The Lebanon County Choral Society was founded in 1889 and has been dedicated to bringing quality choral music to the Lebanon Valley ever since. Masterworks are a regular feature of the repertoire and have included Handel’s Messiah, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Vaughan Williams’s Dona Nobis Pacem, and many others. The Society produces two concerts a year, one in December and the other in May.

Added in 2011, the Youth Chorus of the Lebanon County Choral Society provides quality music education through the preparation and performance of pieces in the society’s seasonal concerts, as well as at special programs of their own. Students are exposed to high quality repertoire, in a variety of languages, with diverse accompaniments. In addition, the ensemble maintains a focus on healthy, age-appropriate vocal technique, poise and professionalism in performance, and a generous measure of youthful fun. The goal is to make the experience a welcome addition to the school music programs in the area, as well as to provide a choral experience to students without access to school ensembles.

Karen Umberger, longtime director of the Youth Chorus, is retiring this year. While Karen is irreplaceable, the choral society is looking for a new Youth Chorus director. Qualifications are as follows:

  • A degree in music, or equivalent training and experience, is required.
  • Knowledge of and respect for traditional choral literature is required.
  • Experience in choral music—particularly with young singers—is strongly preferred, as is a proven record with recruitment and retention of participants.
  • A satisfactory report of criminal history from the Pennsylvania State Police and a Child Abuse History certification from the Department of Human Services, or a willingness to obtain these before beginning the position, is required.

“The Lebanon County Choral Society has an impressive legacy of bringing extraordinary choral music to the Lebanon area,” says Sean Hackett, artistic director. “We have singers from Palmyra, Mt. Gretna, Robesonia, and beyond.” He also speaks highly of the camaraderie of the group. “There is a spirit of friendship that is very special, in both the adult and youth ensembles. We have adult singers whose children or grandchildren sing with the youth, and that multigenerational experience is so valuable.”

A member of the Lebanon County Choral Society’s Youth Chorus poses for a picture with his grandfather, who is in the Adult Chorus.

The full description of the Youth Chorus director job can be seen here, along with information about applying. Questions can be directed to artistic director Sean Hackett at adultchoruslccs@gmail.com.

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