ABOUT US
Mission
The Baltimore Children’s Choir (BCC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Maryland. BCC provides high-quality choral music education to children throughout the greater Baltimore area in a supportive and structured environment. We offer affordable tuition, need-based scholarships, and school partnerships that expand access to music education.
Vision
Every child at Baltimore Children’s Choir has a unique voice to be celebrated. By offering affordable tuition, scholarship aid for those in need, and musical outreach through our Baltimore School partnerships, we can create a vibrant culture of young voices from diverse backgrounds and abilities that emphasizes inclusion and collaboration. A shared love of music and a sense of belonging builds confidence, joy, and leadership skills that positively impact the greater community.
Values
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Music education should be widely available. Financial barriers should not prevent a child from participating, which is why we offer affordable tuition and need-based scholarships, as well as neighborhood ensembles and school partnerships.
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Teamwork matters. Students learn to collaborate, listen, and work toward shared goals—skills that extend beyond the rehearsal room.
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Community strengthens growth. Singing together builds lasting friendships, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose.
Meet our Staff
Joseph Shortall is in his 15th season serving as the Baltimore Children's Choir Artistic Director. In addition to his work with BCC, he is the Assistant Director of the Maryland State Boychoir, and he is a choral music specialist in the Baltimore County Schools. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Maryland. Mr. Shortall is an active clinician, church musician, and performer.
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Patricia Shortall is a volunteer who serves as General Manager and Executive Director for the Baltimore Children's Choir. Each week, in addition to all of her "behind the scenes" work, she works with our youngest group, Treble Makers. Ms. Shortall is a 1st-grade teacher at St. Casimir Catholic School in Baltimore City.
Cécile Audette serves as Assistant Director, Outreach Coordinator, and Program Director for the Baltimore Children’s Choir. Ms. Cécile earned
her BMusic in Vocal Performance from Hartt School, and an MMUSIC from Westminster Choir College in Choral Conducting/Vocal Performance/Pedagogy. She teaches General Music at Archbishop Borders School and the GreenMount School. Formerly an Assistant Director of the Children’s Chorus of Washington, Ms. Cécile performs with the Canticle Singers, a professional-level women's choir, and maintains a private vocal studio.
Christopher Correlli is the Head Collaborative Pianist, Assistant Director, and Treasurer of the Baltimore Children's Choir. In addition to his work with us, Dr. Correlli is a professional singer and pianist who serves as accompanist of the Peabody Preparatory Vocal Department. He is also the Music Director of Mountain Church Ministries. A parent of 3 delightful BCC members, Mr. Chris also maintains a private piano/vocal studio.
Delia Hatten is in her fourth year at the Baltimore Children's Choir as a conductor and Program Associate where she teaches at GreenMount and St. Casimir schools. Ms. Hatten was a member of the renowned Morgan State Choir during her college years. A current and founding member of the Urban Choral Arts Society, she held the position of Director’s Assistant of the YATTAS Performing Arts Summer Camp 2018 - present. Ms. Hatten is also an adjunct professor of Anthropology at Morgan State University, and a pre-school music director at Friends School of Baltimore.
Megan Koncurat is in her third year working with the Baltimore Children’s Choir. Ms. Megan studied vocal performance at BYU-Idaho. This season she’ll be teaching general music at Greenmount as well as assisting in Hampstead Hill Academy’s choir. Outside of Baltimore Children’s Choir, Megan works extensively with Theatreworks Live, where she serves in multiple capacities: teacher, director, music director, and sound designer.
Benny Griese (they/he) is thrilled to return to Baltimore Children's Choir for his fifth season! A graduate from Towson University, Benny will be teaching General Music at Odyssy School, and continuing this work with our neighborhood groups. He is the choir director at Fallston United Methodist Church, and he maintains a small voice studio. Benny's passion for musical theatre has inspired his work with the TU Theatre Department, the TU Student Theatre Club, and the Scottfield Theatre Company.
Currently a music teacher at Dumbarton Middle, Liam Murph-Jones is an experienced educator, conductor, and singer. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Towson University. Liam interned with The Baltimore Children's Choir his senior year of college and is excited to be back at BCC working with Chamber Singers and Cantare.
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Erica Ortega returns to the Baltimore Children's Choir where she will run the Children's Choir program at Cathedral of the Incarnation. Ms. Ortega earned her Master's Degree in Vocal Performance/ Pedagogy from East Carolina University and her BA in Music Education from Loras College. An award-winning opera singer, Ms. Ortega has held numerous title roles throughout the United States.
Renée Audette comes to the Baltimore Children’s Choir as our violin instructor. A graduate of St. Olaf College, Renée was a member of the St. Olaf Orchestra. Outside of BCC, Renée is an orchestral assistant at Western Tech High School in Catonsville, private lesson teacher and assistant band director at Friends School of Baltimore. She performs regularly thoughout the greater Baltimore area and maintains a private violin/viola studio.
Join Our Team!
The Baltimore Children's Choir staff is inclusive, welcoming, and innovative. We share a passion for teaching young children, and together, we work with over 1200 students each week, providing an excellent music education both during and after school.
BCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and employment decisions are made without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, physical, or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or any category protected by law.
CONTACT US
Contact Us
Find us:
Cathedral of the Incarnation
4 E University Pkwy
Baltimore, MD 21218
St. John's Lutheran Church
8808 Harford Road
Parkville, MD 21234
Abbott Memorial Church
3426 Bank Street
Baltimore, MD 21224