GMYC Artistic Director Esther R.H. Rhoades Named 2018 Trendsetter

The Board of the Grand Monadnock Youth Choirs (GMYC) is pleased to announce that Artistic Director, Esther R. H. Rhoades has been chosen for recognition as a 2018 Trendsetter by the Keene Sentinel and the Keene Young Professionals Network.  In its fifth year, the program has recognized over 65 individuals under age 40 who make a positive difference in their workplace or community.

In order to be considered, the nominee had to demonstrate excellence in workplace and community criteria.  In 2015, the founder of the Peterborough Children’s Choir, Maria Belva, welcomed Rhoades in order to grow and strengthen the organization founded by Belva in 1997, with the goal of passing on the Directorship of the Grand Monadnock Youth Choirs (GMYC). 

With a B.S. in Music/Choral Concentration from the University of Delaware, Rhoades has already developed an impressive resume conducting private and public high school choruses in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, as well as the Keene Unitarian Universalist Church choir. Under her leadership, Rhoades leads five Monadnock Region choruses serving young boys and girls.   In Keene:  Keene Youth Chorus, grades 2-4 and Elm City Singers grades 5-8.  In Peterborough: Trebles grades 2-4, Choristers grades 5-8 and the Cecilia Ensemble for young women, grades 9-12.  In 2017, over 100 singers had the opportunity to explore musical composition, performance technique and the joy of accomplishment.

Rhoades continues to build upon a storied history while advancing her unique vision.  Involving the choirs with the community through annual events such as the Keene Tree Lighting and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast provide musical opportunities that instill pride and pleasure. Engagement with other choral groups and organizations offers increased collaboration and visibility while underscoring the GMYC mission.

In 2018 the Keene choirs' repertoire will continue to focus on the music of Civil Rights, specifically from The Children's Marchby Andrew Bleckner, collaboratively performed with the Chamber Singers of Keene under the direction of Dr. Matthew Leese. ThePeterborough choirs will be performing music focusing on Human Rights including the South African National Anthem, the Estonian Freedom Song, and the Children's Declaration of Rights.

The artistic leadership Rhoades brings to GMYC represents important growth for the organization.  Business and foundation supporters, including the Putnam Foundation, have enabled GMYC to hire administrative staff and build funding capacity in order to serve more singers throughout a broader region of New England.  Visit the website at http://www.grandmonadnockyouthchoirs.org/ .  Call (603)313-0052 or email [email protected] for more information.