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
YOUNGER 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 6:15-7:00 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
Nicole Golder is a dedicated music educator with a degree in music education from George Mason University. She has 8 years of experience teaching middle school chorus and elementary general music in Prince William and Fairfax County Public Schools.
Currently, Nicole is a stay-at-home mom who continues to share her passion for music by teaching at GMCC. She enjoys using creative and engaging teaching methods to inspire students to discover the joy of music and develop their musical abilities.
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
Dorothy French is a retired PWCS middle school chorus teacher. After getting her music education degree at Marshall University, she taught at Marsteller Middle School before moving on to Gainesville Middle, and later to Beville Middle School. Mrs.French has taught private voice and piano and worked as a church music director and pianist. After 37 years of teaching, currently she is coaching and mentoring new music teachers in PWCS and accompanying for local middle school and community choirs. Mrs. French is delighted and honored to be accompanying for the inaugural year of the GMCC Kinder Choir.
PHOTO GALLERY
