The Whitachords are a unique and ever-evolving ensemble of singers who come together not through regular rehearsals or shared hometowns, but through a deep love of music—especially the works of composer Eric Whitacre. We are individuals from different backgrounds who learn our parts independently, yet when we unite in New York City for a performance with DCINY, we create something truly special.
Some of us are returning veterans of the group, while others are experiencing this incredible journey for the first time. Regardless of experience, every member brings their passion, dedication, and voice to the mix. Though we arrive as individuals, we leave as part of a community, bonded by music and the unforgettable experiences we share.
Each year, the Whitachords grow and change, always welcoming new voices and new friendships. And no matter what, one thing remains constant—we have the time of our lives with DCINY and Eric, singing our hearts out, and making memories that last forever.
Sprague High School Choir
Dr. R. David Brown
The Choral Program at Sprague High involves students from virtually every demographic in 5 different choirs including Men’s and Women’s Choirs, Ensemble, Concert Choir, and Framework, the advanced vocal jazz ensemble. Each of the choirs perform numerous times throughout the year at various public concerts, festivals, and competitions.
Choir at Sprague continues a rich tradition of musical excellence in the Salem-Keizer school district and is a Grammy Signature School.
David Brown is an Arizona native having received a doctorate degree in Choral Conducting at the University of Arizona. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education, also from the University of Arizona and a Master's degree in Educational Administration from Northern Arizona University. Dr. Brown has studied conducting with Jo-Michael Scheibe, Maurice Skones, Edith Copley, Weston Noble and Bruce Chamberlain.
Chariton High School Concert Choir
Tyler Urich
The Chariton High School Concert Choir, under the direction of Mr. Tyler Urich, is the premier vocal ensemble of Chariton High School in Chariton, Iowa. Comprising 50 singers in grades 9–12, the choir studies and performs a diverse repertoire spanning multiple styles and genres. Each year, the ensemble presents four major concerts. In February 2017, the Concert Choir made its Carnegie Hall debut under the direction of Dr. Lee Nelson. They returned to Carnegie Hall in February 2020, performing under the baton of Mack Wilberg and 2023, under the direction of Jonathan Griffith.
Tyler Urich serves as the 6–12 Vocal Music Director for the Chariton Community School District. A Garner, Iowa native, he graduated from Garner-Hayfield High School in 2003 and earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Wartburg College in 2007, with additional graduate work at the University of Northern Iowa. During his time at Wartburg, he performed in renowned venues worldwide, including Chicago’s Orchestra Hall, Prague’s Rudolfinum, Eisenach’s Georgenkirche, Cape Town’s St. George’s Cathedral, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center. Now in his 19th year of teaching and 13th in Chariton, Tyler lives with his wife, Alesha, and stepson, Lucas.
Friends' Central Upper School Chorus
Michele Zuckman
Open to all students in grades 9-12, the Friends’ Central Upper School Chorus performs in two concerts annually and at school assemblies and events. Students are encouraged to consider how their unique personalities and musical gifts enhance the chorus as a community. The US Chorus recently participated in a commission consortium through Chorus America with Philadelphia composer Suzzette Ortiz, who led workshops with the ensemble and attended their performance of her “Bomba Hollande.” Additionally, the US Chorus has hosted Grammy-nominated quartet New York Polyphony as well as composers Melissa Dunphy and Dominick Diorio.
Michele Zuckman has been the Upper School Choral Director at Friends’ Central School since 2011. In addition to conducting the Upper School Chorus and Quaker Noats, Friends’ Central’s select a cappella ensemble, Michele music directs the annual Upper School musical and teaches a variety of music electives. Outside of school, Ms. Zuckman is a member of the Chestnut Street Singers, Philadelphia’s collaborative chamber choir, where she is a soprano, conductor, rehearsal accompanist, former board member, and potluck contributor. This is her sixth time participating with students in a DCINY event!
Louisburg High School Select Choir
Alison Moore
The Louisburg High School Select Choir is an audition only group that consists of students in grades 10 through 12. The Louisburg High School Select Choir has consistently earned 1st division (superior) ratings at the Kansas High School Activities Association's State competitions for the past 15 years. Under the direction of Alison Moore, the Louisburg High School Select Choir prides itself most for its community and service involvement. All of its members are very excited and proud to get to perform under the direction of Eric Whitacre!
Alison Moore has been a music educator for 24 years. She attended the University of Kansas earning her bachelors in Music Education and Spanish and recently completed her Masters' Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Emporia State University. She is proud to have spent the past 22 years teaching kids in her hometown of Louisburg, Kansas. Starting her career as an elementary music teacher, Alison now enjoys directing choirs at Louisburg Middle School and at Louisburg High School. She also directs both school's musicals and teaches Theatre Arts at the high school. Tonight's concert is the 3rd time that the LHS Select Choir has performed with DCINY. Alison and her husband, Tommy have 4 children, Austin, Alyse, Ashton and Adelyn.
Foothill High School Choral Program
Will Segal
The Foothill High School Choral Program is made up of four choirs and two student-led ensembles, all of which are represented in the group that is here today.
Will Segal (they/he) is the Choir and AP Music Theory teacher at Foothill High School in Pleasanton, California. They are so proud to bring their amazing students to this distinguished event.
Perry High School Chorus
Joy Dumas
The Perry High School Choir was relaunched five years ago. They have grown from 20 singers in 2020, to over 100 students this year. The choir receives superior marks at Large Group Performance Evaluations every year. This year, 18 students from the group auditioned into Georgia's All-State Chorus. 5 students auditioned into the All-State Reading chorus. The group has also placed first at a Music in the Parks festival, and has performed in the Candlelight Processional at Disney's Epcot. These singers are highly motivated and skilled, often learning music without teacher assistance.
Joy Dumas has been a choral music educator for 26 years. She received her Bachelors degree in music education from the University of Georgia, and her Masters from East Carolina University. She has spent all but the first 5 years of her career teaching the students in Houston County, Georgia. She taught for 15 years at Warner Robins High School and has been at Perry High for 5 years. Her groups are known for their superior sight-reading ability and consistently receive superior marks for performance at Large Group Performance Evaluations. She has been married to Chuck Dumas for 25 years. They have two beautiful daughters, one at UGA, and one on the stage tonight.
Spokane Falls Community College Chamber Singers
Nathan Lansing
Chamber Singers is an auditioned, advanced, mostly a cappella ensemble that serves as the flagship of the choral program at SFCC. They've been a regular bi-annual attendee at Carnegie Hall performances and regularly send graduates to become music educators across the Pacific Northwest.
Nathan Lansing is in his 17th year at SFCC & 30th professional year as a choir director, instructor of music theory & history, musical theater collaborator, choral arranger, and lyricist. He is also the Baritone Choral Scholar and Handbell Choir director at St. John's Cathedral in Spokane, Washington.
The Music of Eric Whitacre
Please note: Tickets will be on sale 90 days before the concert.
Acts
The Music of Eric Whitacre Act 1
Participating Groups
Special Guests
Artist's Name
Eric WhitacrePress & Marketing
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Participating Group Directors
The Whitachords are a unique and ever-evolving ensemble of singers who come together not through regular rehearsals or shared hometowns, but through a deep love of music—especially the works of composer Eric Whitacre. We are individuals from different backgrounds who learn our parts independently, yet when we unite in New York City for a performance with DCINY, we create something truly special.
Some of us are returning veterans of the group, while others are experiencing this incredible journey for the first time. Regardless of experience, every member brings their passion, dedication, and voice to the mix. Though we arrive as individuals, we leave as part of a community, bonded by music and the unforgettable experiences we share.
Each year, the Whitachords grow and change, always welcoming new voices and new friendships. And no matter what, one thing remains constant—we have the time of our lives with DCINY and Eric, singing our hearts out, and making memories that last forever.