Under the direction of Krystal Di Espada, with Rosangel Perez as Organist and Pianist, the Chancel Choir includes Section Leaders Natalie Garcia, Amalia Rosales, Theron Hagerty, and Jacob Perry, along with choir members Jonathan Dedmon, Evelyn Gaiser, and Katheryn Rego. This dedicated ensemble combines voices from our congregation and professional musicians to lead worship every Sunday at 10 a.m., following an 8:45 a.m. warm-up rehearsal. From Fall through Spring, the choir offers musical selections that uplift, inspire, and bring the message of the Gospel to life through song.

Krystal Di Espada is a Miami soprano and devoted choral director at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Coral Gables, where she has joyfully led the choir for several years. She has conducted high school, church, and children’s choirs with passion and care. With Romanza Lyric Opera, Krystal has performed lead roles in The Pirate’s Daughter, The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, and Rigoletto. She was the soprano soloist in the world premiere of Dilem by Sydney Guillaume. Krystal holds a bachelor’s degree in music education, graduating cum laude, and teaches voice, piano, guitar, and recorder.

The Light of the World – USA Choir is part of the church’s Universal Choir, present across all continents and in over 50 countries. Singing in houses of prayer, public spaces, and at religious and civic events, this ensemble shares a message of faith, unity, and respect through music. Today’s performers represent thousands of voices who proudly live the principle: “Good Christians, better citizens.” Their mission is to inspire and uplift hearts, celebrating the values of harmony, community, and love through song.

Abner began singing in “The Light of the World” church choir in 1987 and started his journey as an assistant in 1994. His performances at Carnegie Hall in 1997 under Sir John Rutter and again in 2022 under Eric Whitacre were, as his mentor the late Kenneth Tuttle, said “Like singing a piece by Beethoven with Beethoven conducting”. Abner began directing after high school, serving in California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada. His lifelong dedication to choral music is rooted in faith, passion, and a deep respect for the power of music to inspire and uplift communities.

The Daytona Beach Choral Society (DBCS) spreads the joy of singing across Volusia County. The choir holds two semesters annually, performing at least four concerts each year and participating in local events, including those at assisted living facilities and residential communities. DBCS offers a diverse musical repertoire, including Classical, Folk, Musical Theatre, Sacred, Pop, Gospel, and Cantatas, providing cultural concerts, group sing opportunities, vocal workshops, and private event entertainment. DBCS is committed to providing an enjoyable choral experience for vocalists of all skill levels, fostering community connections through music and the joy of singing!

Mr. Thomas has a Bachelor's in Music Education from Bethune-Cookman and a Master's in Choral Music Education from Florida State University, where he studied choral conducting. He has taught in Florida’s public school system for over 23 years and is currently an elementary music teacher. He is an active choral arranger, clinician, and adjudicator, has several publications, and has previously served as music director in several churches and as Director of Choral Activities at Bethune-Cookman. Mr. Thomas and his wife, Marsha, reside in Palm Coast, Florida, and are the proud parents of two children.

The Sunday 7pm Choir, based in Ajax, ON Canada, is an acclaimed international Catholic choir bringing sacred choral music to audiences worldwide. Founded in 2013 at St. Francis de Sales Parish, they’ve grown their digital music ministry with over 325,000+ YouTube subscribers and 125 million views. Their music, which ranges from chant and traditional hymns to contemporary praise—is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and beyond. With over 300 live recordings released, their music inspires worship, reflection, and joy, making them a beloved resource for sacred music in churches and congregations everywhere. Soli Deo Gloria!

Mr. Edmar Selda is the Director of the Sunday 7pm Choir singing at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Ajax, ON. A Toronto native, he sang throughout elementary and high school before joining the Anno Domini Chamber Singers. In 2013, he established the Sunday 7pm Choir, which now spreads uplifting music at the Parish and worldwide via YouTube and streaming platforms. Edmar is grateful to God for the abundant blessings in his life, especially his supportive family, friends, and dedicated choir family. His joyful leadership inspires others to experience the transformative power of music and faith across communities.

Green Valley Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir is located in Henderson, Nevada. More than 20 of its members are represented in today’s Messiah performance. They are fortunate to live in a city that is known for its musical talent and entertainment venues. Established more than 40 years ago, its members perform frequently in GVPC’s monthly concert series which covers all genres of music, is open to the public and live-streamed at www.greenvalleypres.com, where you will also find concert recordings. They are under the direction of Joshua Herrington, Director of Music Ministries.

A native of Orlando, FL, Joshua Herrington is a classically trained pianist and conductor, having studied under Diane Richards and performed solo and collaborative piano throughout the United States and Europe. He moved to Las Vegas to become a church music director and over the past decade serves as rehearsal pianist for Nevada Ballet Theater, Associate Director Las Vegas Sinfonietta, directed for Vegas City Opera, and Director of Music Ministries for Green Valley Presbyterian Church, whose choir members are performing in DCINY’s Messiah. Joshua has a BA in Piano Performance from University of Central Florida and an MA in Orchestral Conducting.

The First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro Chancel Choir is made up of a wonderful group of volunteers who love to sing! There are 35 members in this choir family and they are the most dedicated people in the country, as most choir members are. They are a blessing!

Larisa Leapley has been the Director of Music at First Baptist Church of North Wilkesboro, NC for 32 years. She holds a bachelors of arts degree from Mars Hill College, now a university, and was fortunate to perform in Carnegie Hall in the late 80's under the direction of John Rutter. Larisa's chancel choir at FBCNW are family and she is excited for them to have this amazing experience to sing in Carnegie Hall.

Choral music has been a cherished tradition at Cocoa Presbyterian Church (est. 1958) located on Florida's Space Coast. As a congregation of the PC(USA), the church experienced significant growth in its early days, thanks to its proximity to the beaches and the Kennedy Space Center. A beautiful sanctuary was built and dedicated in 1968. The choral program commenced early in the church's history and though our group is small, it still remains vibrant part of our services to date. We are both thrilled and proud to have our members perform once again at the illustrious Carnegie Hall!

Sarina Wolfgang Zaremba was born into a family with a Navy background, leading to a life of travel around the globe. She began her musical journey at the age of four and has consistently played the piano and performed vocally throughout her life. During her high school years in Japan, she earned top marks in “Far East Choir”, the military version of All State, and has had the privilege of performing for various Marine Corps and Navy Flag Officers, as well as international dignitaries. She also had the recent privilege of performing the National Anthem for country star Chris Janson. Sarina holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Arts in Arts Administration from Winthrop University in South Carolina. She has served as the Director of Music at The Cocoa Presbyterian Church for the last six years and currently operates her own music studio, The Wolfgang Academy of Music.

The Alabama Civic Chorale was founded by Earl and Frances Clark in 1947. Mr. Clark directed choirs at a local church and Mrs. Clark was the music teacher at a local high school. Often the youth would practice and sing together. One summer, the two groups worked together to perform a musical written by Mrs. Clark. The high school and youth choirs followed this up with a trip to Ridgecrest Music Conference where they attended classes and sang Handel's Messiah with all attending the conference. Upon return from the trip, Mr. and Mrs. Clark's groups began to practice together many nights each week. Adult choir members joined this group of young people and their first presentation of Messiah was during the Christmas season of 1947. The size of the chorus grew and after a few years, the performance moved to area churches and in 2004 to its present location at Riverchase United Methodist Church. Each year, we present Handel's Messiah to a standing room only audience. November 2025 will be our 78th Annual Performance with over 100 voices, soloists, members of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and organist. Messiah has always been offered free of charge. The Chorale continues today as an organization dedicated to bringing cultural arts to the area and enriching the lives of those who sing and those that hear the group perform.

Bebe Clark Kok began directing the Alabama Civic Chorale in 1993 upon the death of her father and Chorale founder Earl Clark. She holds a bachelor's degree in Music Education with a concentration in Organ from the University of Alabama and a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has taught elementary and secondary choral music and conducted adult, youth and children's choirs. She has been a church organist and choir director and served on the staff of national music conferences. Mrs. Kok has been involved in workshops with composers and conductors including Robert Shaw, John Rutter, Elaine Brown and others. She is a member of American Choral Directors Association and Chorus America. She has served as a College and Career Counselor and NCAA Coordinator in local schools. She served on the Counselor Advisory Board of the University of Alabama and Auburn University. In addition to her work in music, Mrs. Kok also works with students through her company College Planning Services in which she works with over 250 college representatives to help students grades 9-12 make the best choices possible for their future.

The Sanctuary Choir of First Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, is the heart of the church’s music ministry, leading weekly worship and presenting seasonal programs. These feature chamber ensembles accompanying the choir’s diverse sacred repertoire. With 27 voices, this non-auditioned group sings a wide variety of choral styles and genres, offering excellence in musical worship. Their leadership in worship reflects a commitment to glorifying God through music that is both heartfelt and skillfully prepared. This marks their second appearance with Distinguished Concerts International New York.

Dr. Bolton, originally from Denton, Texas, and raised in Arkadelphia, Arkansas, holds degrees in church music from Ouachita Baptist University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and earned his Doctor of Educational Ministry from Southern Seminary in 2019. His career has blended education and ministry, including college teaching and service in churches across Missouri, Kentucky, and Arkansas. He currently serves as Minister of Music and Children at First Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. A longtime choir and handbell director, he remains active with the Arkansas Master’Singers and Pine Bluff Community Band. He and his wife, Erin, have been married since 1996 and have two children, Kaitlyn (b. 2000) and Keith (b. 2006).

Memorial Lutheran Church Choir is an active choral group from Nevada, Iowa. Led by Director of Music Ministry, Lois Theesfield, the choir not only provides anthems and liturgical music for worship services, but also presents annual Christmas and Spring Concerts that reach out to the immediate community and beyond. Their main goal is spreading the Gospel of Christ through the power of music.

Lois Theesfield received her Bachelor of Science degree with emphasis in organ performance from Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska. She has taught school, developing K-12 music programs, in Glendale, New York and Bettendorf, Iowa. She has served many churches throughout her 50+ professional years as organist, vocal and handbell choir director. She is currently serving as Director of Music Ministry at Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada, Iowa.

The mission of Witness Music Utah is to present musical events that teach and testify of Jesus Christ as Savior of the World. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we seek to share a message appropriate for all who honor Christ, of all denominations, through beautiful and inspirational music and words. We perform Rob Gardner's Lamb of God around Easter, for more than 15,000 people every year and for the last 12 years have established it as a beloved Easter Tradition, much like Messiah is for Christmas.

Shane Mickelsen is a conductor and com,poser with a bachelor's degree in vocal performance and a master's degree in music composition. He has conducted a wide variety of choral and instrumental ensembles, including community and professional groups, and works as a music engraver for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Directed by Dr. Marija Loncar Hallman since 2013, the Our Savior Lutheran Church Choir brings together amateur and professional musicians in four-part SATB harmony. The ensemble meets faithfully every Thursday evening to rehearse and performs a wide range of classical sacred choral repertoire. In addition to weekly contributions to worship services, the choir presents several large-scale productions throughout the liturgical year. A recent highlight was a dramatic staging of Mary McDonald's "It is Finished." In today's performance, OSLC Choir is represented by the very talented Susan Arreola, soprano, Tiffany Yang, alto, Carol Crittendan, alto, and Arthur Crittendan, tenor.

The McCabe Chancel Choir has a long history of choral excellence. It has been in existence for decades. This group rehearses once a week and provides worship music every Sunday. In addition, the group performs outside of our own church in Summer Sing-Outs, and has had a successful European performance tour. Our choir and VIP patrons are honored to be performing in Carnagie Hall.

Director, Gloria Knoll, is a lifelong musician and director. She is a native North Dakotan and has directed ensembles in 4 other states. Included in her experience are 37 years of teaching Middle School choirs and 40 years of directing church choirs. She is a graduate of Minnesota State University, Moorhead. She has 4 awesome children and 12 talented grandchildren.

The Dandridge Community Choir was established in cooperation with area churches to blend community and its resources together to provide high quality music and experiences to its listeners and participants. The Choir has performed with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Mary McDonald, Carson Newman University and other performing artists over more than ten years sharing its gift of music and message to the Community.

Debbie J Carper has passionately served as director, musician, and soloist of adult and student choirs and adult and handbell ensembles for over 40 years in East Tennessee, primarily supporting area churches. Ms. Carper is a graduate of Carson-Newman University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Minor in Church Music.

Delegation of 45 members of the combined choir of 200 members stationed in the Algoa Region, Eastern Cape , South Africa

South African Music Development Officer of the United Congregational Churches of Southern Africa (UCCSA)

Belin Chancel Choir leads traditional worship at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church in beautiful Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. This 60+ voice, all-volunteer group is renown throughout the coastal region not only for its sound but for its variety of music within the church and throughout the community. The Chancel Choir is excited to be joining Mary McDonald at Carnegie Hall for the second time. Mary has also presented concerts and helped lead worship at Belin Memorial UMC.

Jim Sellers has served as director of Belin Chancel Choir for 21+ years. This is the group's fourth performance with DCINY (three at Carnegie Hall and one at Lincoln Center) and second under Mary McDonald. One of Jim's greatest honors (and surprises) was having the Chancel Choir commission a piece by Mary McDonald in honor of his tenth anniversary with the group.

The Sanctuary Choir of First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, SC, provides and leads music for two traditional worship services every Sunday. With 75 members, the choir consists of a variety of ages--24 to 92 years. Consisting primarily of volunteers with 15 staff singers, the choir provides a variety of styles each Sunday--from spirituals to hymn arrangements to classical music. Our community anticipates our annual Christmas at First concerts with audiences of 1000 at each concert. The goal of the choir is to glorify God through excellence with the end goal of making disciples who follow Jesus.

Dr. Susan Messer has been the Choral Music Director at First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, SC, for five years. Prior positions include public middle school choral director, Fulton County, GA, Apprentice Choir Director for the Houston Children's Chorus, Houston, TX, and Assistant Professor of Music Education at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She has degrees from Meredith College (BM), NOBTS (MCM), and LSU (Ph.D). Susan and her husband Jeff of 46 years have one daughter, a son-in-law, and two grandchildren who also live in Greenville.

The Juda Zion Community Church Choir has a very long history. Our church was created in 1863 and has had a long and cherished tradition of being a very music-filled church, with the adult choir being a strong part of that. For the past 30 years, our choir has provided meaningful Christmas and Easter musicals that highlight the story of Jesus Christ. Shelly Jordan has been privileged to lead them since 2003 and feels that their choir is a special group that feels like family. Shelly is so happy to participate alongside Jean Busker and Carrie Schwartz in this event highlighting Mary McDonald and her beautiful music. What an honor!

The Juda Zion Community Church Choir has been led by Shelly Jordan since 2003. She has been blessed to also continue carrying on the 30-year tradition their church has of providing meaningful Christmas and Easter musicals that highlight the story of Jesus Christ. The church was created in 1863 and has a long and cherished tradition of being a very music-filled church with the adult choir being a strong part of that. She feels that their choir is a special group that feels like family. Shelly is so happy to participate alongside Jean Busker and Carrie Schwartz in this event highlighting Mary McDonald and her beautiful music. What an honor!

Smith River Singers is a group of talented, non-audition volunteer singers from the Martinsville & Henry County area. SRS was founded in 2014 by Dr. Pamela Randall with a vision to continue the strong legacy of choral excellence in the community. What started as a small chorus of 20 passionate and committed members has become an ensemble of 80 voices and growing. The SRS serves thousands of audience members annually through highly anticipated concerts and collaborations with area student and professional musicians and orchestra members. The Smith River Singers believe in the power of music to unite and present concerts to the community free of charge, thanks to partners and donors. Smith River Singers presents repertoire that covers a wide variety of choral music from contemporary to classical, sacred, and secular. The entirely volunteer chorus rehearses once weekly under the baton of Dr. Randall and is accompanied by pianist Beth Chapman.

Dr. Pamela Randall is a conductor, singer, author, gardener, quilter, and professor at Longwood University. Pam currently serves as Director of Education Programs through Longwood University in education licensure at New College Institute in Martinsville, VA. She received her Bachelor's degree from Glenville State University, a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Radford University, and an Ed.S. in Administration from the University of Virginia. She completed her Doctorate in Leadership from Liberty University. Pam studied choral conducting under Dr. Axel Theimer, professor at the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University in Minnesota and founder/director of the VoiceCare Network. She holds credentials in Kodály and Orff Schulwerk instruction for K-12. The K-12 choirs she has conducted have won numerous awards and have performed internationally and at Carnegie Hall under the direction of John Rutter. Pam returned to her first love, conducting, at the prompting of community musicians, friends, and family. She believes, "everyone should have the opportunity to sing. Singing creates bonds of friendship, collegiality, and a shared sense of community that few other things can replicate."

White Bluff Chapel is the heart of a resort community on the shores of Lake Whitney, Texas. The choir is comprised of approximately 35 voices joyfully singing God's praises each Sunday and special events throughout the year. The dedicate group members come from all types of choral backgrounds. Some are simply led by God to sing for the first time while others are classically trained. The unity of the group, rejected by the disciplined yet relaxed leadership, result in a sound reflecting the choir's love of music, the love for each other and above all the love for Jesus.

Aaron Franklin, Music and Family Minister, leads the White Bluff Chapel choir in two unique services each Sunday appealing to an interdenominational congregation. He has led choirs over 25 years in churches all over the country. His strong team building and recognizing talent capabilities are reflected when sharing his time with both of his ministries. Aaron graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Masters in Christian Education and a Bachelors in Christian Music. Aaron and his wife, Erin, are proud parents of two sons, Anderson and E.J.

The First Baptist Church, Sylvester, Georgia, Sanctuary Choir is a volunteer choir of over thirty members who lead in Worship weekly, singing music of various styles. In addition to seasonal programs, the Sanctuary Choir has participated in composer weekends with Heather Sorensen and Mary McDonald and will be hosting Joseph Martin in 2026. This past Easter, the Sanctuary Choir presented the Second Annual Life of Christ Easter Pageant. This multi-performance event had a cast and choir of over ninety on stage.

Reverend Bobby R. Boutwell has been the Minister of Music of First Baptist Sylvester since 2018, having previously served in churches in Tennessee, South Carolina, and Texas before coming to Georgia. Bobby is a native Alabamian holding a Bachelor of Science in Music Education degree from Troy University and a Master of Music degree from Southwestern Theological Seminary. Bobby and his wife Martha recently celebrated forty years of marriage and have three children: Morgan, Micah, and Hunter. It is an honor and a joy for my choir and me to join the other performers on this amazing evening on the stage of the historic Carnegie Hall with Mary McDonald.

The Manchaca United Methodist Church Sanctuary Choir provides musical leadership at the 11:15 a.m. service every Sunday. Consisting strictly of volunteers, the choir performs a variety of music from Classical to Contemporary. The choir performs two major works each year, one during Advent, the other during Holy week. Members of the choir previously sang at Carnegie Hall in the 2019 presentation "Immortal, Invisible: The Music of Pepper Choplin and Mary McDonald."

Mark Hixon discovered the stage at six years old in Arlington, Texas when his siblings’ piano teacher asked him to join them in a performance of “The Trolly Song.” Hixon has sang in choirs and played music ever since. After high school, he earned a degree in Music Education from Texas Wesleyan University. After teaching elementary school for 5 years, Hixon felt a calling to music ministry. He served First UMC in Mesquite, Texas for 7 years. In 2001 he moved to the Austin, Texas area to serve Manchaca UMC where he currently is the Director of Music and Fine Arts. Hixon earned his Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Texas State University in 2015.

Sharp Memorial UMC adult choir has the most dedicated and loving people. As current music director of the choir, I can say they diligently work on their music and serve their church with a smile. They lead services every Sunday (hymns and anthem). They have also created shows that include theatrical drama & songs. The choir sings for local nursing homes, community caroling, and for special events at the church. This is their second trip to Carnegie (first-2019), with their first trip led by Pam Leslie and now this one led by Terry Mayhew. Their primary focus is to bring glory to God.

Ms. Mayhew completed her piano performance degree at the University of Texas and began her musical career by creating contemporary services in the Lutheran Church. She worked as director for several churches who had both traditional/contemporary services in Texas, Vermont, Georgia, and Wisconsin. She put together and directed a Good Friday program called “In His Footsteps” for the communities. She has also worked as full-time accompanist for a college and part-time accompanist for several large/small choirs. Currently, she is director of music at Sharp Memorial UMC in Young Harris, Georgia, her final position with some great people.

The Trinity Lutheran Church Choir, located in Cincinnati, OH, is comprised of dedicated volunteer singers united by a passion for music. The choir plays a vital role in enhancing Sunday services by offering a diverse range of musical selections that uplift and inspire the congregation. Trinity’s excellent music program empowers collaboration with local professional musicians and the students from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Furthermore, the choir strives to reach out to the broader community, sharing the love of Christ through music. Trinity Choir’s past performances, including Christmas Concerts and anthems, can be viewed here: https://www.trinitycincy.org/ChoirVideos

Sarah Yein Kim, a conductor, pianist, organist, and educator, currently serves as the music director of Trinity Lutheran Church. Passionate about choral music, she is dedicated to the revival of choirs, influencing numerous churches, community choirs, and students across the United States and South Korea. Her enthusiasm and leadership extend to her founding of CinKoa, Cincinnati’s premier Korean American Choir, which has enriched the broader musical community. A graduate of both Northwestern University and the Eastman School of Music, she has earned recognition for her exceptional musical talents, receiving prestigious scholarships and awards, including Howard Hansen Scholarships and KASF Award.

First Methodist Church is renowned for its vibrant music and arts programs, which play a central role in its community life. With a commitment to enriching worship experiences and fostering creativity, the church offers a diverse range of musical and artistic opportunities. From traditional choral performances and contemporary worship bands to visual art exhibitions and theatrical productions, First Methodist Church provides a dynamic platform for artistic expression. This is the Chancel Choir's first trip to Carnegie under the direction of Mr. Phil Routszong.

Mr. Routszong moved from St. Louis to Eastern NC in 1986 and began his formal music training at age 10. He has been involved in Musical Theatre since he was 16 and went on to study vocal performance and music education during his time at ECU. Phil was the Musical Arranger for the Crystal Coast Jamboree for 10 years and a Studio Musician and Producer for area recording studios for over 12 years. Mr. Routszong was a founding member of Elysian Players, a theatrical nonprofit in Eastern Carolina specializing in arts education. He has had the honor and privilege of being the Director of Music at First Methodist Church for three years.

The Choir of Knoxville First Cumberland Presbyterian Church is a devoted and talented ensemble of all ages. The Choir is blessed to have so many volunteers with such a strong musical background to lead our congregation in worship each Sunday. Since the establishment of the Church in 1885, the church has been blessed to have very strong music program.

Karen and Sam Ware have been the Directors and Organist at KFCPC since 2005, and it has been their privilege to perform many Mary McDonald compositions with the choir. Before that, they have directed choirs in East Tennessee and Florida, since 1972. Karen and Sam have three daughters and two granddaughters.

The Asbury United Methodist Church Chancel Choir, a diverse group of 50 singers, provides music for weekly Traditional worship and special services during Lent and Advent. Ranging from seasoned soloists to ensemble singers, they perform a variety of styles from classical to gospel. Recent performances include Mary McDonald's Festival of Christmas and This Is Christmas. They are thrilled to be singing her music at Carnegie Hall!

Nancy Crocker Beard has been Director of Music at Asbury United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, for over 25 years. She is also the organist and conducts the Asbury Ringers handbell choir. A native of Reform, Alabama, she holds a B.A. in Music from Birmingham-Southern College, where she studied Conducting with Hugh Thomas, Voice with Andrew Gainey, and Organ with James Cook, and a M.M. in Vocal Performance from the University of Montevallo, where she studied with Bennie Middaugh.

The 80-member choir of Morningside Baptist Church (Greenville, SC) rehearses each Sunday morning. They lead the congregation in worship and also present anthems most weeks of the year. Morningside’s music hall named after our longest-serving director, Larry Carrier (1945-2016). Membership is open to all Morningside members and prospective members. Associate pastor Jeriel Ontoy has led the choir since 2020. Our four members are thrilled to spend this weekend presenting "This Is Christmas."

Jeriel was raised in a Christian home where he believed the gospel and fell in love with church music. He served in his local church by accompanying congregational singing, conducting choirs, and organizing music rehearsals. Jeriel views these early years as the foundation for his current ministry. In 2020, Jeriel married his wife Carmel and joined our part-time staff as choir director. After earning an MA in Biblical Studies, Jeriel joined our full-time staff as the associate pastor in May of 2022. Since then, he’s earned an MDiv in Worship and served in our music & administration ministries.

The Newton County High School Choir is an award winning choir with a tradition of receiving superior ratings. It has been a part of multiple performances with DCINY including Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living conducted by Dr. Jamie Meaders, and Eric Whitacre’s The Sacred Veil conducted by Eric Whitacre.

Emily Massey is currently working on her third year as head director of the Newton County High School Choral. Before, she served as the middle school choral director and feeder program to the Newton County High School Choir for 15 years. Outside of choir, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Kyle, and their two children, Evie and Oliver.

The Courthouse Community UMC Chancel Choir has been in existence for almost forty years. They have been through many changes, but remain strong. They stand firm in their faith singing always and only for “an audience” of One. While each member has varying years of service, the choir is one family unit who appears to have spent a lifetime together. They know each other’s voices, trust each other in preparation, each is equally dedicated and there is shared love and respect between the director and singers. A singing testament of how hearts and voices can blend as one.

Donna Smith, a graduate of Virginia Wesleyan University with a degree in music, is the Director of Music and Worship at Courthouse Community United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She leads a chancel choir, handbell choir and contemporary praise band. Additionally she teaches a music reading/theory class for adults of all ages at the church. She is also a lyricist and composer. Donna is delighted for the privilege to lead her choir and share in the joy of singing within one of the world’s most inspiring concert halls.

The Zanesville Civic Chorus is a community chorus that meets from October to December every year to prepare for and perform Handel’s Messiah with the Zanesville Civic Orchestra. This year, 2025, will mark their 96th annual presentation of this beloved oratorio. The Zanesville Civic Chorus has a smaller group, the Chamber Singers, that performs various octavos in the spring for the biannual Bach to Broadway concert or the Thursday Music Club banquet.

Ann Lillie Briggs began directing the Zanesville Civic Chorus in 2021, after serving as 2nd trumpet player, alto section leader, and assistant director for many years under the mentorship of previous director James L. McLaughlin. Mrs. Briggs received her BA in Music Education from Edinboro University of PA, and her masters degree in music with Kodaly emphasis from Capital University. She taught various areas of music for the Tri-Valley Local School District for 30 years before retiring in 2015. She is also the handbell choir director for Grace United Methodist Church in Zanesville, Ohio.

The Bethel Baptist Praise Choir is composed of dedicated volunteers and members of Bethel Baptist Church in Alamogordo, New Mexico, who joyfully offer their voices in service to the Lord. Each member is committed to growing in musical skill and using their God-given talents to enrich the worship life of the church. Gathering weekly for rehearsal, the choir prepares music that leads the congregation in worship and provides inspiration through both regular services and special events.

Stephen Martone has been directing choirs for over 45 years. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Piano and Vocal Performance, a Master of Music from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and is currently completing a Doctorate in Worship Studies at Liberty University. Throughout his career, he has directed church, community, student, and university choirs. His conviction is that “we sing what we believe,” and he is passionate about seeing the church discipled through the singing of God’s Word—psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.