Robyn Lana is the Founder and Managing Artistic Director of the Cincinnati Youth Choir and is on the choral faculty of Miami University (OH). She has been a conductor/clinician across the United States, Europe, and Asia, Level III Orff certified, has taught in public and private schools and is the editor of a choral series with Santa Barbara Music Publishing. National leadership includes 9 years on the Chorus America Board of Directors and serving ACDA as Children’s Choir and Community Youth Repertoire and Standards Chair and Chair of Advocacy and Collaborations.
Read Robyn’s full bio HERE…
Dr. Anthony Trecek-King is a highly acclaimed choral conductor, scholar, pedagogue, and media personality with a career spanning over 20 years. He is an active guest conductor and serves as a Resident Conductor (chorus) with the Handel and Haydn Society. Recognized for his ability to create moving performances that exhibit a surprising range of dynamics and depth of expression, Dr. Trecek-King excels at cultivating vocal and instrumental musicians at all levels. Through his collaborative rehearsal style, he bridges the gap between high art and humanity, captivating audiences while maintaining exceptional sonic quality.
Rollo Dilworth is a highly esteemed figure in choral music, boasting a vast repertoire of over 150 compositions and arrangements, many of which are featured in prestigious choral series such as the Henry Leck Creating Artistry Choral Series by Hal Leonard Corporation. His works are published by prominent entities like Santa Barbara Music Publishing and Colla Voce Music, Inc. Dilworth’s influence extends beyond composition; he is a contributing author for educational materials like the Essential Elements for Choir and Experiencing Choral Music textbook series. Renowned as a clinician and conductor, he has led numerous choirs at all-state, regional, and national levels, as well as international festivals and masterclasses. Dilworth’s dedication to choral music is evident through his leadership roles in organizations like Chorus America and his numerous memberships, including the American Choral Directors Association. His contributions have earned him accolades such as the Temple University Faculty Award for Research and Creative Achievement in 2017.
Read Rollo’s full bio HERE…
Papoulis has made significant contributions to choral music by revitalizing the choral repertoire with songs whose roots are classical and world, with voicing that incorporates lead vocalists with choirs, vocal percussion, and world rhythms. His choral work often is sung from the perspective of the singer, and is constantly inspired by the work he does through the Foundation for Small Voices. He firmly believes that music can heal, educate, celebrate, and empower the lives of children. Through the Foundation for Small Voices he has conducted songwriting workshops with choirs from all over the world.
Heather Vest, Executive Director for the Cincinnati Youth Choir and Conductor of Con Brio, has been an integral part of CYC since 2015. Her journey with the organization includes roles as a Satellite choir director across Greater Cincinnati and director of Piccolo Coro. Vest holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Butler University, where she studied under Henry Leck and Eric Stark.
Before joining CYC, Vest founded the Eastern New Mexico Children’s Choir and taught K-12 music. Her experience spans choirs in Indiana, Utah, and New Mexico. A former student of Metropolitan Opera soprano Claudia Waite, Vest has performed as a soloist with the Butler Orchestra and Chorale.
Recognized for her expertise, Vest has been a guest clinician for honor choirs in New Mexico and Ohio, and has adjudicated at numerous festivals. With her diverse experience and passion for choral music, she brings strong leadership and artistic vision to her role at CYC.
Read Heather’s full bio HERE…
Caitlyn also offers music teaching resources on Teachers Pay Teachers. Visit her shop.
Caitlyn Lana McGlynn is a dedicated music educator and conductor, serving as the Director of Choirs and Education & Marketing and Operations Associate for the Cincinnati Youth Choir (CYC). With a rich background in choral music and education, she brings extensive experience to her role. Her journey with CYC started in 1st grade, fostering her lifelong passion for choral music. Through college and an internship with CYC, she solidified her dedication to nurturing young voices. Since 2017, Caitlyn has significantly contributed to CYC, directing Vivace and Vivo Coro with enthusiasm and skill, guiding young singers towards artistic growth. She also teaches at the Singabration Choral Camp and is the Queen City Choral Festival Administrator, promoting community through music.
Caitlyn is also an elementary music specialist at Northstar Classical School, and has prior experience teaching orchestra in Texas and Mason City Schools in Ohio. She holds a Level I Orff-Schulwerk Certification and is an active member of several professional organizations. Caitlyn’s work continues to inspire the next generation of musicians within CYC and beyond.
Read Caitlyn’s full bio HERE…
Originally from Connecticut, Rachel Feldman is a doctoral student in Choral Conducting at the College Conservatory of Music. She spent the past four years as the director of choral activities at Mount Holyoke College and Connecticut College where she directed ensembles and taught courses in theory and conducting. Recent engagements include Mount Holyoke’s annual Vespers in NYC and Fauré Requiem with the Connecticut College Symphony Orchestra. Rachel earned her MM in Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College where she was the Graduate Assistant Conductor for the flagship ensemble Westminster Choir and graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BA in Music in 2017.
Keri McGuire has loved directing choirs and being a part of the Cincinnati Choral Academy team since 2017. She is a music educator with 20 years of experience in music education. Mrs. McGuire received her Bachelor in Music Education degree with a Vocal Emphasis from Georgetown College in Georgetown, KY. She later earned her Master in Music Education with a Mastery of Levels Orff-Schulwerk Certificate from the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, KY. Her decision to become a music teacher and choir director was solidified when she attended the all-state children’s choir in Louisville, KY during her college years. Since graduating, she has taught music and drama in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. She has loved making Cincinnati her home since moving here with her family in 2015. In addition to teaching music in the classroom, Mrs. McGuire has co-authored a music curriculum for early learning, Wee Wonder. She believes that the earliest stages of learning are strengthened through music, and that learners of all ages should have quality opportunities for singing and music-making experiences. She feels everyday offers a chance to connect in positive ways with others, and that music provides that opportunity to bring people together.
Kelsey DeMange, hailing from Versailles, Ohio, is an accomplished music educator and choral director. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education at Wright State University, followed by a graduate degree in Music Education from Miami University. Kelsey has significantly contributed to music education through her work, fostering musical excellence in Reading Community Schools, Southwest Local Schools, and Winton Woods City Schools. She currently serves as the Director of Choral Activities at Mount St. Joseph University.
In addition to her directorial responsibilities, Kelsey serves as the President of District 14 for the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA). Since 2016, her choral groups have consistently competed in the International Championship of High School and Collegiate A Cappella, showcasing her dedication to excellence in vocal performance.
Kelsey’s career is marked by her extensive work as a church musician, directing theater programs, and serving as a choral clinician for various high schools. She is passionate about fostering musical talent and often hosts significant choral events such as the OMEA Large Group Festival and Varsity Vocals competitions.
She currently resides in the vibrant Over-the-Rhine district in Cincinnati, where she continues to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians.
Erin has been an active volunteer with CYC since 2009 while her three daughters participated in the program. She has had a love of choral music since participating in the CCM Children’s Choir, May Festival Youth Choir, and KY All-State Choruses. Erin completed her bachelor’s degree in Mortuary Science in 1998 at the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Her work has evolved within the medical field from her time as a transplant technician to traveling as a Senior Systems Analyst programing and interfacing medical records for operating rooms across the country. Most recently she is the Office Manager at the Richwood Presbyterian Church in Walton, KY. Erin lives in Fort Thomas, KY with her husband James, and her daughters Natalie and Georgia.
Heather Wilson is the principal accompanist for CYC since December 2023. She enjoys rehearsing and performing regularly with the Bel Canto, Voci, and Con Brio choirs. She has also started working with the CYC Alumni Choir and engages in CYC’s community outreach events as well.
Heather studied piano performance and pedagogy at the School of Music at Brigham Young University with Irene Peery-Fox and other distinguished instructors. Outside of CYC, Mrs. Wilson teaches and runs her private piano studio in Milford, Ohio offering lessons to students of all ages.
Heather has adjudicated many piano competitions and evaluations, been instrumental in building, organizing, and running a large community Christmas concert for the past eight years, and provides mentor sessions for many musical theater performers and other musicians in the Cincinnati area. Her dedication to music education, combined with her talent as a collaborative pianist, make Heather Wilson an essential part of the CYC family. As CYC continues to thrive, Heather eagerly anticipates future performances and building lasting relationships with the CYC family and our wonderful community.
Haenarie Lee is a dedicated organist with extensive experience in church music. She earned an Artist Diploma in Organ from the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, studying under Dr. Michael Unger, and holds Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Church Music from Seoul Theological University. Haenarie has received numerous honors, including third place in the Strader Organ Scholarship Competition, which provided her with a full scholarship at Cincinnati. Since 2019, she has served as the organist at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her journey from South Korea to the U.S. reflects her commitment to liturgical music and organ performance. She also performs with various choirs and ensembles. Haenarie lives in Cincinnati with her husband and son.
Melissa Surman, a Cincinnati native and mother of 5, has been involved in choral music since middle school in various capacities. She received her Bachelor’s in music education from Mount Saint Joseph University in 2002, and has been teaching private and group piano, voice, and general music lessons since 1999. With a passion for joyful music literacy, she completed her three levels of Kodaly training from 2018-2021 at the Chenaniah Summer Music Institute in Moscow, Idaho, during which time she wrote and self-published a music curriculum for elementary aged students entitled “The Joyful Grammar of Music”, which combines Kodaly philosophy with classical methods. As a homeschooling mom, she is highly active in the classical education community and has been a Classical Conversations tutor and/ or director since 2013. One of her goals as an educator has been to start a homeschool choir, so she was thrilled to receive the opportunity to help direct the Vivo Coro homeschool group for CYC in 2023. When Melissa isn’t teaching or performing, you will find her running marathons and trail races.
Emma started her CYC journey in 2009 at Summer Festival after being encouraged by her parents and teachers to further her passion for singing. Enrolling that fall in Prep Choir (now Piccolo Coro), she went on to sing with the program until her graduation from Highlands High School in 2021. CYC afforded her performance opportunities with the CCM MainStage Opera, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Symphony and POPS Orchestras, ACDA, OMEA, and many more. These experiences, and her incredible teachers, gave her the confidence to carry CYC’s mission of student leadership and artistry into her school choirs as choir president her senior year as well as participating in several seasons in KMEA All-State Chorus. Helping to lift others through song has always been a fierce passion. This led her to become an assistant for CYC in 2023, helping to shape the young voices in the same seats she fell in love with singing herself. In the coming years, Emma hopes to follow in the footsteps of the many music educators that fostered her passion for teaching.
Coming from central Indiana, Melina Bartzis is currently a student at the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music, studying vocal music education. Her musical journey began in Indiana as a member of the Indianapolis Children’s Choir for 11 years, where she toured to New York, Canada, and the UK, performing in renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, St. Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, and Canterbury Cathedral.
Melina has also served as the musical director and accompanist for Stone Soup’s children’s theater production of Willy Wonka Jr., and taught at the Indianapolis Opera’s youth summer camp, Crescendo. Her joyful experience working with youth in both choral and musical settings deepened her passion for helping both listeners and performers appreciate the emotional impact music is capable of translating to all people.
With her relatives residing in Greece, Melina is eager to include traditional Greek folk music into her teaching, welcoming her role as a lifelong learner and expanding her musical horizons.
Olivia Macina is a third year music education major at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music. Olivia is originally from Mount Prospect, Illinois where she was involved in many performing arts including choir, show choir, a capella, and musical theater. After graduating, she hopes to teach high school and direct musical theater. Olivia is grateful for the time she gets to spend working with these kids and is excited to foster a love of music within the students of CYC!
Katie Menster is a third year music education student at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Katie is originally from Columbus, Ohio and has always loved performing music throughout her childhood. Aside from choir, she enjoys singing musical theater, popular music, and jazz. Katie is interested in teaching elementary music after graduation, and hopes to help the young musicians of Vivace develop a love for all music like her teachers once did for her. She is so grateful to have the opportunity to work with the students in Vivace this year!
Mary Okotie is a music education (voice) student at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music! She graduated from Lakota West High School in 2023 where she was an active member and leader in the choral and theatre departments. Upon the completion of her undergraduate program, Mary plans on obtaining her master’s in Choral Conducting. She will use her knowledge and passion to impact the lives of everyone she comes into contact with whether that be at the educational or professional level!
Audrey is in her third year of the Music Education Bachelor’s degree at the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music. Originally from Lexington, Kentucky, Audrey graduated from the School for the Creative and Performing Arts, Lafayette High School where she was actively involved with the choral program, theory classes, and musical theater productions. A current member of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peter in Chains Choir, Audrey has a deep history of working in church and sacred music settings. Her passion for music stems from early experiences both within her family and in her elementary music class, preparing her to now pursue teaching and choral conducting to share her passion with students. Children’s choirs have a special place in her heart after being in a community children’s choir herself for 10 years; she is incredibly excited to work with CYC!
Bel Canto: Rachel Feldman
Con Brio: Heather Vest
Piccolo Coro: Keri McGuire
Vivace: Caitlyn McGlynn
Voci: Kelsey DeMange
Carson School: Trinity Kanipes
Clifton Area Neighborhood School (CANS): Eden Dunning
Evanston Academy: Keri McGuire
James P. Gamble Montessori Elementary School: Robert Knueven
Roll Hill School: Grace Devoid
William H. Taft Elementary School: Dan Larkin & Keri McGuire
Winton Hills Academy: Rachel Kline
Woodford Academy: Dennis Betz
Covington (John G. Carlisle Elementary): Julie Brumback
Homeschool: Melissa Surman
Mason Elementary: Caitlyn McGlynn
Spencer Center for the Gifted: Matthew Jenkins
