ABOUT GMCC

The Manassas Chorale had a vision to create a children’s choir to give children the opportunity to sing. This vision became a reality when in the Fall of 2015, the Manassas Chorale established the Greater Manassas Children’s Choir (GMCC). We offer children as young as kindergarten through 8th grade the opportunity to sing with professional musicians who want to share their love of music with the younger generations. Many of our children sing in school choirs and/or church choirs, in addition to the GMCC. Our choir is not meant to replace other academic or religious singing opportunities. Instead we hope to enhance and provide further educational and performance opportunities for children who love to sing. Our weekly rehearsals and performances are held at Manassas Baptist Church, which is the same location where the Manassas Chorale rehearses.

PERFORMANCES

We present two free family concerts each season, in December, and May. And one major performance with the Manassas Chorale at the Hylton Performing Art Center in May/June. Musical styles are secular, from traditional Americana to more culturally and ethnically diverse pieces, from classical masterworks to Broadway showtunes. In addition, we perform at various local venues throughout the year, including many events in Old Town Manassas, local retirement homes and assisted living facilities, and area churches, civic groups, and museums.

WHO WE ARE

The Greater Manassas Children’s Choir (GMCC) is an educational and performance opportunity for singers in grades 2 – 8 (with unchanged voices). GMCC is a richly diverse group of singers from a variety of backgrounds. Sponsored by the Manassas Chorale, singers are divided into younger and older groups and rehearse from September through May, with concerts in December and May. Rehearsals are held every Thursday from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Manassas Baptist Church. Directors and accompanists are professional musicians.

OLDER CHOIR

Discover the joy of singing with the Greater Manassas Children’s Choir! Led by talented artistic directors and accompanied by professional musicians, our choir offers a richly diverse and nurturing environment for students in grades 2-8. Join us for weekly rehearsals at Manassas Baptist Church and embark on an exciting musical journey. Enhance your child’s singing abilities, create unforgettable memories, and experience the thrill of performing in free family concerts and major performances. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to spark your child’s love for music. Register now and become a part of the Greater Manassas Children’s Choir!

YOUNGER CHOIR

Introducing the Younger Choir at the Greater Manassas Children’s Choir! Led by the talented Susan Dommer, our choir is the perfect opportunity for students in grades 2-4 to explore their passion for singing. Join us for rehearsals every Thursday from 6:15-7:30 at Manassas Baptist Church and let your child’s love for music soar. With a supportive and nurturing environment, we aim to enhance their singing abilities and provide unforgettable performance opportunities. Don’t miss out on this exciting musical journey with the Greater Manassas Children’s Choir!

KINDER CHOIR

Looking to introduce your little one to the joy of singing? Look no further than the Kinder Choir at the Greater Manassas Children’s Choir. Led by the talented Nicole Golder, our Kinder Choir is specifically designed for grades K-1. Join us for rehearsals every Thursday from 6:30-7:15 at Manassas Baptist Church. Let your child’s voice soar with us and watch their love for music blossom. Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!

Meet Our Leaders

Rebecca Verner

OLDER CHOIR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Rebecca (Becky) Verner has served as the Artistic Director of the Manassas Chorale since 1997. She is also Director of Music at Manassas Baptist Church, where she directs the Sanctuary Choir and Evensong Bells. Past Dean and Auditor of the Northern Virginia chapter of the American Guild of Organists and past President of the Osbourn Alumni Association, Mrs. Verner is also a member of the American Choral Directors Association and serves on a state committee for her denomination.

SUSAN DOMMER

YOUNGER CHOIR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Susan Dommer was the Choral Director at Unity Braxron Middle School and the Music Director for the Manassas Church of the Brethren. Susan has degrees from James Madison University (BMEd) and Shenandoah University (MME) and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Professional memberships include: American Choral Directors Association (VA ACDA Summer Conference Committee Member) and National Association for Music Education (District 9 Choral Representative and District Chair). Mrs. Dommer is grateful to her GMCC singers for the opportunity to make music with them!

Nicole Golder

KINDER CHOIR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

PATRICIA DIGIOVINE

YOUNGER CHOIR ACCOMPANIST

Patricia DiGiovine studied music education and elementary education at Geneva College in western Pennsylvania and was a music educator in East Palestine, Ohio, prior to moving to Northern Virginia. She retired from MCPS after having served for twenty-seven years as a music educator at Weems Elementary School. During her teaching career, she received three grants from the Virginia Commission for the Arts. Mrs. DiGiovine is delighted to see the progress that the choirs have made in such a short time. It is her pleasure to accompany you!

KIMBERLY HILL

OLDER CHOIR ACCOMPANIST

Kimberley Hill, a local homeschool mom and private piano teacher, is very excited to have the opportunity to play for the Greater Manassas Children’s Choir. She also plays keyboard for the worship ministry team at Manassas Baptist Church and offers freelance work as a pianist and accompanist. She has sung with the Manassas Chorale for many years. Ms. Hill enjoys composing and has had four choral anthems published in the last several years.

DOROTHY FRENCH

KINDER CHOIR ACCOMPANIST

GREATER MANASSAS CHILDREN’S CHOIR