Somerset County MusicEducators Association2025 Chorus Festival

November 2025

On November 24th and 25th, 2025, the Somerset County Music Educators Association Chorus Festival at Berlin Brothersvalley High School was pure magic. I led the high school choir, which was huge- nearly 100 or so voices filling the room. With so much talent, I faced an impossible task choosing a soloist. So I let all 15 who auditioned share the spotlight.

Katie Spiri, my host, was a gem, not only organizing but serving up the best desserts. Andrew Smith, my phenomenal accompanist, could play anything, and we geeked out over musical concepts. While I conducted the high school choir, the junior high choir was in the hilarious and energetic hands of Josh Duman- his energy was infectious and kept us all entertained.

The students’ enthusiasm intrigued me so much, they requested a Q&A which I found interesting. We talked about my musical favorites, my vocal recovery journey, and everything in between. I’ll never forget the warmth, curiosity, and joy of those two days-and I’d jump at the chance to return.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/987d79_d523df5b2e9b42ae8f779019e657b7ca/1080p/mp4/file.mp4