Marty Pieper retired from teaching public school music in Wauconda, Illinois, moved to Florida, and soon became the director of the Hampton Choraliers, a senior community chorus. She is a graduate of the school of music education at Northwest Missouri State University and received her master's degree from Northeastern Illinois University. In addition to her chorus work she keeps busy performing with the Harmony Voices, a vocal and comedy act entertaining the central Florida area. She feels honored to be performing with Mark Hayes, her favorite choral composer/arranger!

The Hampton Choraliers is a community chorus of retirees in Auburndale, Florida. The group was founded 15 years ago with a dozen seniors gathering to sing a few hymns and folk songs. It has grown to be a full fledged SATB chorus of 55 dedicated singers. The Choraliers perform both a Christmas concert and a spring show each year to sold out audiences. The Choraliers were recently honored to sing for the closing ceremony of the Polk County Senior Games at the Lakeland Center in Lakeland, Florida. They shamelessly claim to be the best senior community chorus in the state!

Gabriel Wanous is an experienced musician, composer, producer, and liturgical music director in the Catholic Church. In 2013, after pursuing a degree and career in information technology, Gabriel and his family responded to God’s call and left their way of life to do full-time music ministry. Since then, Gabriel has written over one-hundred compositions and planned and conducted annual Christmas concerts with the St. John choir and local orchestra. Gabriel believes music plays a pivotal role in helping people encounter Christ. He is also founder of WorshipNOW Publishing, with a mission of revitalizing music in the Catholic Church.

The St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church Choir is a group of talented and passionate singers who’s mission is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through prayerful song. Always open to new challenges, the choir has progressively taken on more difficult compositions including works by Mack Wilberg and Randol Alan Bass. In addition to weekly Masses, the choir has performed annual Christmas concerts with a full orchestra to share the joy of the holiday season and raise money for charities in the Panama City area. The St. John choir is extremely honored to be participating in DCINY.

Kim has been directing choirs her whole musical life and has developed an award winning choral program at her beloved Mount Boucherie Secondary School, where she directs five choirs. Kim graduated from Western Washington University, where she focused on both instrumental and vocal music. Kim started the Spectrum Singers in the Fall of 2010 and has enjoyed each and every concert this group has prepared and performed.

Based in Kelowna, BC, Canada and established in 2010, this auditioned mixed gender choir spans a broad spectrum of ages and careers. The Spectrum Singers not only cover a wide variety of musical styles and genres, but also offer audiences faces to watch and enjoy, since their entire repertoire is memorized.

Dr. Matthew Webb is a conductor, pianist, and vocal coach in the metropolitan New York City area. He is the Director of Music at The Presbyterian Church in Morristown, where he serves as Church Organist and directs adult and high school vocal and instrumental ensembles. Matt is a graduate of Wake Forest University (BA) and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (MM, DMA). He has served on the faculties of Drew University (NJ), Elon University (NC), UNC Greensboro and the UNC School of the Arts. Matt has worked extensively as a collaborative pianist and choral conductor, performing at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and throughout the US and Europe.

The Presbyterian Church in Morristown, New Jersey, was established in 1733 and has had a continuous program of choral excellence since the mid- to late-nineteenth century. The Chancel Choir is the largest of the church's many choral and instrumental ensembles, and has had the pleasure of performing many of the great works by Brahms, Mozart, Handel, Vaughan Williams, and contemporary composers such as Lauridsen, Sixten, Gjeilo, and Forrest. The choir presents two major concerts each year as well as providing high-quality choral music at weekly services and special holiday festival services throughout the year. The choirperformed at Carnegie Hall Debut with Distinguished Concerts International New York in June 2015, singing the Requiem by Maurice Duruflé. The Chancel Choir is led by Director of Music, Matthew Webb.

Brian Stevenson is the Director of Choral Music at Plainfield High School in Central Village, CT. He also serves as the music theory instructor, as well as the Producer/Director for the Musical productions. Brian feels blessed to work with such amazing students that inspire him on a daily basis!

Priscilla Silver has been a professional musician since age 14 when she accepted her first position as a church organist. Her many years as an inspiring director/accompanist for church choirs focuses on enhancing the worship experience. Priscilla is recognized for her equal comfort in musical styles ranging from Baroque and classical to swinging spirituals and contemporary church music. She was rehearsal accompanist under John Rutter for a choral performance at Carnegie Hall. Priscilla has for many years been a board member of the Orange County chapter of NACM, for which she organized 10 adult choral festivals.

Since Priscilla Silver became Director of Music and Worship at Hope in 2013, the choir has more than doubled. The choir has sung at many festivals and frequently sings anthems by Mark Hayes, including his cantatas. Two we love to sing are Child of Peace and Child of Hope. The choir has an annual 2 night 3 day off site retreat where we work on the year's music. Our choir is also blessed to have several qualified soloists. This 25 voice choir comes from a congregation of 100.

Jason P. Locker is the Choral Director at Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church and Bloomingdale High School. He holds the Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Florida, the Master of Music Education from Florida State University, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of South Florida. His choirs have performed in the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran (Rome), Carnegie Hall, and several distinguished collegiate choral festivals. An active conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, Mr. Locker is a former Repertoire and Resources Chair for the Southern Division of the American Choral Directors' Association, and currently serves as President-Elect of the Florida Vocal Association.

The Chancel Choir of Beymer Memorial United Methodist Church in Winter Haven, Florida is a 25-voice mixed choir which leads the congregation in our weekly Traditional Worship Service. In addition, the Chancel Choir presents two full-length cantatas with instruments each year, for Christmas and Lent. Members of the Chancel Choir come from a variety of professional backgrounds, united by their love of music. Several members of our Chancel Choir had the pleasure of working with Mark Hayes when he visited Winter Haven for a choral workshop in January of this year.

David Crone is director of choral studies at Monroe-Woodbury High School. Currently choir director at Christ Church, Warwick NY, he was music director/conductor of the Pro Arte Chorale in NJ from 1997-2010 and has served as conductor for NYSMF, the Community Choral Society, the Riverdale Choral Society, and the Boys Choir of Harlem. In 2009 he made his European conducting debut as part of the Liverpool Capital of Culture Festival, followed by a performance at Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral. He holds a doctorate from Seton Hall University, a master's in conducting from Temple University and a B.A. in jazz composition from Berklee College of Music. Crone’s passion for performing extends into the jazz community with regular appearances as a jazz pianist. Crone is often a guest conductor, accompanist and clinician at choral festivals and conferences throughout the tri-state area.

Jubilate (pronounced yoo-bih-LAH-tey) is a vibrant, co-ed choir of musically talented, dedicated youth in grades five through twelve. The choir members hail from communities throughout the lower Hudson Valley. Jubilate has had the distinction of performing previously at; Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, St. John the Divine, and Temple University, as well as many local venues. Last season Jubilate competed in the Music in the Parks Program and was awarded first place for all divisions they competed in.

Peggy Bucheit has conducted the Bitterroot Valley Chorus since 1995 and the Hamilton High School and Middle School choirs since 1984. Her groups have participated in European and national festivals including five performances in Carnegie Hall. Peggy is “Montana's Music Educator of the Year” for the 2017/2018 school year. She is a Past-President of the Montana Choral Directors Association and remains on the board. Hamilton High has recently been named a "Top 100 School in the Nation" for music education and last year, her choirs received the “Excellence in Music Education Award” from the Grammy Foundation.

The Bitterroot Valley Chorus is a multi-generational singing organization with a membership that spans four generations, ranging in age from 9 to 85. The mission of the Bitterroot Valley Chorus is to provide a free gift to our community through high-quality choral performances. 2017 marks the 45th consecutive year for the Bitterroot Valley Chorus and the 22nd year under Mrs. Bucheit’s leadership. The Chorus has grown to include a vibrant Youth Choir. The BRVC has continued to expand its musical repertoire by performing great choral masterworks and a variety of classical and modern Christmas music, both traditionally religious and secular.

Timothy Cooper: Music Director, First Christian Church, Las Vegas, NV After receiving undergraduate degrees from SUNY and the University of Pisa, and his MFA in Concert Organ Performance from the University of Colorado, Tim embarked on a fulfilling career as a keyboardist, composer and conductor that has spanned more than thirty years. Moving from the rock bands of LA's Sunset Strip to The Las Vegas Strip’s showrooms, he created original scores for major productions, including The Aladdin’s Abracadabra, Luxor’s Winds of the Gods, and King Arthur’s Tournament, which was presented at The Excalibur for more than ten years. In addition to his duties at FCC, Tim also directs and accompanies choirs for two Jewish temples in Las Vegas.

First Christian Church Chancel Choir, Las Vegas, Nevada Established more than fifty years ago in one of Las Vegas’ most storied and historic neighborhoods, First Christian Church has benefitted from its proximity to The Strip and the rich musical legacy of our exciting and diverse city. The extensive career of Music Director Timothy Cooper has enabled him to lead The Chancel Choir in embracing the newest technologies, including state of the art keyboards, surround sound, reverberation systems and the use of YouTube to increase our exposure and grow our audience. The year culminates with our much anticipated and beloved Christmas concert, which has attracted SRO audiences for years.

Ken McDonald, Director of Music at Acton UMC, Granbury, TX. has served as Director of Music in several Methodist Churches, as well as a few other denominations in his career. He came to Acton UMC in May of 2017. Presently, he is developing plans for a new Children's Choir, a new Youth Choir and an Adult Bell Choir. He loves working with Children and Youth, and Adult Choirs become better performers under his direction. The Bell Choir is excited to begin working with him in September of this year. He believes in having fun as we are creating beautiful music to enhance the worship services, and to develop special programs for the enjoyment of the congregation and the community.

Acton United Methodist Church, Granbury, TX. is a 49 member Choir that sings at 2 services on Sunday mornings, offers several programs of a variety of genre throughout the year, and presents a Celebration of Freedom each year during the week of July 4th. 800-900 Persons attend this amazing concert that includes the Choir and Voices from throughout the Community.

Marina Alexander conducts the Arcadian Chorale (NJ) and Richmond Choral Society (NYC) Noted for her scholarship and innovative programming, she has resurrected rarely heard masterpieces and presented US or NY area premieres of many works, including her own compositions. In 2002, Ms. Alexander made her Carnegie Hall debut with the Dvorak Te Deum, and has appeared as Guest Conductor many NY area orchestras. She is Adjunct Assistant Professor at the College of Staten Island-CUNY, teaching Conducting, Vocal Performance, and Music History, and often appears as a clinician at choral workshops and music festivals. Marina is also the president of the NJ Choral Consortium.

Richmond Choral Society was founded in 1951 for the purpose of providing the Staten Island community with the understanding and appreciation of the classical and contemporary choral repertory in the regular performance of masterpieces and lesser-known works of famous composers. Since its inception, RCS has enjoyed a changing roster of volunteer choristers representing every profession, religion, ethnicity and age group. Exploring new repertory for its two concerts per year in a variety of settings across Staten Island, Manhattan–including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center–and New Jersey, collaborating with other community organizations, RCS has continued to grow, evolve, and excel.

Founded in 1992, The Arcadian Chorale is celebrating 25 years of bringing high-quality performances to the greater Monmouth County, NJ area. The all-volunteer ensemble of 70 singers has presented a wide range of repertory, singing everything from small-scale gems, international selections in at least 20 different languages, masterworks, and countless premieres of new music. The ensemble has appeared at many major NY area venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, NJPAC, Symphony Space, NYU Skirball Center, Tribeca PAC, and Count Basie Theater. It also undertakes a very active program of educational outreach.

Karri York, soprano, obtained her Doctor of Music in Voice from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. She currently serves as: • Director of Music at Southport Christian Church • Associate Faculty in Voice at IUPUI Music Arts and Technology • Adjunct Professor of Voice at Anderson University • Voice Instructor for University of Indianapolis Pre-College and Adult Music Program. • Junior Composers Chair for the Indiana Federation of Music Clubs • ISSMA Certified Adjudicator in the area of Vocal/Piano Solo and Ensemble Events • Active member and adjudicator of NATS • Board member of Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Dr. York's perormance experiences include solo recitals, opera, oratorio, and musical theater. She is also a session singer at Aire Born Studios, a premier recording studio in Central Indiana.

Southport Christian Church is located on the south side of Indianapolis, Indiana. The Southport Church Chancel Choir, under the direction of Dr. Karri York and accompanist Sue Dykes, leads the traditional worship service each week singing a wide variety of Christian music. The choir, composed of singers of all ages, has participated in combined church events and choral festivals in the Indianapolis area. The Chancel Choir is very thankful and honored for the opportunity to sing in Carnegie Hall presented by Distinguised Concerts International New York (DCINY).

Edward P. Norris III is the director of Choral Music at Glen Cove High School. He conducts the seventy five voice Mixed Chorus and the forty five voice Select Chorale. Mr. Norris also teaches courses in Music Theory, and AP Music Theory. He serves as the music director and conductor of the school’s musical productions and advisor of the Tri-M National Music Honors Society. Mr. Norris also serves as the districts ‘music team leader’ for music grades 6-12. Mr. Norris is a graduate of the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College, where he received both his Bachelor of Arts Degree, and his Masters Degree in Music Education. Mr. Norris has furthered his choral studies singing under the batons of Anton Armstrong, Lawrence Eisman, Weston Noble, Tim Peter, and John Rutter. He has also sung professionally with the Canticum Novum Singers under the direction of Harold Rosenbaum.

The Glen Cove High School Select Chorale, under the direction of Edward P. Norris III is made up of forty five of Glen Cove High School’s finest musicians. During Mr. Norris’ tenure at Glen Cove High School, his choirs have achieved some of the highest scores at the NYSSMA Major Ensemble festival. The groups have only scored Gold and Gold with Distinction ratings on level six adjudications. The Select Chorale has also performed in some of New York’s most prestigious concert halls; Carnegie Hall with Mid-America Productions and Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall and Avery Fisher under his direction The group has also had the privilege of performing at the White House for President and Mrs. Obama as well as on a Concert Tour of Italy which included a performance in St. Peters Basilica for Pope Francis.

Anita Cyrier. has conducted the Johnson County Chorus for nineteen years. She earned her BMA from KWU, Salina, Ks., and her MME from UMKC, Kansas City, Mo. She served as music director, lyricist, music arranger and creator of choral concerts and theater productions in the pubic schools for thirty five years. Anita has prepared the Johnson County Chorus on numerous occasions for concert tours in Germany, England, France and Italy. She and members from the chorus have premiered choral works for Dr. Eugene Butler and Mark Hayes for Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, New York City, NY. and for Z. Randol Stroope in Chicago, Ill. for the Windy City Choral Festival. We are honored to have the opportunity to sing again under the baton of our friend from Kansas City, mark Hayes.

Johnson County Chorus is a performing choir of 70-75 singers from the greater Kansas City area. It is a Continuing Education class which hold its rehearsals every Tuesday evening on the campus of Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, Kansas. The mission is to enrich lives of its members through music education and performance excellence in singing a broad variety of classical and contemporary choral music. The chorus was started n 1979 under the direction of Dr. Eugene Butler, director of music activities at JCCC. Anita Cyrier was hired as the director upon his retirement 1980. The chorus performs seasonally on the campus in the illustrious Yardley Hall. It is a popular chorus answering many invitations to sing in the community.

Donna Kirch has been Chancel Choir Director at Lynnewood United Methodist Church since 2000 and two years later became Music Director of the church’s adult, children’s, and handbell choirs. After a previous career utilizing her mathematics degrees, Donna has found a fulfilling second career in helping others serve in music ministry. Donna is married to Steve, a physicist and an avid singer of barbershop music, and they have two grown daughters. Donna is thankful for her family’s support and pleased that they all are singing together in the DCINY Chorus.

The Lynnewood UMC Chancel Choir, from Pleasanton, California, is a non-audition choir that welcomes anyone who loves to sing, regardless of their musical background, and works together to “make a joyful noise to the Lord.” Singers range in age from 15 to 95. The Chancel Choir practices 2 hours a week and provides music for worship nearly every Sunday during the academic year, singing a wide variety of music. Over the past 15 years, membership has doubled to 30 active members. The Chancel Choir singers are honored to participate as part of the larger DCINY Chorus.

Russell Floyd is Minister of Music at First Presbyterian Church in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Prior to his appointment at First Presbyterian, he served on the faculty of Hope College (Holland, Michigan) and Olivet College (Olivet, Michigan). He received his Ph.D. in Music from Michigan State University, the Master of Church Music from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the Bachelor of Music from Furman University. In addition to his responsibilities at FPC, which include directing the Sanctuary and New Voices choirs and the FPC Musical Theatre, he is music director of the annual Hilton Head community performance of Handel’s "Messiah."

The Sanctuary Choir is an 80-voice choral ensemble which provides spiritually uplifting music for the traditional worship services throughout the year at First Presbyterian Church, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The Sanctuary Choir welcomes participants from other churches and the community at large in their special choral presentations. These have included Benjamin Britten's Noye's Fludde and commissions by Gwyneth Walker, Glenn Rudolph, Pepper Choplin, Milburn Price, and, most recently, Mark Hayes' International Carol Suites.

Samuel Chin is the Music Director of Loch Raven United Methodist Church located in Baltimore, Maryland. At Loch Raven UMC, he conducts the Chancel Choir and oversees the Music Ministry. Sam is a professional clarinetist by trade and he has been a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Band for the past 12 years. He recieved his musical trainings from The Univeristy of Michigan and Stony Brook University.

The Chancel Choir of Loch Raven UMC serves the Loch Raven community of Baltimore as a lighthouse of praise and worship. On top of Sunday performances at church , the Chancel Choir strives to bring the message of joy and hope in the community with performance settings ranging from retirement homes to laundromats. “...we sing old and new tunes with vigor...”

Mr. Collins received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Marshall University in Huntington, W.V. Originally from Ohio, he moved to West Palm Beach, FL in 1988 where he taught music in the Palm Beach County School System. Cary has been blessed to be the Director of Music Ministries at the United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches for 27 years.

The United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches Chancel Choir boasts 50 members. In addition to providing vibrant music for worship, they have a passion for missions and organize various projects to benefit the church's missions committee. The choir's biggest event of the year is their Christmas Dinner Theatre Broadway-style show. The choir's CD, "Forever King" demonstrates their love of sacred music of all genres. The choir has performed in venues in both England and Scotland.

Chris Dillard is the Director of Music and Worship at Severna Park United Methodist Church in Severna Park, Maryland. A native Texan, he is enjoying a return to choral conducting following a ten year stint as a successful high school athletic director and basketball coach in Texas. Prior to his coaching career, Mr. Dillard served multiple churches in Texas and Louisiana as a choral conductor and worship leader. He also taught elementary and high school music in the public school system. Mr. Dillard studied choral conducting at Louisiana State University with Dr. Kenneth Fulton, and sang in the prestigious, LSU A Cappella Choir. While at LSU, he became one of the youngest directors of the LSU Tiger Glee Club, and is past president of the Beta Omega chapter of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. Throughout his career as a conductor, vocalist, and musician, Mr. Dillard has toured all over the U.S and abroad performing in some of the most famous concert venues in the world. He is also an accomplished guitar player and singer-songwriter. He is currently in the process of recording his first solo album and live worship project.

The Severna Park UMC Chancel Choir is comprised of 40 plus singers from varying musical backgrounds. The choir provides music for worship services throughout the church year, while also putting on special concerts and performances. A diverse group of singers in age and musical background, the choir is known for presenting a wide range of traditional and contemporary music from various cultures, genres, and time periods. This is the choir's first trip to Carnegie Hall. They are under the direction of Director of Music, Christopher Dillard.

Steve holds a Bachelor of Sacred Music degree with Voice and Organ emphasis from Central Michigan University and a Master of Music degree in Voice Performance, Choral Conducting and Vocal and Choral Pedagogy from Boise State University. He has extensive collegiate and community experience in choral and orchestral conducting, keyboard performance, accompanying, band, marching band, wind ensemble, brass ensemble, and orchestra. He has performed in numerous operas and solo recitals and has been a featured soloist in performances of several major choral works. Steve is a member of Critical Mass Chamber Ensemble, Eagle Song Contemporary Chamber Ensemble and Opera Idaho. Steve serves as Adjunct Professor of Music for Northwest Nazarene University and is on the Music Staff at the Cathedral of the Rockies, First United Methodist Church of Boise.

Performing an eclectic repertoire of music, Eagle Song is an adult vocal ensemble focused on singing for the love and passion of music.