The Mennonite Children's Choir of Lancaster (MCCL) has announced two new directors. Monica Hochstedler Carlson and Melody Stahl will direct Prelude Music and Choristers, respectively. Prelude Music is a non-auditioned class for children in kindergarten and grade one that engages children with music through moving, playing, listening, and singing. Choristers I and II are non-auditioned classes for children in grades two through five and grades six throught eight that develop vocal and choral skills in a relaxed, fun atmosphere.
Carlson holds a Master of Music degree in piano pedagogy and performance from Westminster Choir College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in music education from Goshen College. Having recently relocated to Lancaster, Carlson formerly taught music in public schools as well as at Eastern Mennonite Elementary School in Harrisonburg, Va. She served as a private piano instructor at Shenandoah Valley Preparatory Music and Woodberry Forest School and was an instructor at Red Wing Academy. Carlson has Kodaly and Dalcroze training. Carlson will guide Prelude Music with a child-centered approach to teaching music. Along with directing, Carlson will serve as choir manager assistant.
Stahl holds a Bachelor of Science in music education with a focus in piano from Millersville University. Her undergraduate involvement included serving as a Music Research Fellow and as accompanist for the University Choir. She also served as supervisor for the Pre-College Program associated with Lancaster Mennonite School.
In addition to her credentials, Stahl has had extensive experience with MCCL as an alumna of the choir, an assistant for Prelude Music and Choristers, and an accompanist for stateside and international tours.
The mission of MCCL is training children and youths to glorify Jesus Christ through excellent choral singing. The choir's repertoire reflects the musical diversity of the church around the world and through time. MCCL is a program of Lancaster Mennonite School and welcomes children from all church backgrounds.
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