Susquehanna Young Women's Chorale
The Susquehanna Young Women's Chorale, directed by Elizabeth Lins-Shoenfelt, provides a focused rehearsal and performing opportunity for young female singers within the Susquehanna Valley.
Like the Susquehanna Youth and Children's Chorales, the Young Women's Chorale was formed to complement existing school music programs, by giving talented young female singers the opportunity to rehearse and perform with other highly motivated students at an advanced level of artistic excellence, specializing in music specifically written for women's voices.
Students are auditioned for membership and are required to pay a membership fee. A scholarship fund has been established to provide financial assistance for any deserving young musician who has auditioned successfully for the Chorale.
The Chorale rehearses one hour each week for ten weeks during the fall. Rehearsals focus on a Scholarship Benefit Concert and the annual Youth Choral Festival in November. The program's repertoire includes pieces from many periods of music history and encompasses a wide range of styles, from sacred music to folk songs. Emphasis in rehearsals is on fine choral literature and developing good vocal habits through choral techniques.
Elizabeth Lins-Shoenfelt, Conductor
Susquehanna Young Women's Chorale
Elizabeth Lins-Shoenfelt graduated from Messiah College with a degree in Music Education. She has been the choral director and general music teacher at West Perry High School and has worked as Assistant Chorus Master for the Harrisburg Opera Association. In 2007 she received her Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from Pennsylvania State University. Ms. Shoenfelt is currently pursuing her DMA in Vocal Performance from the Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Virginia. She has been a member of the music faculty at Shippensburg University and Wilson College, where she directs the women’s choir, and she has taught choral methods and directed the women’s choir at Messiah College. Ms. Shoenfelt is a frequent choral adjudicator and guest conductor.
In addition to teaching and conducting, Ms. Shoenfelt maintains a private voice studio and is a frequent recitalist and soloist throughout the midstate. She has appeared in principal roles with opera companies in Philadelphia and Harrisburg and has been a guest soloist with orchestras throughout Pennsylvania and Virginia. She has sung for opera legend Frederica von Stade, Robert Page, Kenny Rogers, several Miss Americas, and the former governor of Pennsylvania. Ms. Shoenfelt has also been a member of the Susquehanna Chorale.
Stephen Smith, Accompanist
Susquehanna Young Women's Chorale
Stephen Smith is a 1986 graduate of Messiah College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education with a concentration in voice and piano. For the past twenty-six years he has been Director of Choirs at Middletown Area High School. He has served as an accomplished accompanist for soloists throughout the Harrisburg area as well as for ACDA Honor Choirs, Harrisburg Singers, and the Harrisburg Opera Association. He serves as Musical Director for productions at Theatre Harrisburg. He also maintains a voice and piano studio in Middletown.
Mr. Smith is an active member of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, the Music Educators National Conference, and the American Choral Directors Association.
