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/them) is thrilled to return to The Baltimore Children’s Choir for their fifth season. Benny will be teaching music at the Odyssey School, directing the choir at Hampstead Hill Academy, and continuing to work with our Neighborhood ensembles. In addition, Benny serves as the Director of Music at Fallston United Methodist Church. They also maintain a busy schedule as a music director, collaborative artist, and clinician.
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.
Meet Our Interns
Becca Petersen (she/her) is a senior music education major at Towson University set to graduate in the Spring! She is very excited to be back for her second year interning with The Baltimore Children’s Choir. Becca sings in the Towson University Chorale and with the Havenwood Presbyterian Church Choir. She co-music directs an a cappella group at Towson and she has choreographed, music directed and performed in musicals around the Baltimore area.
Emma Barrett (She/Her) is a Senior at Towson University studying to earn a Music Major with a Minor in Psychology. This is her second year as an intern with The Baltimore Children’s Choir. In addition to working with BCC, she sings at a local Towson Church, as well as works as a music director for summer camps. Outside of work and school, Emma enjoys reading a good mystery or finding something to paint.
Rafael Rodríguez is a trumpet player, singer, and music educator pursuing a double major in Trumpet Performance and Music Education at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, where he studies with Anthony Prisk. As a Tenor Scholar with The Baltimore Children’s Choir, he leads sectionals and supports Schola rehearsals for students in grades 8–12. Coming from a family of musicians and music teachers, Rafael’s belief in the importance of music education is personal. He sees music as an essential part of education and everyday life, a way to connect with others, express ourselves, and learn to see the world from different perspectives. His approach to making and teaching music centers on discipline, curiosity, humility, and a love for the work. His choral experience includes performing with the Travel Choir of the Free School of Music of San Juan and has performed in countries such as Italy, Austria, Spain, and Portugal. This is his second year with the BCC's Schola Group.
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