The Community Christian Church choir is an all volunteer ensemble comprised of congregation members of this church. Singers range in age from High School to post-retirement. The choir provides special music for the worship service on a weekly basis. From 1987 - 2007, Community Christian Church organized and hosted a biannual Madrigal Dinner and members of this choir formed the core group of singers for this event. The choir participated for many years in an ecumenical benefit concert organized by the choir directors of 10 churches on the west side of Rochester. Since 2020, most of the anthems performed by the choir have been posted on YouTube as a form of Music Ministry. In 2021, Nancy Price, led a sight reading workshop for members of our choir. Nancy worked alongside Don Besig for many years as the lyricist for his music. We were thrilled when Don Besig made a surprise appearance to hear us perform some of his music during this workshop.

Ron Strong has been the director of the Community Christian Church choir since 1979. Ron has enjoyed music all of his life. He was chosen to be a member of the United States of America High School Band and Chorus in 1967. In college he sang with the University of Nebraska Chorus. Following college, Ron moved to Rochester NY to work as a Research Chemist for Eastman Kodak. In Rochester, Ron sang with the Rochester Oratorio Society for several years. In addition to vocal music, Ron plays the piano, pipe organ and French Horn.

The 50 voice Chancel Choir of First United Methodist Lancaster (PA) sing every Sunday throughout the year. The choir is an all volunteer ensemble. They also present at least two cantatas each season, and have had the unique opportunity to present 8 cantata premieres over the last 30 years.

Dr. Brian Norcross is the Senior Director of Instrumental Music and Conducting Studies at Franklin & Marshall College, a position he has held since 1986. A champion of new music he has directed over 100 premiere performances with various ensembles. He is also the Director of Music at the First United Methodist Church in Lancaster. Dr. Norcross has been the Artistic Director and founding conductor of the Allegro Orchestra Lancaster since 2000. Dr. Norcross is also the Artistic Director of the Allegro NextGEN Youth Orchestra Program and as part of this program he conducted the Allegretto Youth Orchestra from 2009-2023.

VOCE was established in 2002 by the late Sandy Beam. His dream was to develop a premier choral ensemble featuring some of Surry County’s most talented musicians. Our Mission: Voce is an auditioned choral ensemble whose goal is to provide outstanding concerts for the education and enjoyment of our audiences, and to provide life-long singing opportunities for our members.

Lance, a native of Wilkes County, NC, has served at FBC Elkin since 2016. His musical journey began at age 10 with his first church solo. He honed his skills under his grandmother's guidance and pursued studies at Western Carolina University, majoring in Music Industry with a focus in voice. Lance has exceled in NATS competitions and has performed as a bass-baritone soloist with acclaimed ensembles like the Asheville Symphony and Asheville Lyric Opera. Active in musical societies, he is a dedicated member of NC NAFME, ACDS, PAM, and Elkin's Community Chorus.

The choir at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church is composed of 60 volunteer choir members. They are a group of people that desire to use their voices to help lead worship every week, with the prayer of drawing those that attend closer to Christ. In addition to weekly rehearsals and services, this choir holds various concerts throughout the year.

Amy Reynolds received her BA in Music Education from the University of South Carolina in 1996. She taught elementary, middle, and high school chorus and orchestra as well as drama and music theory for 20 years before being called into full time church music. Currently, Amy is the Director of Music and Arts at Saint Andrews Presbyterian Church in Irmo, SC.

The South Main Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir is an all-volunteer community of friends and church family that provides music for most Sunday morning worship services throughout the year. Since 1955, South Main's Sanctuary Choir has been directed by only four music ministers. Recently, the choir has participated in international tours and presented such works as Mozart's Requiem, Fauré's Requiem, Forrest's Requiem for the Living, the Christmas portion of Handel's Messiah, and more. In 2018, the choir released an album entitled "I Was Glad."

Adam Cogliano has served as Minister for Music and Worship at South Main Baptist Church in Houston, Texas since July 2022. Before then, he served churches in Waco, Texas, and Dalton, Georgia. Adam attended Baylor University, where he received a Bachelor of Music in Church Music (vocal emphasis) and a Master of Music in Church Music (conducting emphasis). He also received a Master of Divinity from Baylor’s Truett Seminary. Adam and his wife, Kelsey, welcomed their daughter, Karis, in November 2023.

Linda’s Legacy Choir was formed in October 2022 after their Director, Linda Smith McKeague retired. They are all former members of the St. Elizabeth Seton Choir from Orland Hills. They love to sing together and especially enjoy Pepper Choplin music. This is their 3rd DCINY Carnegie Hall appearance and they are thrilled to be in New York City once again. Some of the group also traveled to Scotland in June of 2023 with Pepper to sing in some amazing places. Linda’s Legacy Choir is honored to be part of the DCINY family and hope to continue to make beautiful music together for many years to come.

Linda Smith McKeague has been part of the music scene in the Chicago area for over 50 years. She has performed around the world singing and playing the piano. Her greatest joy was being Music Director at St. Elizabeth Seton in Orland Hills for 33 years and directing the greatest choir on earth. She and her husband Tom are now traveling and in between she is now directing LInda’s Legacy Choir. These are members from the former Seton Choir who love to sing together, especially Pepper Choplin music. LInda’s new role is starting in June when she becomes a grandmother for the first time. Her thanks and gratitude goes out to her husband Tom, children Kaitlin and Patrick, son-in-law Matt, Sparky and Stella, for always being there to support her in her adventures. Life is a great journey and each day a spectacular adventure!

The Grace Church choir, part of the community of Indiana, PA, provides a testament to musical excellence and spiritual devotion. With a membership of 25, the choir fills the sanctuary with melodies that resonate deeply with worshipers. The choir's repertoire transcends genres, weaving together traditional hymns, contemporary anthems, soul-stirring gospel tunes, and original compositions. Their performances are enriched by either a Steinway piano or a Welte-Tripp pipe organ. Together with the Agape Ringers and Sounds of Grace orchestra, the choir serves as a beacon of inspiration, elevating spirits, and nurturing souls through the transformative power of music and faith.

Debra Moore has served in the music ministry at Grace Church since 2003 and currently directs both the adult choir and adult handbell choir. She started her journey in church music ministry while in high school as the director of the preschool children’s choir and children’s handbell choir at her home church. After graduating with a degree in music education, she worked as an elementary music teacher for 13 years in North Carolina and Ohio while also serving as an adult choir director, handbell choir director, and youth choir director in both those states.

The Calvary Baptist Church Adult Choir is comprised solely of members of Calvary Baptist Church who love ministering in music weekly and volunteer their time and abilities to the Lord. They believe their ministry is first to God, and secondarily to the people who attend worship at Calvary. “He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the LORD” (Ps 40:3)

During his childhood and teenage years, Nick Hefner learned that serving God with the music He created was fulfilling and rewarding. Upon graduating from Ambassador Baptist College in Lattimore, North Carolina, with a degree in music and Bible, Nick began leading youth and adult choirs in local churches. Nick has served as a church choir director for nearly twenty years. He lives in Philadelphia, PA with his wife and six children, where he serves in Calvary Baptist Church of Elkins Park.

This non-auditioned choir of talented, dedicated singers, sing weekly for services from September through June. Highlights include our biennial Christmas concerts with orchestra and our yearly Christmas cantatas or Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, also with orchestra. We are thrilled to have members of our choir again performing this wonderful work by Pepper Choplin, having first performed "Our Father" in March 2016 with chamber orchestra in Lindsay

Erwin became a regular church organist at age 13 and has been actively involved in music ever since as a conductor, performer, and award winning composer. His community and church children's choirs have toured Central and Eastern Canada, and New York City. Joining the staff at Cambridge St . United in 2001, the music ministry has grown to include over 100 musicians in 4 choirs, 2 handbell ensembles, worship band, Christmas orchestra and two concert series. The church's Voices of Victory youth choir was featured in a Christmas special on Vision TV and can also be heard regularly on radio.

The Chapelwood Choir, an 80-voice ensemble based in Houston, Texas, is the driving force behind the weekly traditional service at Chapelwood United Methodist Church. Renowned for its captivating performances, the choir garners both domestic and international acclaim through Chapelwood's online ministry, attracting thousands of viewers every Sunday. Accompanied by the church's illustrious five-manual pipe organ, the choir's renditions resonate deeply with audiences. Helmed by directors Cameron Cody and Dr. Kenneth Cox, the choir recently collaborated with Grammy award-winning composer David Clydesdale and the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. With an active touring schedule spanning the United States and beyond, the Chapelwood Choir continues to perform for audiences world wide.

Cameron “Cam” Cody is an internationally recognized concert artist, conductor, and organist. Cameron currently serves as Director of Music and Organist at Chapelwood United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas. Chapelwood UMC features a large and vibrant music program to support its 7000-member congregation. Additionally, Cam has a large online social media following where he frequently performs for thousands of music lovers worldwide. Cameron is the founder and conductor of Chapelwood's “Cameron Cody Chorale,” an all professional and Houston based choir. Finally, Cameron is a Shigeru Kawai and Allen Organ endorsed artist. The only known artist to be endorsed by a major piano and organ company. Follow Cameron and the Chapelwood Choir on all social media platforms.

Our ensemble members are from the Sanctuary Choir of First Baptist Church in Gainesville, Georgia where they regularly offer music in worship and other special music concerts throughout the year, including our annual Living Christmas Tree (22 years), where we offer 5 presentations for 6,000 people. We love to learn and sing music that honors God, and shares His salvation story revealed in Jesus Christ.

Mark Elam Green has served in full-time Music Ministry for 37 years in Alabama and Georgia. For the last 25 years, he has served as the Associate Pastor: Music at First Baptist Church of Gainesville, Georgia. Mark graduated from The University of Alabama in 1983 with a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance. He earned his Master's in Church Music with a piano concentration in 1986 from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has recorded two piano CDs. Mark loves to sing, direct choral music, accompany vocalists/instrumentalists and present piano programs in a wide array of venues.

The Chancel Choir at First UNITED Methodist Church Georgetown TX has a long standing and rich tradition of outstanding choral excellence. Our dedicated members lead weekly in worship and are active in ministry in our church and in our community. In 2024, FUMC Georgetown celebrates its 175th anniversary and is excited to include a performance at Carnegie Hall amongst the year's celebrations!

For over twenty five years, Mr. Profant has been a professional musician, conductor, performer, and music educator in schools and churches in Florida, Colorado, and Texas. His career has taken him around the world while serving as Artistic Director of the India Children's Choir. He holds degrees in Music Composition and Piano Performance. He currently resides in Texas and is the Senior Organist/Director of Worship Arts at the historic First UNITED Methodist Church, Georgetown, TX.

The Harmony Singers of Pittsburgh is celebrating their 57th season as a favorite community group in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. Their mission is to provide family entertainment through song and dance with volunteer members of all ages, from all walks of life. We perform musical revues and concerts for civic and social organizations and main stage productions to the general public throughout the year. The group is thrilled to be performing for the 4th time at Carnegie Hall.

Cynthia continues, for the 21st season, as the Director of The Harmony Singers of Pittsburgh. Ms. Pratt earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree Wheaton College and received a Masters of Music degree in Voice Performance from Duquesne University. She is frequently seen on the stage in the Chorus of many Pittsburgh Opera productions. As an original member of the professional core of the Mendelssohn Choir, Cynthia has performed frequently as a soloist with the choir and has toured Europe with the Robert Page Festival Singers. In addition, Cynthia is the Choir Director of the Mt. Lebanon Presbyterian Church.

The Eastland Baptist Church choir is a remarkable ensemble of 100 dedicated members who faithfully lend their voices to the Sunday morning and evening services at Eastland Baptist Church in Tulsa. With a rich tradition spanning over 40 years, they have become an integral part of the congregation's worship experience. Their spirited singing resonates through the sanctuary, blessing all who attend. Their unwavering commitment to their ministry uplifts hearts and souls, creating an atmosphere of praise and devotion.

Jesse Becker holds a master's degree from Pensacola Christian College and has had a multifaceted career in music. For the first 14 years, he served as a recording engineer, producing hundreds of Christian albums. In the last 13 years, Jesse transitioned to the role of worship pastor at Eastland Baptist Church in Tulsa. There, he directs the choir and orchestra, bringing his expertise to worship services. Additionally, Jesse is a published composer and arranger, contributing to the rich musical tradition of his church community. His compositions include church anthems and, alongside his wife, several children’s Christmas musicals.

The Covenant United Methodist Chancel Choir, led by Kathryn Herman, is the primary vocal ensemble at this vibrant church in Montgomery Village, MD. The choir, whose members actively volunteer in both church and the community, provides worship music for Sunday services, special occasions, as well as large-scale works such as the annual Christmas Cantata. They have sung at many festivals, and performed with the American Tapestry Chorus at beautiful cathedrals in England and at the American Cemetery in Normandy, France. The choir is thrilled and honored to be performing at Carnegie Hall under the baton of Heather Sorenson.

Kathryn Herman, conductor and pianist, has over 30 years as Director of Music at Covenant United Methodist Church. A native of Long Island, she received a Bachelor of Music Education degree in from Hofstra University, and has taught Choral Music in New York and Maryland for over 38 years. She also works as an accompanist for choral ensembles, soloists and cantors, and community theater productions. Her philosophy of creating a musical space, mixed with laughter and hard work, unites our choir in a dedication to creating beautiful music that provides joyful, welcoming and spirit-filled opportunities to praise and worship God.

Ralph Connor Memorial United church choir goes back to 1985, when a congregation member got a choir together before Christmas and Easter to present special anthems, and even managed a small cantata in 1986. Over the years, we worked around nomadic members to increase the frequency of anthems. Later it was taken over by another member who continued to raise the bar of expectations despite the comings and goings of snowbirds and other world travellers. In its current configuration, we have been presenting anthems in Sunday worship every Sunday from Sept to May for many years as well as the occasional full length presentation. We have a solid core of competent regular singers, but welcome newcomers as well. During the height of covid lockdowns, the choir contributed to 20 virtual recordings.

Tanya has been directing the Ralph Connor choir for 12 years and has been a church music director for 35 years. She has an experiential background in classical piano music through Royal Conservatory of Canada, has sung in choirs most of her life including 30 years with a cappella ensemble In The Pink and accompanied various community, children's and church choirs for the last 40 years. Lush harmonies are her musical passion, with or without accompaniment. Outside of music, she studies holistic nutrition and permaculture and loves to hike, bike and ski in the mountains in and around Canmore.

The FBC of Waynesburg choir has been an ensemble for the Sunday service for over 100 years. The ensemble also collaborates with the community each year on Easter and Christmas cantatas.

Jacob Restanio is a music hobbyist and professional computer software developer and has been playing and performing as a musician in jazz bands, musical orchestras, university bands and choirs, and community bands in the southwestern Pennsylvania area for over 15 years.

The Selma Community Church Choir is an ecumenical ensemble that seeks to break down denominational barriers, focuses on making music among its members, and sharing quality sacred choral music with surrounding communities.

Jordan Williams is the Minister of Music at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Selma, California, as well as the Artistic Director of the Selma Community Church Choir, an ecumenical ensemble organized in 2016. He is active around the Central Valley as a collaborative pianist. Jordan received his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees in Piano Performance from California State University, Fresno, under the direction of Andreas Werz.

The Ark and Dove Presbyterian Church Choir, led by Director of Music Dr. Rebecca Bell Echols, includes voices from many walks of life. Driven by a shared passion for music in worship, the dedicated ensemble sings repertoire spanning from traditional to contemporary genres, and always with a commitment to inclusivity. By incorporating diverse perspectives in repertoire and language, our choir endeavors to create an environment where every voice, regardless of their identity, feels valued and welcomed in creating beautiful music together; where diversity is not only heard, but is celebrated. We are humbled to have been invited to sing at Carnegie Hall.

Dr. Rebecca Echols, a versatile mezzo-soprano, conductor, and vocal pedagogue, earned her doctoral degree in vocal pedagogy from the University of Maryland. Holding degrees from Stetson University in voice and piano, as well as Shenandoah Conservatory and the Peabody Conservatory, she brings a wealth of experience. Dr. Echols served as Assistant Professor of Voice and Vocal Pedagogy at Morgan State University before becoming the full-time Director of Music at Ark and Dove. She has lectured nationwide on her dissertation topic, Effective Practicing for Vocalists. Beyond teaching, her performance credits include roles in Pagliacci, Die Zauberflote, Carmen, and Die Fledermaus. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, she resides with her husband, Eric, and their two children, Anderson and Arden

We have been friends since childhood and the joy of singing has always been an integral part of our friendship.

Jean Hatch of Clinton, NC is a 1970 graduate of UNC-Greensboro with a Bachelor of Music degree. She served First Baptist Church as Minister of Music and Senior Adults for over 40 years. Since retiring, she continues to teach private piano and organ lessons as well as serving the church as their accompanist. She was married to Jerry Hatch for 52 years before his death in 2022. She is the proud mother of two daughters and 10 grandchildren.

Woods Chuch Choir in Severna Park, MD is made of dedicated and talented members of our congregation and from the community. In addition to providing many varieties of music for our worship services, the choir parcipates in annual concerts, events, and produces musicals such as, "Joseph And The Amazing Techinolor Dreamcoat", "Godspell", "Children of Eden", "Superstar" and most recently "The Secret Garden." We are wonderful choir, dedicated to making a joyful noise, and spreading the Good Word of Chirst.

David Merrill has been the director of Woods Church in Severna Park, MD for nine years. David Merrill received a BA in music from Methodist University in Fayetteville NC, and an MM in vocal performance from Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. David has worked with Heather Sorenson numerous times during Music In The Valley conferences. It is a joy to be able to perform with her again and to allow the choir members of Woods Church to experience her music in this prestigious and glorious concert hall!

The Westwood Baptist Church Worship Choir is the premier music ministry ensemble for our fellowship in Cary, North Carolina. We lead in choral worship there every Sunday morning. We are also very proud to be associated with Pepper Choplin's Together We Sing in the Raleigh, North Carolina faith and arts community. We were so very happy to accept his invitation to join him in New York City at Carnegie Hall.

DERRICK ARELLANO is the Associate Pastor for Music and Worship at Westwood Baptist Church in Cary, North Carolina. He has been at Westwood since July of 2020 and has been a minister of music for fourteen years. This is his first time to be in New York since 1990 and this marks his first time to perform in Carnegie Hall.

The Nu Oli (translated “Glad Tidings”) Singers from Manoa Valley Church in Honolulu, Hawaii have sung together for many years. Since January 2016, we have been led by church member Leah Young. When the pandemic broke out in March 2020, our Church suspended its in-person ministry including our choir and outreach ministry to the community. Like many churches, we offered worship services and small connection groups on-line. Although we re-opened the Church and our ministry to the community in April 2021, we have not restarted our choir. We hope to do so later this summer so we can once again sing our “glad tidings” to the community.

Leah Young is the choir director of the Nu Oli Singers from Manoa Valley Church in Honolulu, Hawaii. Before the pandemic forced the closure of our in-person ministry in March 2020, Leah shared her love of music by directing the choir for over 4 years. However, because of her current family and job responsibilities, the choir has not restarted its musical ministry. We are eager to share the joy of music and hope to do so later this summer.

Our ensemble is a combined group of singers from community churches, First Baptist, and Main Street UMC. We come together on special occasions to combine our talents and praise the Lord. We have sung with Pepper Choplin in many venues most recently at Meymandi Concert Hall, Raleigh, NC in December 2023.

Dr. Jones is a certified lay minister at Main Street United Methodist and a singer in the joint choirs of Main Street and First Baptist. Churches. She has previously sung with Pepper Choplin at Carnegie and toured with him in Scotland. She will tour with him again in September to Italy. Dr. Jones is an educator at Old Dominion University (adjunct) and recently retired to pursue her passions of travel and singing.

Covenant Presbyterian DTC is 17- member choir ranging from ages 20 through 80 years old. The choir is under the artistic direction of Jack Branning and administrative co- direction and preparation of Linda Marshall, who also serves as the church accompanist. Covenant DTC is also in partnership with the University of Denver's Opera internship program, where students are provided with leadership and financial opportunity to perform incredible literature both sacred and secular, youth music and praise opportunity, as well as sectional leadership and rehearsal guidance. Covenant is an inclusive and affirming church to everyone with many active committees and missions.

For over 40 years, the Chancel Choir at First Methodist Church in Weatherford, TX has been an integral part of worship services. Under the direction of Karen Hogue for the past 8 years, the Choir has grown to more than 35 voices across all ages, formal training, and professional backgrounds.  This amazing group of volunteer musicians come together with a common passion to share the love of Christ through music. The dedication and talent of the Chancel Choir creates beautiful music that has touched the hearts of many throughout the years. Karen Hogue is a Music Director, Director of Worship Arts, Conductor and Soloist who has been serving in churches across Texas for over 29 years. Karen's passion for music has taken her across the globe where she has performed and conducted. She has also taken groups and ensembles on choral missions to Central America.  Karen holds a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Hardin Simmons University and studied at Music Schule in Altenburg, Germany with Arturo Sergi and Lenore Sergi. She has also taught Voice at Abilene Christian University and Weatherford College.  Karen’s passion is leading people and bringing choral texts to life through music and worship.

For over 40 years, the Chancel Choir at First Methodist Church in Weatherford, TX has been an integral part of worship services. Under the direction of Karen Hogue for the past 8 years, the Choir has grown to more than 35 voices across all ages, formal training, and professional backgrounds.  This amazing group of volunteer musicians come together with a common passion to share the love of Christ through music. The dedication and talent of the Chancel Choir creates beautiful music that has touched the hearts of many throughout the years. Karen Hogue is a Music Director, Director of Worship Arts, Conductor and Soloist who has been serving in churches across Texas for over 29 years. Karen's passion for music has taken her across the globe where she has performed and conducted. She has also taken groups and ensembles on choral missions to Central America.  Karen holds a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Hardin Simmons University and studied at Music Schule in Altenburg, Germany with Arturo Sergi and Lenore Sergi. She has also taught Voice at Abilene Christian University and Weatherford College.  Karen’s passion is leading people and bringing choral texts to life through music and worship.

The Daviess County Community Choir was commissioned to sing at the community-wide church service, celebrating the county Bicentennial in 2016. The joy of making music with Christians from around the county inspired Director Joyce Kim-Rohrer and Reverend Cheryl Thorne to bring the choir together for Christmas cantatas in 2018, 2019, and 2022. In 2022 the choir changed their name to the Southwest Indiana Cantata Choir because the choir had grown to include singers from 7 area counties. In recent years members of SWICC have performed with Pepper Choplin in New York City, Scotland, and Vincennes IN.

H. Joyce Kim-Rohrer has had a varied music career. Her mother was her first and most influential music teacher. Joyce started piano lessons with her mom at age 6. While in high school she was teaching piano and clarinet, and directing the junior church choir where her father was the minister. Kim-Rohrer is the choir director at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Washington, IN and the Southwest Indiana Cantata Choir. She has served as an adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor for various events in Illinois, Indiana, Montana, and Jamaica. Mrs. Kim-Rohrer is a past recipient of the WTHI-TV Golden Apple Award.

Our group for this event is small and consists of four dedicated singers. Lisa Dolfi, Kate Eves and Dick Raup are from Wake Forest Presbyterian and Lou Dawson is from Greystone Baptist Church, where Pepper Choplin used to be be the Music Director.

Karen Reardon has worked with numerous church choral groups since she was 14. Her love of music and sharing that with others to enhance worship services is her passion. She is also an organist, pianist and hand bell director. Currently she is the Music Director of Wake Forest Presbyterian Church in NC.