After rigorous auditions, five Shipley musicians have been accepted into auditioned choral and band ensembles.

Ananda Leahy ’24 earned a spot on the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 11 Chorus and the American Choral Directors Association National Honors Choir. 

The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) is a statewide nonprofit organization of over 4,000 members, dedicated to promoting the musical development of all Pennsylvanians. After a rigorous audition process with students from schools in Montgomery and Bucks counties, Ananda was selected for the District 11 Chorus. She will audition for the State Chorus in January. 

Ananda will then travel to the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) 2023 National Conference in Cincinnati, OH from February 22-25 to perform with the National Honors Choir. The mission of ACDA is to inspire excellence and nurture lifelong involvement in choral music for everyone through education, performance, composition and advocacy.

Additionally, four members of the US Chamber Wind ensemble were accepted to the Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band: 

Anne Gu ’25, Flute

Charlie Krieg ’24, French Horn

Hailey Li ’24, Oboe

Tomas Tarnopolksy ’23, Clarinet

The Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band (PYSB) provides advanced instrumental music students access to training, musical and personal development, and the opportunity to work with highly experienced professional conductors, musicians, and teachers; to rehearse professional-level wind band repertoire; and to perform in high-profile professional venues throughout the greater Philadelphia region. 

Anne, Charlie, Hailey, and Tomas will be performing at the Kimmel Center and other concerts in the surrounding community later this spring.