The K.O. Knudson Chorale is a beautiful blend of the two advanced choirs at K.O. Knudson Academy of the Arts (Melodieux and Vocale). These students perform for a wide variety of audiences throughout the Las Vegas Valley--just this year they have performed for NFL Green in partnership with the NFL Super Bowl, Internationally Known Band--Foreigner, and more! In addition to their performances, these groups both consistently receive Superior Ratings at Festivals. The dedication and musicality these students show on a daily basis is awe-inspiring. They are the music makers and they are the dreamers of dreams!

Amy Symes is in her 17th year as choral director at K.O. Knudson Academy of the Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada. She graduated from The University of South Dakota where she received a Bachelor of Music Education degree, vocal performance emphasis and a 2013 graduate of Lesley University with a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, emphasis in Arts Integration. Her choirs are continuously sought out for performances throughout the Las Vegas Valley, and continuously receive Superior Ratings at Festivals. In addition to supporting her school community, Mrs. Symes is the current President for the Nevada Music Educators Association.

The Bridgewater College Chorale has a long history of excellence in performance and has appeared alongside professional ensembles such as the Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Roanoke Symphony, National Symphony Orchestra, and Chanticleer. The Chorale has been invited to perform at multiple conventions of the American Choral Directors Association and has toured throughout China, Lithuania, Brazil, Germany, England, France, and Russia

Ryan Keebaugh, Director of Choral Music and Assistant Professor of Music at Bridgewater College, has been hailed by the Washington Post as an “energetic, expressive, concise, insightful, and sensitive” conductor. Ryan’s versatile and vibrant musicianship is well known for his expertise embracing singers of all ages, from young children and emerging choirs to university, community and professional choruses and has distinguished him as a leading music educator, guest conductor, and clinician to choral and ensembles throughout the United States. As an inspiring teacher, popular workshop clinician, conference presenter and adjudicator at choral festivals and educational workshops, he has presented workshops and master classes both nationally and internationally. Ryan’s collaboration work with American contemporary composers has distinguished him as an advocate for interdisciplinary collaboration in the arts, alternative venues, and new commissions. His choral ensembles have been invited to perform at international and national festivals, conventions, conferences, and historic locations including Radio City Music Hall, The Washington National Cathedral, St. John the Divine, New York University Steinhardt, The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Canterbury, and Edinburgh Cathedrals. Aside from his duties as a conductor and pedagogue, Ryan is an active member of the VMEA Creativity Council and was recently selected to serve The College Music Society's Mid-Atlantic Chapter as President Elect for 2022-2023.

The Sycamore Springs Middle School Choir hails from Dripping Springs, Texas outside of Austin. Students in this choir consistently receive Superior ratings at contests and festivals. They commissioned and premiered a new piece called "What If?" by Kara Stacy Bedwell in November, 2023. In December, 2024 they will perform the premiere of "That Magical Feeling" for Choir and Orchestra written by Taylor Smith.

Dawn-Marie Schafer is the Co-Director of the Austin Children’s Choir in Austin, Texas as well as the Region 18 Texas Music Educators Association’s Middle School Vocal Chair and the Choir Director at Sycamore Springs Middle School in Dripping Springs, Texas. Her choirs have a long history of Sweepstakes awards at the University Interscholastic League’s Choral Contest. In 2023, her choirs presented the World Premiere of What If? by Kara Stacy Bedwell. Schafer taught middle and high school choir for 9 years in New Jersey before moving to Georgia, where her choirs consistently received Superior ratings at Large Group Performance Evaluations. She has conducted several District Honor Choirs in Georgia. Throughout her 25-year career, many of her singers have been selected to regional and state honor choirs. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from The Hartt School of Music, and her Master’s Degree in Music Education from Boston University. In 2020, Schafer self-published a three book children’s series, The Valiant Quests of the Knights of Musical Acres, which promotes music making with young children. Inspiring middle school singers to change their lives and others through music is her life’s passion.

The McGill Choral Society-SSMU (MCS) is a non-profit student organization formed in 1924 and evolved into one of the most active and important parts of McGill University’s musical tradition. After the passing of Mary Jane Puiu in 2023, who served as a director and conductor for the last 43 years, the choir is now directed by Louis Desjarlais, a montreal based musican with a true passion for choral music. As one of the largest student groups on the McGill campus, MCS gives members the chance to explore and enjoy the experience of making music together.

Louis Desjarlais, master degree holder in music composing at Université de Montréal, is a young montreal based musician specialised in choir music. He works, all at the same time, as a professional singer (Orchestre Métropolitain, Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Voces Boreales), as a composer (Marie-Bernard award in 2021), and as a choir director (McGill Choral Society, Ensemble Choral St-Eustache F.A.C.E. school). His passion and his omnipresence in the choral environnement for 15 years gave Louis a highly specialised expertise of anything choir related: understanding of the voice, vast knowledge of the repertoire, teaching and communication in a choral context, etc.

The Franklin Academy Elementary and the MYP Concert Choirs are two young choirs founded in 2022. The musical repertoire of both choirs include works spanning the period from Baroque to contemporary, both a cappella and for chorus. The aim of Franklin Academy Elementary and MYP concert choirs is to foster musicality among their members, to instill in the young singers a lifelong relationship with chorale music of various genres, cultural origins, and world language, and to provide performance and travel opportunities that broaden their horizons. Franklin Academy Elementary and MYP Concert Choirs are active in South Florida singing in competitions, festivals, and community events.

Dr. Ysomar Granados, D.M.A., has been teaching general and vocal music at the elementary, and middle School levels for over 22 years. She was born in Caracas, Venezuela. She studied piano performance at the University of Miami, school of music with Dr. Rosalina Sackstein where she obtained her bachelor’s degree/cum laude in 1994. She was offered an assistantship while working on her Master’s and Doctorate degrees at the same institution. Dr. Granados finished her Masters in piano performance in 1996, and her Doctorate in Keyboard Performance and Pedagogy in 2001 both with an Award of Academic Merit. She is a member of the FVA, NAfME, MPA, and FCMEA. Currently, she teaches music at Franklin Academy (K-8) in Pembroke Pines, Florida where she conducts two choral groups: The Franklin Academy Elementary Concert Choir and the Franklin Academy MYP Concert Choir. She also serves as an adjunct at Nova Southeastern University in the Department of Communication, media, and the Arts. Dr. Granados is honored to be able to participate for the third time in the Distinguished Concert International New York at Carnegie Hall. Her young choristers at Franklin Academy are very excited to be part of the performance featuring the music of Greg Gilpin with the DCINY at Carnegie Hall.

Atlantic Harmonies Youth Choirs, inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Wells, Maine. AHYC has had the honor of singing at the Maine State House, Portland Sea Dogs baseball game, Ogunquit's Christmas by the Sea celebration and more! AHYC is a non-auditioned community program that seeks to foster joy, growth, and confidence in all young musicians. They are thankful to DCINY for providing such enriching performance opportunities and grateful for the support from far and wide as they continually strive to provide access to music programs for all!

Bailey Smith is the founding artistic director of the Atlantic Harmonies Youth Choirs, inc.; a nonprofit organization based in Wells, Maine. This is Bailey's fifth DCINY concert and second time participating under the direction of Greg Gilpin! Bailey studied vocal performance at Berklee College of Music. She teaches private music lessons and classes, runs a summer performance day camp, and is the music director for the local high school's annual musical production. Outside of music, Bailey loves to travel, is an avid reader, and enjoys as much family time as possible.

Coro de Cámara has brought enchanting chamber choral music to Northern New Mexico for thirty-five seasons. With a diverse repertoire and innovative programming, the chorus strives for excellence in music-making and shares its artistry through concerts, community outreach, and educational opportunities. The auditioned chamber chorus includes adult singers from Los Alamos and Santa Fe and talented local high school student apprentices. Coro’s programs feature a wide range of musical styles, often with poetry, scripts, instruments, and multi-media, all of which enhance Coro’s singing and provide a richness and depth that lead to memorable performances.

Nylea Butler-Moore is the Artistic Director of Coro de Cámara in Northern New Mexico. She holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in vocal performance from the University of Tennessee; a Master of Conducting degree from Scarritt Graduate School in Nashville, Tennessee; and has completed two graduate music education levels at the Kodály Center of America. She has worked with choirs of all ages, and through her teaching of conducting, piano, voice, and music theory, she has helped students prepare for professional music careers. Butler-Moore is also a published composer/arranger, writer, and music editor, and has studio and music theatre experience.

The Westman Youth Choir (WMYC) was founded in 1980 by Derek Morphy, Bill Lawson and Dr. Earl Davey to give western Manitoba students a high caliber choral experience unlike anything that was available at the time. Every year auditions are held and 50 students from Grades 10-12 are chosen for this honor. The choir members gather and train for two weekends to sing and perform music from all over the world in a four day regional tour. Since it’s conception there have been over 1000 singers and 50 conductors. Our alumni singers continue to be involved in the music and arts community and many have gone on to become music teachers, distinguished chorale members as well as recording artists. This choir consists of 25 alumni members from 1980 to 2023. This year’s WMYC Alumni Choir is led by Shannon Moses.

Shannon Moses is a life-long musician who grew up in western Manitoba. She studied French Horn at the University of Manitoba and McGill University and holds a Masters degree in Music Performance. Shannon played with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra from 2008-2010 under the direction of Maestro Alexander Mickelthwate. Shannon is the early years musical director at Sansome School in Winnipeg. Her choirs have consistently earned top marks at the Winnipeg Music Festival and have been invited multiple times to sing at the ‘Evening of Excellence’ concerts, which is reserved for the top choirs in Manitoba. Shannon’s passion for music and education is evident as she brings people together and builds community through song. She is very excited to be leading the WMYC Alumni Choir this year in their preparations to share the stage at Carnegie Hall.

Founded in 2010 by Musical Director Ewa Salecka and pianist Greg Birch, Prima has been at the forefront of York's choral scene for over a decade and provides a welcoming, genre-crossing experience like no other. From the experienced singers to first time members Prima is a natural home. This is the only choir in the area that combines the very best of popular music with inspirational modern orchestral works. In addition to the upbeat rehearsals under the guidance of Ewa's leading-edge vocal coaching and expert programming, and Greg's skilful piano accompaniment there are fantastic performance opportunities to showcase the full diversity of this modern ensemble, accompanied by professional musicians. ​ Since its inception Prima Vocal Ensemble have performed at Carnegie and Royal Albert Halls, Alpine mountaintops, European Cathedrals and "underground churches". ​ Collaborations include Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, The Mowbray Orchestra (Opera North), Prima Concert Orchestra, Baltic Neopolis Quartet, Prima String Quintet, York Railway Institute Band, double Grammy Award winning composer Christopher Tin, top UK bandoneon player Julian Rowlands, American Gospel Jazz and R'n'B artist Monique Thomas, Flamenco/Jazz guitarist, Eduardo Niebla to name just a few.

Prima's co-founder and director Ewa Salecka (Eh-va Sa-lets-ka), is an award - winning choral director, conductor, producer, performing artist, vocal coach and educator who has been a driving force behind York’s thriving choral scene for over 14 years. In this time she has founded and directed community and auditioning choirs of all line-ups and sizes, trained hundreds of singers, toured and produced countless high class events, collaborating with local and international choirs, orchestras, soloists, brass bands and decorated composers. ​ A multi-instrumentalist and a highly experienced vocal coach, Ewa holds an academic degree in Classical Piano and in Choral Conducting & Music Education. She works as an academic tutor at York St John University (Advanced Solo Performance), runs her busy ES Music Studio specialising in Piano and Contemporary Vocal Training techniques. ​ She remains a firm ambassador for new and exciting choral programmes and performance opportunities aimed at expanding the horizons of her singers and the national and international audiences.

The Woodcreek Middle School Choral Department was founded in 2010 and since the program’s inception has had a rich history of top-notch, award-winning choral ensembles that have consistently earned numerous Sweepstakes awards and Superior ratings at UIL Concert & Sightreading Evaluations. Woodcreek Middle School choirs have also performed at various venues such as Carnegie Hall (2019 & 2024), the Houston Rodeo, Minute Maid Park (national anthem for the Houston Astros), the Toyota Center (national anthem for the Houston Rockets), & the Houston National Cemetery (City of Houston Memorial Day Ceremony) to name a few.

Phil O’Neal is a distinguished musician, conductor, clinician and adjudicator in his 20th year as a music educator. Currently he is in his 7th year as head choral director at Woodcreek Middle School in Humble ISD. He is also serving as Contemporary Worship leader at the Atascocita Methodist Church in Atascocita, TX. Phil is a 2001 graduate of Prairie View A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in military science and a 2021 graduate of Boston University (CFA) with a Master of Music in Music Education. Phil is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc, Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Texas Choral Directors Association (TCDA), the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and served as Co-Music Director on the executive board for the Houston North Emmaus Community (2020-2023). Phil was named Summerwood Elementary Teacher of the Year 2017-2018 & a Top 5 Humble ISD District Finalist. He was also named a 2017 Prairie View A&M University “Top 40 Under 40” award recipient. Phil also serves as keyboard player for the internationally known Bayou City Brass Band. Phil is a 10 year military veteran as he served in the U.S. Army Reserve/National Guard from 1992-2002. Phil has been married to his wife LaShonda since 2004 and has 2 sons, Kai & Taj.

Twin Peaks Middle School is located in Poway, a suburb of San Diego, California! All the kids in the choir are volunteer participants, coming to school over an hour early to rehearse two days a week. This is our first choir trip and we are so happy to be here in New York!

Denise Gonda is a wonderful parent volunteer who teaches choir before school at 7:15am two days a week! Denise has 4 children, 2 dogs and a wonderful husband who is so kind and supportive. Denise has been teaching volunteer choirs for her kids' schools for 15 years and before that Denise taught college biology classes! She loves nature, hiking, sitting on the beach and spending time with family and friends!