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, President & Manager
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.
Erin Petrella, Accompanist
Erin Petrella holds a B.A. in Music (piano) with an emphasis in Composition and Arranging from Asbury University in Wilmore, KY and the Service Playing and Colleague Certificates from the American Guild of Organists. She studied piano with Denise Mathias, Dr. Donald Zent, and Yvonne Jenkins, composition with Dr. Ron Holz and Dr. Vicki Bell, and organ with Mark Mathias, Rebecca Lepore, and Wayne Wold.
Erin is active as an accompanist and has worked with vocalists, instrumentalists and choral groups in addition to teaching piano privately. She is the organist at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Hagerstown, MD and has served as Organist and Director of Music in episcopal and Moravian churches, as well as having service playing experiences in various other denominations.
Erin is a member of the Frederick County Music Teachers Association, which is an affiliate of the Maryland State Music Teachers Association, and Music Teachers National Association. She is also a member of the Central Maryland and Cumberland Valley Chapters of the American Guild of Organists. Erin resides in Thurmont, MD with her husband, Jay, and their son, Aiden.