We hope to see you at our Christmas concerts. Details are below!
About Us
Formed in 2017, The Gettysburg Choral Society Inc. is an auditioned regional chorus of volunteers.
Mission Statement: The Gettysburg Choral Society, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization composed of auditioned singers who volunteer 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 7-9 pm at Trinity UCC 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 holds the B.A. in voice from the University of Richmond and an M.M. in choral conducting from Eastern Kentucky University, where he was graduate assistant to the director of choral activities. He has done additional graduate studies in music at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY and at The Catholic University in Washington, D.C. As a tenor soloist, John performed with the Richmond Sinfonia and with the United States Continental Army Band. He has been a guest director, lecturer and clinician at a number of Orthodox music conferences. For a number of years, he was the director of music and a cantor at Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Richmond, VA. Additionally, he has been music director in several Protestant denominations. For a decade he served as special correspondent (music critic) for the Richmond Times-Dispatch. He is currently director of the senior choir at Trinity UCC. John also serves as Vice President of the chorus.
Julie Strickland, President & Manager
Julie Strickland received the B.A. in theatre from Elizabethtown College with a dual minor in communications and English professional writing. A native of Gettysburg, she serves as Vice President of her family’s business, Strickland Enterprises, Inc. Julie’s artistic ability, business acumen, and strong community connections continue to help make the chorus an increasingly well-known and well-run organization. Julie studied piano and clarinet as a child, and became interested in choral music as an adult. She previously worked for the American Cancer Society and has a passion for the nonprofit world. Julie hopes to do more volunteering with animal rescues as her schedule allows, and is excited about what the future holds for The Gettysburg Choral Society!
Julie Reaver, Accompanist
Julie Reaver, a native of Gettysburg, began playing piano in the studio of Barbara Braband. After graduating from Gettysburg Area High School, she continued her music education at Duquesne University where she received an undergraduate degree in music therapy. While at Duquesne, Julie accompanied the Duquesne University Chamber Singers as well as vocal auditions and instrumental engagements. She later earned a master’s degree in creative arts therapy from Hahnemann University. Julie spent 18 years in Fayetteville, NC where she began her studies on the organ and has since accompanied choirs in many churches including St. Patrick Catholic Church in Fayetteville, NC, Gettysburg United Methodist Church, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fairfield. She currently serves as organist and choir accompanist for St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Gettysburg and accompanist for the Gettysburg Children's Choir. When she isn’t playing piano or organ, she provides music therapy four days a week at South Mountain Restoration Center.