Page 16 - 2021 Youth Choral Festival Program

Susquehanna Youth, TYoung Women’s, &
Children’s Chorales
he Susquehanna Youth Chorale was formed in 1989 by Founder and Conductor Linda Tedford as an educational outreach program of the Susquehanna Chorale. The group is now under the direction of George H. Diehl. The Susquehanna Children’s Chorale, for grades four to eight, was formed in 1992, under the direction of Judith Shepler. Ms. Shepler also directs the Preparatory Choir, formed in
2008, for students in the third and fourth grades. In 2007 the Susquehanna Young Women’s Chorale was added and is now under the direction of Dru A. Deitch.
The goal of the Susquehanna Youth, Young Women’s, and Children’s Chorales is to promote the choral art and ensure its future through educational outreach. Each of the choirs provides opportunities for talented singers to gain musical skills, develop healthy vocal habits, and perform at an exceptionally high artistic level. These educational programs train and encourage the next generation of choral singers, teachers, conductors, patrons, and board and audience members through their participation in our choirs. The programs are designed to supplement existing school music programs.
Students who participate in these groups are exposed to a wide variety of choral music. The discipline of weekly rehearsals and daily practice results in an artistic and personal experience that only the choral art can provide. Opportunities to work with highly respected composers, clinicians, conductors, and symphony orchestras further enrich the students’ musical lives. Through participation in
the choirs, the singers have had the opportunity to work with internationally acclaimed artists such as the American Boychoir and Alice Parker, as well as with locally recognized groups such as the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and Youth Symphony. Exposure to the Susquehanna Chorale also provides a model for young singers as they mature and develop skills in their art. A significant number of our students go on to devote their lives to the study, teaching, and performing of music.
The combined membership of the educational outreach program totals over 75 students representing more than 30 schools. Membership is open to any young person upon audition. A highly successful student conducting internship for area college music majors is also an integral part of the program. Past participants in the internship program have continued their education, often completing graduate degrees, and several have established careers as performers or music educators.
16 Annual Youth Choral Festival