About Us
Formed in 2017, The Gettysburg Choral Society, Inc. is a regional chorus of auditioned singers.
Mission Statement: The Gettysburg Choral Society, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization composed of auditioned singers who utilize their talents to pursue excellence in choral music performance.
The chorus is open to all singers ages 18 and above who match the specific needs of the chorus and demonstrate vocal competence. Prior choral singing experience, the ability to read music, match pitch and blend are a requirement.
We rehearse on Monday evenings from March through May, and September through mid-December at 7-9pm at St. James Lutheran Church in Gettysburg, PA.
Auditions are held prior to the beginning of each rehearsal cycle and are by appointment only.
Meet our team
With the goal of forming a group that would seek to inspire with good choral music done well, Julie Strickland and John McKay co-founded The Gettysburg Choral Society in 2017.
In 2022, the organization became The Gettysburg Choral Society, Inc., thus becoming a successful 501(c)(3), fully tax-exempt, charitable organization.
John McKay, Artistic Director & Conductor
John McKay grew up singing, but it wasn’t until high school that he was exposed to some extraordinary musical experiences. Having been selected to participate in county, regional and all-state choruses, he had the opportunity to sing with some of the country’s greatest choral conductors. After entering the University of Richmond, he sang with James Erb, a former member of the Robert Shaw Chorale. Joining Erb’s university chorus on a tour of Europe was a transformative experience, as was singing in the Richmond Symphony Chorus’ inaugural performance of Beethoven’s “Missa Solemnis.” Under Erb’s direction, the chorus prepared a magnificent performance led by Robert Shaw. After receiving a B.A. in voice from UR, John’s graduate studies took him to The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for more musical training in voice and conducting. At Eastern Kentucky University, he had more intensive voice instruction and earned the M.M. in choral conducting. As graduate assistant, he directed the university singers in several selections in Notre Dame Cathedral, during the chorus’ European tour. Following his master’s degree, he did extensive graduate work in musicology at the Catholic University of America. As a tenor soloist, he sang with numerous groups such as the United States Continental Army Band and the Richmond Sinfonia. He was the music director at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Richmond, VA. During this time, he was also a special correspondent (music critic) for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, writing 500 reviews and feature stories. This afforded him the opportunity to hear some of America’s finest choral ensembles. A native of Richmond, Virginia, John lives in Abbottstown with his wife, Dr. Gretchen McKay and Zephyr, their special beagle.
Julie Strickland, Executive Director
Julie Strickland graduated cum laude from Elizabethtown College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Performance and dual minors in Communications and English Professional Writing. A native of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, she is Vice President of her family’s business, Strickland Enterprises, Inc. Julie also serves as Communications Manager for Cantate Children’s and Youth Choir in Lynchburg, Virginia, and is a member of the Programming Committee for the Harrisburg Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. During her youth, Julie studied piano with Barbara Finstad and clarinet with Robert Zellner. Music played a significant role in her life—she participated in concert, marching, and county bands; the Pennsylvania All-State Lions Band; and orchestra, including pit orchestra performances for several musicals, with the Gettysburg Area School District. Throughout college and for several years afterward, Julie studied voice privately and performed in numerous plays and musicals across Pennsylvania, including in Lancaster, Hershey, Elizabethtown, Ephrata, and Gettysburg. Among her favorite roles were Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Olivia in Twelfth Night, and the Blue Fairy in Pinocchio. Julie has held leadership roles in several organizations, including President of her college theatre club, Sock & Buskin; Vice President of Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society; Chair of Consistory for her church; and Vice President of the Board of Directors at Totem Pole Playhouse. Her professional background includes work with the American Cancer Society and the Fulton Theatre in Lancaster, reflecting her deep passion for nonprofit organizations. Julie resides in Gettysburg with her two beagles, Sophia Belle and Ellie Mae.
Ethan J. Draper, Assistant Director
Ethan J. Draper is an organist, conductor, and liturgical musician. He serves as Minister of Music and Organist at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hanover, Pennsylvania, which is home to one of the ten largest pipe organs in the world (Austin Organs, Opus 1215). Ethan leads an expansive music ministry at St. Matthew, including a graded music program of vocal and handbell choirs and a diverse concert series on the Austin Organ. Ethan is a graduate of Lebanon Valley College where he studied Sacred Music and Organ Performance with his principal organ instructor, Dr. Shelly Moorman-Stahlman. Previous organ study was with Brenda Arnold Day. He studied conducting with Dr. Kyle Zeuch and voice with Prof. Jonathan Walker-VanKuren. While at the Valley, Ethan served as the collaborative pianist for the LVC College Choir, and served terms as president for both LVC’s Organ Guild and their student chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.
Prior to St. Matthew Ethan was Organ Scholar at Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where he assisted in leading an expansive music ministry. He also served as the Choral Conducting Scholar for the Harrisburg Choral Society in their 2023-2024 season.
Ethan was the 2026 Presser Foundation Scholar at Lebanon Valley College, where he also received the Robert W. Smith Award in Music, Elizabeth May Meyer Award, and the Pickwell Memorial Music Award in previous years. In 2025, Ethan received the Brokaw grant from the American Bach Society, awarded to one undergraduate nationally each year, which allowed him to research in residence at the Riemenschneider Bach Institute at Baldwin Wallace University. He is also an active member of the American Guild of Organists, serving on the National Committee for Young Organists and as the Sub Dean of the Harrisburg Chapter. Ethan has received his Service Playing Certification through the American Guild of Organists.
Christian Keller, Accompanist
Christian Keller is a pianist, organist, conductor, and music educator from Littlestown, Pennsylvania, pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education at Gettysburg College’s Sunderman Conservatory of Music (‘27). He studies organ with Professor Scott Fredericks, piano with Dr. Jocelyn Swigger, and conducting with Drs. Russell McCutcheon and Robert Natter. At Gettysburg College, he has held leadership roles including College Choir President/Manager, and Treasurer of the college’s National Association for Music Education chapter.
Keller is active throughout the region as a performer, accompanist, and church musician. He currently serves as Director of Music and Organist at Christ Lutheran Church in Gettysburg. There, he leads a thriving music ministry comprising adult and children’s choirs, as well as handbell and instrumental ensembles. Previously, he served three years as Director of Music and Organist at Grace United Church of Christ in Hanover, Pennsylvania, overseeing its music program and Worship and Music Committee. In 2025–2026, he also interned with the Gettysburg Children’s Choir under Artistic Director Dr. Megan Ankuda. Keller has performed in diverse sacred and concert settings, including Gettysburg College services, choral concerts, recitals, and services for bishops and the Network of ELCA Colleges and University Chaplains.
His development as an organist has been strongly shaped by his long-standing study with Scott Fredericks, whose musicianship and commitment to excellence have profoundly influenced Keller’s approach to church music ministry. Following his 2027 graduation, Keller looks forward to teaching future musicians and continuing to share his passion through music ministry.