Ruthann Waldie
In 1997, Ruthann realized that the parents of her 240 chorus students at Garnet Valley High School had no community chorus in the area and knew that many would be interested in participating in this type of an organization. As the high school choral director and director of the school’s musicals, she understood that music was something that people of all ages and abilities could enjoy, so she sent out a call to the community to come and sing. The first rehearsal had 28 singers, the first concert featured 60 performers and the group now has a membership of 125+. Ruthann received her B.S. in Music Education with a Vocal concentration from West Chester University and her MS in HR Development from Villanova University.
George Waldie Jr. – Director
George has been the director of the West Chester Area Community Chorus since its inception. He received his B.S. in Music Education (Vocal Concentration) from West Chester University and taught music in several Delco public schools. After moving into the technology business world, he remained involved in music by singing with several groups and churches in the area, directing musicals, performing in local theater productions and continuing to direct the West Chester Area Community Chorus.
Samantha Brown – Director
A 1999 graduate of WC East High School, Samantha participated in District and Regional chorus festivals, school choirs and the spring musical. Look for her smiling face on the auditorium lobby picture wall at our next concert or outside the choral room at a rehearsal.
She graduated from Susquehanna University and earned a B.S. in Music Education. After 8 years of teaching classroom music, directing choirs and musicals, Samantha transitioned to a career in Human Resources. When asked if she missed anything about teaching, her answer was always the choirs, making music with her students and working toward a performance.
She sang with the West Chester Area Community Chorus regularly and over time began assisting with rehearsals and conducting a piece or two in the concerts.
She is now the co-director and has taken on a leadership role with the group.
Ellie Watts – Accompanist
I grew up with a lot of music in my family. We especially loved Broadway musicals. My mother sang, played the accordion and piano, and encouraged each of us to play an instrument. I started accompanying (way, way back) in junior and senior high school for the concert choir, district, regional and state choruses, and parent/teacher musicals. In college at Temple, and thereafter, I did a lot of accompanying for instrumental and vocal soloists. I have had private piano students over the years and enjoyed teaching! My introduction to the West Chester Area Community Chorus came about after my sister (a soprano in the chorus) called to see if I’d be interested in volunteering to accompany sectional rehearsals of the chorus. I distinctly remember that first rehearsal when I met George to rehearse with the men. The variety of music, pace of the rehearsal, enthusiasm of the chorus, and… maybe most of all… George’s conducting style, left no doubt in my mind that I wanted to go back for more!! It’s been years now, and I always look forward to September when chorus resumes and we find out what music we’ll be working on to prepare for the winter concert!
- Board of Directors:
- Charles Vogeley – President
- Kathy Adams-House – Secretary
- Marj Scott – Treasurer
- Maureen Sullivan – Board Member
- Crystal Bowhall – Board Member
- Pat Howard – Board Member
- Nancy McCue – Board Member