition as an accomplished choral entity. Each Sunday for the past 7 years they have offered an anthem which is recorded by their director and uploaded to youtube. At Christmas time, Our Redeemer Choir performs a spectacular Choral service. In late May they hold an evening concert followed by a "Strawberry Social" which has become very popular and well received in the beautiful Okanagan Valley of British Columbia.

Clara Chan is currently the director of the Village School Concert Choir at the Village School, Houston TX, and is in her third year with the Village School Fine Arts Division's Music Department. She has taught in both private and public school settings, including Pittsfield Public Schools, MA, Channelview ISD, and before finding her home at the Village School. Born in Hong Kong, she holds a degree in Music Education from Berklee College of Music, and has studied choral conducting under William Weinert at the Eastman School of Music.

The Village School is a private day and boarding PreK-12 school from Houston, TX, with a wide array of Fine Arts offerings. As a member of the Nord Anglia Education, it has forged a partnership collaboration with the Juilliard School, allowing their students to explore and experience a curriculum created by Juilliard specialists. The Village School Concert Choir is just one of the choir opportunities offered to Village students in grades 9- 12. The group's repertoire spans a range of genres from Classical to Jazz to Pop. Its choir members regularly represent the Village School at State-level events, competitions and conferences.

George Weisman has been the Choir Director at William Cullen Bryant High School for the past three years. Within the school's growing performing arts program, he has expanded the choir program by adding two beginner choir classes, doubling the mixed SAB choir, and adapting the advanced choir into a show choir.

Show Choir consists of freshmen through senior singers who are unified through the love for singing music, especially music from musicals and a capella arrangements. The group contains some of the best singers of the school, most who participate in our spring musical. Most of the singers participate in the solo NYSSMA festival every year, along with being part of the All-City and All-State choirs, respectively. Our students recently performed an original song for the EduHam program on the stage of Hamilton and participated in the Shubert Theatre Foundation Festival.

Lois Shaw is the Choir and Theater Teacher at Westminster Christian School in Elgin, IL. Originally from Vermont, Shaw moved to Chicago to study Music Education and Voice at Wheaton College, where she served as Honors Conductor for the Women’s Chorale. Prior to Wheaton, Shaw studied Theater Performance at Addison Repertory Theater in Vermont. In her spare time, Shaw vocal-directs and choreographs musicals, leads worship at her church, enjoys hiking and is recording her first vocal-jazz album in Chicago. In 2017, she married her college sweetheart, Mike, and they now live in Geneva, IL with their dog, Macy. Ephesians 3:20

The Westminster Christian High School Choir, directed by Lois Shaw, is an ensemble dedicated to musical excellence for the glory of God. It provides students with the unique opportunity to explore music through diverse repertoire, as students learn theory, history, professionalism and vocal-health. Outside of school-sanctioned performances, the choir sings regularly at assisted living facilities, attends workshops at Chicagoland universities. Additionally, its members are encouraged to compete in district choral competitions. Westminster Christian School’s goal is to inspire students to discover God as they develop their unique gifts and display Christ confidently in their lives.

Laura "Liz" Olson is a conductor, composer, and vocalist who grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She recently earned her Master's of Music Degree in Choral Conducting at the University of Colorado Boulder, and is currently enrolled in the Post-Baccalaureate Teaching Licensure Program at CU. She conducts the Anschutz Campus Choir on CU Denver’s Anschutz Medical Campus. In 2018, Olson was a finalist in the Southwestern ACDA Graduate Conducting Competition. Olson has been directing the Niwot United Methodist Church Choir for two years, and is honored to have the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall with this group of singers.

Originally founded in 1870, the Niwot United Methodist Church includes a diverse mixture of families and individuals seeking a small but active community-based church. This church is located in Colorado, and has an incredible outreach mission to work for various programs and families. Music is a big part of what makes Niwot UMC a special place and a sacred place. Our choir enhances each service with their gift of song, energy, and spirit. The Niwot United Methodist Church Choir has been singing under director Laura “Liz” Olson for two years. For more information, please visit www.niwotumc.org.

Starting at age 16, Christy Conduff has directed adult choirs in a wide variety of church settings most of her life. She has been a music teacher since receiving her BME from Southwest Missouri Baptist University with a dual emphasis in vocal performance and conducting. Christy recently retired from teaching but remains a much sought after clinician by school districts throughout the state. Christy has been honored by NM Interfaith Power and Light for raising awareness about caring for the earth and addressing climate change. She was also a finalist for Baha’I’s 2017 “Light of Unity” award.

The NM Peace Choir began as the vision of our Founder and Director, Christy Conduff, to form an inclusive choir that would inspire peace and joy and help raise social awareness. The Choir has had sell out concerts in Albuquerque and Santa Fe and represented U.S. at The Eighth Annual World Peace Choral Festival in Vienna, Austria. The Choir performed The National Anthem at the opening ceremonies for The 2017 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, followed by a concert on center stage! We were also recently honored to perform at The Baha’i Faith’s 200th Anniversary celebration in Albuquerque.

As Organist and Music Director in the Niagara area, and currently in our Georgian Bay community, Elizabeth has directed choirs of all ages, from preschoolers to seniors. Elizabeth has held the position of Niagara Symphony Association Orff / Kodaly educator, along with memberships in Choristers Guild, The Royal School of Church Music, and the Royal College of Organists. Elizabeth was awarded the Royal Conservatory of Music Silver Medal in Organ. Elizabeth and the entire Calvary Baptist Church choir are excited to be offered the mountaintop experience to sing under the baton of Pepper Choplin at Carnegie Hall.

Our Calvary Church Choir sings at Services throughout the year. Soloists and ensembles enjoy continuing their ministry during the summer. Calvary Choir presents Easter and Christmas cantatas throughout the year. A particularly meaningful privilege is our community outreach to Retirement, Long Term Care Homes, and our Mental Health Facility for the Criminally Insane. In preparation for our trip to Carnegie Hall, we hosted a concert inviting distinguished local performers to join us, resulting in amazing support and good wishes from the entire community. We are all looking forward with great anticipation to our Carnegie Hall experience.

Keith Walker is a native of Dalton, Georgia and attended VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois where he studied Voice and Music Education. A true performer with many credits to his name including singing the National Anthem at several MLB games and numerous outstanding roles in a variety of local theater companies' musical productions. Keith has been the Worship Music and Choir Director for Saint Elmo UMC in Chattanooga, TN since 2014 and is beyond thrilled to prepare his choir for this once in a lifetime performance at Carnegie Hall.

With nearly a century of history, the Saint Elmo UMC Worship Choir in Chattanooga, TN supports the whole worship experience in a variety of styles including traditional hymns, contemporary anthems, Southern Gospel, Praise and Worship and more. The 20 member ensemble contributes their talents regularly with an excitement and passion that will have you singing, clapping and praising along during the blended service on Sunday mornings. In addition to assisting worship, the SEUMC Worship Choir presents two Musical Cantatas a year for the greater Chattanooga area with most recent performances of Joseph M. Martin's "Canticles in Candlelight" and Pepper Choplin's "Come to the Cross and Remember".

Mary Clementi Mary Clementi is the Executive Director and Music Director, and a performance of the Star Spangled Banner at Madison Square Garden. Mary has served as a guest clinician and adjudicator in schools in Virginia, Maryland, and Wisconsin. She is also the Metropolitan Region Representative of the New York chapter of the American Choral Directors Association and was a 2014 International Conducting Fellow in Hangzhou, China. She received her Master of Music Education degree at Florida State University in Tallahassee, and her Bachelor of Music degree at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. SunHee Lim, Associate Music Director SunHee Joined Highbridge Voices as a voice instructor in 2010 and she now serves as Associate Music of Highbridge Voices. As music director, Mary conducts the Chamber Choir, a 26-voice ensemble of students in grades 7-9, and co-conducts the Highbridge Singers, a 26-voice ensemble of students in grades 8-12 .Mary has led Highbridge Voices in several high-profile performances, including a concert for the Justices of the United States Supreme Court, a televised performance at the Apollo TheaterDirector. SunHee conducts the Concert Choir, a 55-voice ensemble of students in grades 4-6 and co-conducts the Highbridge Singers. SunHee received her Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting at Westminster Choir College in Princeton and her Bachelor of Music degree in Voice Performance with Secondary Education Teaching Certificate at Catholic University of Daegu, South Korea. Before she came to the States, she served as an assistant music director for the youth choir Pueri Cantores in South Korea and also performed extensively in choral works around the world.

Highbridge Voices Since 1998, Highbridge Voices has been teaching children to embrace a commitment to excellence. The program provides an extraordinary training experience in choral singing to more than one hundred students in the historically underserved Highbridge neighborhood of the Bronx. With its robust academic program, Highbridge Voices is also dedicated to improving the academic outcomes of all our students through enrichment activities designed to show students the direct correlation between academic and personal success. Both the choral and academic programs are designed to teach young people the importance of prioritizing future goals over immediate gratification. Highbridge Voices helps children see the possibilities that lie ahead of them and equips them with the necessary tools for lifelong achievement. Highbridge Voices stands alone as the premier youth choir in the Bronx, and has secured a strong reputation throughout the state and country. Since 2006, more than 90% of our seniors have completed high school in four years, while more than 80% have enrolled in college. Highbridge Voices looks forward to opening its brand new, state-of-the-art facility, which will allow the organization to continue helping the children of the South Bronx for many years to come.

Kent Lee graduated from Trinity College of Music, London, in 2007 where he studied piano performance and conducting. He has conducted performances at St James’s Church Piccadilly, London and was the assistant conductor of Trinity College of Music’s opera production. Kent studied orchestral conducting with Colin Metters (Head of Conducting of the Royal Academy of Music) and with George Hurst at the Canford Music Summer School. Kent is currently conducting several choirs and orchestras in Hong Kong including the Cecilian Singers, HK City Philharmonia, HK Wind Symphony, the Diocesan Choir and the Standard Chartered Bank choir. Kent is a director of the HK Association of Music Educators.

The Cecilian Singers was founded in 1962 and it is one of Hong Kong’s oldest mixed choirs. We sing a myriad repertoire from madrigals and world music to Mozart - in the style of a cappella harmonies or pieces with accompaniment. Our programs reflect our love of choral diversity and it is something we are known for. We are a registered charity in Hong Kong and a large proportion of ticket sales from our concerts go to selected charities of our choice. All singers share a passion for singing and Kent Lee has been our conductor since 2012; his musical knowledge and positive encouragement are a delight to sing to!

Allison Houston is the founding Music Director of the Canadian Military Wives Choir, Ottawa. She is also the Director of Music at Stittsville United Church, in Ottawa, Ontario. Her undergraduate degree is from Brandon University, and her master of Music is from Arizona State University. Allison has worked at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, both in radio (production) and as a professional chorister and soloist on CBC’s national show ‘Hymn Sing’. Allison is also very involved in community theatre, both as performer and music director.

The Canadian Military Wives Choir movement started with one choir in Ottawa, and now has 15 choirs across Canada. CMWCs use singing and music to help support and uplift each other through the challenges of the military lifestyle. The Canadian Military Wives Choirs perform at many different events within there areas. In September 2017 all of the choirs joined together in Toronto to sing at the opening ceremonies of The Invictus Games.

Keith Walker is a native of Dalton, Georgia and attended VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois where he studied Voice and Music Education. A true performer with many credits to his name including singing the National Anthem at several MLB games and numerous outstanding roles in a variety of local theater companies' musical productions. Keith has been the Worship Music and Choir Director for Saint Elmo UMC in Chattanooga, TN since 2014 and is beyond thrilled to prepare his choir for this once in a lifetime performance at Carnegie Hall.

With nearly a century of history, the Saint Elmo UMC Worship Choir in Chattanooga, TN supports the whole worship experience in a variety of styles including traditional hymns, contemporary anthems, Southern Gospel, Praise and Worship and more. The 20 member ensemble contributes their talents regularly with an excitement and passion that will have you singing, clapping and praising along during the blended service on Sunday mornings. In addition to assisting worship, the SEUMC Worship Choir presents two Musical Cantatas a year for the greater Chattanooga area with most recent performances of Joseph M. Martin's "Canticles in Candlelight" and Pepper Choplin's "Come to the Cross and Remember".

Dr. Andrew Roby has served in choral conducting positions in academic, church, and community settings since 1981. Academic appointments have included Asbury College, Shorter College (GA), and Union University. He has also taught at Gardner-Webb University, and has served in church music positions in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. Currently he provides leadership to the music and worship ministries of The Memorial Baptist Church in Greenville and is the newly appointed director of the Greenville Choral Society Concert Choir. An active member of the American Choral Directors Association, Andy currently serves as president of its North Carolina Chapter. He has presented sessions at both state and regional conferences, and has been published The Choral Journal. He has served as a choral clinician/conductor in a number of states and internationally in Germany, Brazil, and most recently, Cuba.

The Chancel Choir is the primary adult choral ensemble of The Memorial Baptist Church in Greenville, NC. The choir, 32-voices strong, focuses on excellent weekly worship offerings in a diverse range of styles, as well as seasonal major works. The Memorial Baptist Church was founded in 1827 and continues to be a vibrant congregation whose music and worship arts ministries include five choral groups.
 

An active performer and collaborator, Dr. Bernardo Scarambone has appeared in concerts and festivals in his native Brazil, as well as in Italy, Germany, Austria, and all around the United States of America. As professor and director of the keyboard division at Eastern Kentucky University he maintains not only his active career as a performer, but as a teacher, adjudicator and researcher. His research areas include early repertoire for the piano, entrepreneurial career options for musicians, preparing the music student to face the job market, and community engagement. His students have won numerous prizes in state and national competitions, and are always involved in community engagement projects.

After an extensive research on historical editions and keyboard instruments, Dr. Scarambone is currently editing the first known composition for the piano – A set of 12 Sonatas by the Italian composer Ludovico Giustini. 

The current choir director of Union Church, Berea KY,, Dr. Scarambone earned a Doctoral Degree in piano performance from the University of Houston, a Master’s degree in Studio Teaching/Piano Performance from Indiana University, and a Bachelor Degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, his home city in Brazil.  He performs and teaches at Eastern Kentucky University. ​

The Union Church Choir is a 30+ member musical ensemble that is one of the many musical ensembles at Union Church. The group is comprised of members of various ages, ranging from youth to adult, and is made of members who are music readers and non-readers. The ensemble has appeared at many local Kentucky events, including the Annual Festival of Spirituals and many others. The ensemble provides music during Sunday morning worship services to uplift the name of God, and speak to many through their music.

Dr. phil. Niko Firnkees was born 1960 in Frankfurt, he studied music education and musicology at Munich and Salzburg/Austria. Since 1989 he is music teacher and choir conductor at the Maristen-Gymnasium Furth. He publishes in various media and plays the organ and conducts the choir at a Lutheran church. He is responsable for the U.S. students exchange program and performed with the school choir in different countries of the European Community.

The Madrigal Choir of the Maristen-Gymnasium is a mixed school choir of about 55 singers starting at the age of about 14. Together with some elder, experienced singers a selection of this choir will perform in New York. The choir has sung in the last years a diverse repertoire from Mozart's "Requiem" via Purcells "Dido and Aeneas" and Orffs "Camina Burana" up to musicals.

Director of Music FUMC Uvalde, TX 22 years. Associate in Music The United Methodist Church, Perkins School of Theology, SMU. Have accompanied the choir to Carnegie Hall in 2016 & 2017.

35 member adult choir who provides music at two traditional worship services each Sunday. Share Easter & Christmas musicals with the community each year. The choir is the core group for the special community services.

Brian Stevenson is the Director of Choirs at Plainfield High School in Plainfield CT. He also serves as the producer of the Theater program and AP Music theory instructor.

PHS Chamber Choir performs at a wide variety repertoire at a diverse set of events throughout the year. Whether it is at the Berklee Jazz Festival in Boston, singing with Barry Manilow at Foxwoods Casino, or our third time on the Carnegie Hall stage,we are always excited to perform!

Michael Burke studied music with an emphasis on piano and organ at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York. He accepted his first organist position during his sophomore year in college and has been playing and directing church choirs of various denominations in the Rochester and San Diego, California areas continuously since that time. Michael began his work as Music Director at Grace Lutheran-San Diego in January 2009.

The Grace Lutheran Sanctuary Choir is made up of 25 dedicated volunteers who love choral music and also love serving the church in this capacity. Past performances include Vivaldi's "Gloria", Stainer's "Crucifixion" and Britten's "Ceremony of Carols". In addition, the choir has participated in multiple Choir Festivals including those with other San Diego Lutheran Churches as well as with choirs of various denominations.

Marcus Vaughan has served as the Minister of Music at Beale Memorial Baptist Church in Tappahannock, VA since 2013. He is a graduate of Bluefield College in Bluefield, VA where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Music. This will be Marcus’ third performance at Carnegie Hall. Marcus and wife Gina have two amazing children a son, William and a daughter, Libby Caroline.

Beale Memorial Choir is comprised of 15-30 voices. We sing on Sunday mornings for worship. We sing various styles of choral arrangements and perform two concerts a year. This is Beale Memorial's Choir debut at Carnegie Hall.

Since graduating from London’s Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Janet has worked professionally as a solo artist and consort singer. She spent 23 years with the Tallis Scholars and worked closely with Patrick Hawes on Blue In Blue. While still performing and recording, Janet is Head of Choral Studies at Cheam School, trains amateur singers, adjudicates choral competitions and leads singing master classes. In 2015, she and David Woodcock (Harrow School) launched the Early Music Academy; now spanning the Atlantic with successful Summer Schools in Boston. Founding her choir, The Cecilia Consort, 28 years ago, Janet is delighted that the choir was invited to perform in the Great War Symphony premiere this Armistice Day.

With 28 years of performing under its belt, The Cecilia Consort is an auditioned 40-strong chamber choir from Newbury, UK, which sings primarily a capella or with organ accompaniment, covering a repertoire of sacred and secular music from across a broad historical span. In 2009 the Consort gave the first British public concert performance of Patrick Hawes’ song cycle, Song of Songs, to a standing ovation. More recently the choir devoted a whole programme to works by contemporary female composers including Judith Bingham, Cecilia McDowall and Teena Lyle. Janet Coxwell ascribes the ‘unique quality’ of her choir’s sound to “the poise the group can achieve and the beauty of their quiet singing, which make a stunning combination that sends shivers down the spine.” (Photo Credit: Simon Crompton-Reid)

Vicki Taylor is in her eleventh season as director of the Jubilate Chorale. Choirs under her direction have previously performed in New York, London and Canterbury, England, as well as throughout the greater Milwaukee, WI area. Having recently retired as a school choral director, she currently serves as Director of Music Ministries and organist at Ascension Lutheran Church in Waukesha, WI. Ms. Taylor earned her undergraduate degree from the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music, and has completed graduate courses at the Westminster Choir College of Ryder University.

The Jubilate Chorale is in its 26th season of presenting choral music to audiences in southeastern Wisconsin. The auditioned ensemble is comprised of experienced singers whose repertoire is chosen from a wide range of time periods and genres with particular emphasis on the a cappella tradition. In addition to offering compelling programming and artistic performances, the Jubilate Chorale seeks to promote the art of choral music by commissioning new works, fostering young talent through its high school intern program, and collaborating with other area ensembles.

Shaun Ryan is a senior lecturer at the Ulster University. In addition to directing the University’s Choir, Shaun was Conductor of Larne Choral Society from 2002 to 2005, has worked with the Chapel Choir of Trinity College Dublin and The Dublin Gospel Choir, and has acted as coach and rehearsal conductor with the Ulster Youth Choir. In 2006, Shaun was Musical Director for UTV’s opening ceremony of The Special Olympic Games. In recent years Shaun has worked with the Ulster Orchestra and London’s Southbank Sinfonia and has conducted the combined chamber choirs of the Universities of Ulster and Aberdeen.

The Ulster University Chamber Choir has gained considerable popular and critical acclaim for its distinctive and dramatic performances presented in beautiful ecclesiastical settings. The Choir has been the focus of numerous T.V. and Radio broadcasts. In 2012, the group performed at a welcome ceremony for the State Visit to Northern Ireland of State Councilor of China, Liu Yandong; the event was attended by the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. The Choir has also performed for President Bill Clinton on his 2014 visit to Derry/Londonderry.

Reverend Mitch Crow is an accomplished vocalist and worship leader from Duncan, South Carolina. He has 32 years of experience in the music ministry. Mitch was educated at the University of South Carolina and has continued to serve the Lord in his home state in full-time music ministry in 3 churches. He is currently in his 18th year as the Worship Pastor at Duncan First Baptist Church. Mitch has achieved much success during his time at Duncan First, building the music program and growing the choir to a membership of well over 100 strong.

The Celebration Choir of Duncan First Baptist Church is comprised of individuals from all walks of life from teens to senior adults. A volunteer choir with a wide range of musical abilities, they exhibit a true desire to serve the Lord and to lead others into His presence through the gift of song. Under the leadership of Reverend Mitch Crow, the music of the Celebration Choir has drawn hundreds to their concerts and community events. They have completed two successful CD projects and continue to be a faithful and inspirational part of the worship experience.

Stephen Doughty is Chorus Master of Belfast Philharmonic Choir, giving a number of world and European premieres in recent years, and is Musical Director of the Garleton Singers, Haddington. He was recently appointed Musical Director of Edinburgh Bach Choir. Stephen was Director of Music of St John’s Episcopal Church, Edinburgh for 18 years, regularly plays harpsichord/organ continuo and orchestral piano. His organ recitals have included Belfast, and recitals of French and German music in St. John’s. He is in demand as an arranger and orchestrator and is an Examiner for the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. www.stephendoughty.co.uk.

Belfast Philharmonic Society (known affectionately as ‘The Phil’) formed in 1874 is Northern Ireland’s only symphonic choir and sings regularly with the professional Ulster Orchestra including performances of Handel’s Messiah every Christmas. Recent concerts have included Brahms’s German Requiem, Mozart’s Requiem and the European premières of Stuart Scott’s Requiem Brevis and Christopher Marshall’s Earthsong. In 2017 the choir toured Poland and Ukraine and this year sang Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana in Dublin with the Tallaght Choral Society. The Society has several youth choirs collectively known as ‘Phil Kids’ with over 300 singers ranging in age from 7 to 20 years.

Dr. Daniel Hibbett has served as the Minister of Music at St. Luke Lutheran Church since the fall of 2000. He has a DMA in choral conducting from the University of Washington. Before coming to St. Luke, Dr. Hibbett directed choirs and taught church music and music history courses at Central Christian College (McPherson, KS), Seattle Pacific University, and Northwest Nazarene University (Nampa, ID). During his doctoral studies, Dan served as the full-time Director of Music Ministries at Edmonds United Methodist Church on Puget Sound north of Seattle.

The Rejoice Choir is a mixed choral ensemble of volunteer singers (high school - adult) that ministers weekly for one or two services on Sundays in addition to worship gatherings on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Good Friday, and Easter. The choir presents at least one major work each year in collaboration with another church choir and chamber orchestra, including classical works and contemporary pieces by composers such John Rutter and Mark Hayes. They sing a wide variety of music including classical, gospel and contemporary anthems, hymn arrangements, and liturgical settings.

Tanya has served as the Minister of Music and Worship at McEachern UMC for 27 years. She oversees the music program including ensembles and special events. Her extensive background in conducting and creative worship planning has made her a sought-after clinician and consultant at churches around the Southeast. Tanya is married to Abol Ghoreishi and together they have one son, Jordan. Tanya and Abol love to travel and are looking forward to their first trip to NYC. The best thing is to experience this with the choir and friends. They are looking forward to making memories.

The McEachern UMC Sanctuary Choir is made up of 90+ singers who provide music weekly in the sanctuary services. They offer several special programs throughout the year... including Christmas and Easter concerts. They are an eclectic group of people that enjoy the multi-generational fellowship and service. This choir is active in music beyond the walls of the church....to community events and service. They have been active in the needs of foster care, homeless, school needs and mentoring and many other important needs. There are many ensembles and small groups within the choir as well as accomplished instrumentalists. They love "doing life" together and are looking forward to joining others in this great concert.

Ken is in his second year at Acton UMC. He holds degrees from McMurry University and the University of Texas. He has held church positions in El Paso, Amarillo, Midland, Houston, and most recently in Virginia.

The Acton UMC chancel choir participated in the Mark Hayes Carol Suites concert last year, and also presented it as part of our Christmas. We normally have approximately 50 members. We also present Acton Celebrates America each year.

David Hibbert earned both the B.M. and M.M. degrees in Choral Music from the University Of The Pacific Conservatory of Music. David has been conducting the PBCC Choir for 14 years, and recently retired from public school music education after serving 38 years. He feels God is directing him to develop a childrens music program at his church, and to spend time with his grandchildren.

The Choir at PBCC is unique in that it performs in church only once a month, which leaves plenty of rehearsal time for tone development and polishing our music. We also do an annual Christmas concert and participate in Chorus Magnus, a yearly gathering of area church choirs to perform music together and raise money for a local charity.

Kelly is originally from Sumter, SC. She earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Furman University, Greenville, SC, followed by a Master of Church Music from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY. After serving as a hospital chaplain for 1.5 years, she became the Minister of Music and Education at Spencer Baptist in Spindale, NC where she has served for the past twenty years. Kelly is married to Greg, and they have two children, Josh (a high school chorus teacher) and Connor (a high school student). Kelly is also currently enrolled at Gardner Webb School of Divinity, working towards a Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Care and Counseling.

The Spencer Baptist Adult Choir has a long tradition of excellence. In addition to leading in worship each week, the ensemble presents two to three major works each year. The Adult Choir has been a part of the Rutherford County Chorus in previous years with many members singing in both ensembles. The Adult Choir is one of 5 music ensembles at Spencer Church and most of its members have been singing together for 40 years.

A native of Northern Ireland, Alistair has conducted and produced concerts, tours and events throughout the UK, Asia and the United States. As a violist and singer, Alistair has long been involved with the Apple Hill Center of Chamber Music, NH, and serves on the board of the New York Choral Consortium. Alistair has a postgraduate degree in music education from Durham University, UK, and a masters in choral conducting from California State University, Los Angeles. Alistair is the Head of Performing Arts at Dwight School, NY, and composes and arranges for a variety of ensembles.

New York Chamber Choirs is a non-profit organization and charity dedicated to the promotion of chamber choir music through performance, education and outreach.

Noreen has directed the Unity Singers for 35 years, and many of the singers have been a part of this group for 20-30 years. Noreen considers it an honor and a privilege to make music with this joyful, enthusiastic group of singers.

The Unity Singers present three concerts each year in addition to providing music for Sunday services. In the spring there is a classical music concert with strings; in the summer a 4th of July extravaganza with pop tunes and a salute to our veterans; and a Christmas cantata is given each December. These programs are then performed at senior residential centers in the community. The choir's home is Unity of Santa Barbara, under the spiritual leadership of Rev. Larry Schelink.

Jonathan Fuller is organist and senior choir director at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Clifton Park, New York. He graduated with a music performance degree from the State University of New York at Fredonia in 2007. At Fredonia, he studied horn with Marc Guy and musicology with James A. Davis and was a finalist in the 2006 Concerto Competition. A professional organist since 2015, Jon is fortunate to regularly play and exhibit the 1847 Davis-Ferris organ — the oldest large American-built pipe organ in the United States — in Round Lake, New York.

A product of longtime organist and choir director Jim Roberts, the Prince of Peace Senior Choir has delighted in "making a joyful noise unto the Lord" for decades. Currently averaging around 40 members, the choir performs a weekly anthem and full cantatas on Palm Sunday and at Advent each year. The group is ecstatic to join their fellow singers onstage at Carnegie Hall.

Jim Raycroft is a 34 year member of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and works in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. He has appeared in movies and television, on movie soundtracks and recordings, and has sung on Main Street at Disneyland and for the President of the United States and the Queen of England. He is the choral director for the Los Angeles Lawyers Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus, the Santa Monica Symphony and the newly-formed Los Angeles Chorus. He is a published arranger and orchestrator, and founded The Singers Elite, a referral service for professional singers and vocal entertainment.

The First United Methodist Church of Redondo Beach Chancel Choir is made up of dedicated volunteers who fearlessly tackle vocal works both small and large. They have been assisting with the worship service every Sunday morning since the sanctuary building was opened in 1926.

LuAnne Spencer is the director of music for New Life Lutheran Church. My love of music began as child and was encouraged by my family. I began my studies in organ at the age of 4 and continued on to become an accomplished pipe organist, pianist, and vocalist. I give thanks to God and credit the wonderful people I have had the privilege to work & teach with for the opportunities and career I have enjoyed in Christian music. I have been blessed with a loving husband, 5 very special and talented children, and 14 grandchildren that brighten every day.

New Life Lutheran Cantata Choir is an incredible group of loving, talented, fun and caring volunteer singers. Early each fall we begin the process of rehearsals, with singers invited from our church as well as the community. Our presentation, the 1st week in December, is a gift to our community. To date, we have done several Joseph Martin works and everyone has met each new piece with enthusiasm and excitement. We are so grateful for the opportunity to join this group at Carnegie under Joseph Martin’s direction and only wish everyone could be here with us.

KAREN HARVEY, Minister of Music at UCC, Norwell, MA, conducts four choirs in a multi-generational music ministry, and enjoys a career as pianist, educator, conductor and composer. An M.I.T. Affiliate Artist, Tanglewood Fellow and soloist with numerous orchestras, she has premiered many compositions, including several written for her, and has recorded three solo piano CDs. Ms. Harvey has performed with the Cantata Singers in Boston’s Symphony Hall, and served as pianist for the Boston Pops Chorus and Boston Ballet. She led the Holiday Chorus at Faneuil Hall for several seasons and conducted a Festival Choir at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

The UCC Sanctuary Choir of Norwell, MA is one of four choirs in an active and growing music ministry under the direction of Karen Harvey, Minister of Music. The Sanctuary Choir prepares music for services throughout the year, and also offers many free events to the community including multiple Christmas Concerts and a first-ever Tribute to Veterans on November 11th. In addition to performing the world premiere of Mark Hayes’ Requiem five years ago at Lincoln Center, the choir traveled to Rome to participate in its European premiere and also sang for Mass at the Vatican.

Nicole Camilleri has served as the Music Ministry Director at the Fairport United Methodist Church since 1999. She leads a program of over one hundred volunteers. Vocal choirs, handbell choirs, instrumental ensembles, and soloists embody the growing music ministry at FUMC. Nicole is also an Instructor of Sacred Music at the Eastman School of Music, and is on the board of the American Guild of Organists’ Rochester Chapter. Originally from Sea Cliff, NY, Nicole received her BM and MM degrees in organ performance from the Eastman School of Music and the Yale School of Music and Institute of Sacred Music.

The Fairport United Methodist Church is in a suburb of Rochester, NY. The music ministry at FUMC includes six volunteer choirs that rehearse regularly throughout the year, plus groups that rehearse seasonally, plus vocal and instrumental soloists. The Cantata Choir is an ensemble of about 40 singers who present a program of choral, organ, and handbell music each year during Advent. They have sung many of Joseph Martin’s cantatas. Four to five hundred people from the congregation and community attend the annual cantata performances. Members of the FUMC Cantata Choir are honored to be singing “The Winter Rose”!