ABOUT US
Mission
The Baltimore Children's Choir is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization in Maryland. The organization shares choral music from a variety of traditions with a broad and diverse audience. We make choral music accessible to children in the greater Baltimore area, in a positive, child-centered environment. We share choral music with students, families, individuals with disabilities, and the elderly through outreach to schools, groups that provide services to children and families, and other relevant multi-generational organizations and institutions.
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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Access to quality music education is a basic right, and all children should have equal access - regardless of race, socio-economics, learning differences, or neurodiversity. This is the impetus behind our offering of differing neighborhood groups and school partnerships.
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Teamwork is integral: By modeling teamwork and collaboration among the staff, the students see us utilize our gifts together. They learn to apply these concepts and work together in a peaceful and positive manner.
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Community is crucial: There is magic in having our small community group, and then gathering with one another with the same music, playing games, and working together.
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Positive identity is essential and purposeful: Students need to see themselves in their leaders and facilitators.
Meet our Staff
Joseph Shortall is in his 12th 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.
Joshua Franklin is in his 7th season with the Baltimore Children's Choir where he serves as Assistant Director and Program Associate. Currently working with multiple BCC in-school programs, Mr. Franklin earned his degrees from Morgan State University. He is a master at team building who makes learning fun for all students. In addition to his work at BCC, Mr. Franklin is a professional singer, studio photographer, marketer, and fashion designer.
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 the 1st-grade teacher at St. Casimir Catholic School in Baltimore City. In her spare time, she sings with the Charm City Singers.
Cécile Audette serves as Assistant Director, Outreach Coordinator, and Director of Education for the Baltimore Children’s Choir. In addition to her work at BCC, Ms. Audette is an Assistant Director of the Children’s Chorus of Washington and Coordinator of Outreach at the Canticle Singers of Baltimore. Ms. Audette earned her Master's Degree in Vocal Performance/Pedagogy and Choral Conducting from Westminster Choir College. She is a professional singer who maintains an active studio, and her other passion is garden design.
Christopher Correlli is the Head Collaborative Pianist, Assistant Director, and Treasurer of the Baltimore Children's Choir. In addition to his work with us, Mr. 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 maintains a private piano/vocal studio and is completing his doctoral degree in church music.
Delia Hatten is in her second year at the Baltimore Children's Choir as a conductor and Program Associate. In her undergraduate studies, Ms. Hatten was a member of the renowned Morgan State Choir. A current and original member of the Urban Choral Arts Society, she has held the position of Director’s Assistant of the YATTAS Performing Arts Summer Camp since 2018. Ms. Hatten is also an adjunct professor of Anthropology at Morgan State University.
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Erica Timmerman comes to the Baltimore Children's Choir having most recently relocated from Iowa where she taught music and sang professionally. Ms. Timmerman 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. Timmerman has held numerous title roles throughout the United States. She brings her artistic skill and a passion for making personal connections.
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Drew Young (he, him) is in his first year at Baltimore Children's Choir. Mr. Young earned his undergraduate degree from Rollins College, and his Master's Degree in Choral Conducting from The Shenandoah Conservatory. While at Shenandoah, Mr. Young co-directed the T/B choir, assisted conducting classes, served as music associate at Trinity Episcopal, (Upperville, Va), and Artistic Director of Valley Chorale. Mr. Young is a Vocal Artist with CORO, an active recitalist, and a member of the choir staff at St. Paul’s K Street in Washington, DC.
Meet Our Conducting Scholar!
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Benny Griese (they/he) is thrilled to return to Baltimore Children's Choir officially this season as a conducting scholar! A student at Towson University, Benny is devising an original degree path, emphasizing contemporary voice techniques, ensemble voice work, and collaborative keyboard. He is the choir director at Fallston United Methodist Church, a conducting scholar for the Maryland State Boychoir, and he maintains a small voice studio. In addition to the above, a passion for musical theatre has inspired Benny's work with the TU Theatre Department, the TU Student Theatre Club, and the Scottfield Theatre Company.
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
Abbott Memorial Church
3426 Bank Street
Baltimore, MD 21224
Arnolia United Methodist Church
1776 E. Joppa Road
Parkville, MD 21234