OUR HISTORY

Since the first concert for York County's 250th Anniversary Celebration in 1999, York County Honors Choirs celebrates the county's rich diversity through the voices of its youth. The original choir's great success during the supposed one-time performance inspired then-Director Randy Yoder and the Board, led by Judy Simpson, to establish a permanent choir of students in grades 10−12, representing the many school districts of York County.

Now known as Senior Honors Choir, this group of singers has sung for President George H.W. Bush, performed in the United Nations, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, St. Patrick's Cathedral, and Carnegie Hall in New York, Canterbury Cathedral and the York Minster in England, and the Washington National Cathedral. In 2020, Directors Randy Yoder and Michal Buchanan passed the baton to Mr. Carlos Casilla as the new Senior Honors Choir Artistic Director, continuing with the excellent music education that is the hallmark of York County Honors Choirs.

In 2002, Director Donna Knott founded York County Junior Honors Choir, for students in grades 7−9. As a valued music education and choral performance program, the choir has been selected to perform in Heinz Chapel, the Naval Academy Chapel, New Bethel Baptist Church in Washington DC, American Choral Directors Eastern Division and State Conferences, and PA Music Educators State Conference. They have participated in choral exchange programs and workshops throughout the state. After Donna Knott's retirement in 2022, the Junior Honors Choir welcomed Miss Rachel Morgan Im as the new conductor starting with the 2022-23 season.

Today, both of these Choirs serve as choral ambassadors of York County, presenting up to 20 concerts annually. Concorde Vocal Ensemble of the Senior Honors Choir (2010-2020) was selected in a nationwide competition as one of two high school groups to perform in the National High School Choral Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City in 2011 and performed at the ACDA Eastern Division Conference in Providence in 2012. Synergy Vocal Ensemble (2010-2020) of the Junior Honors Choir has performed with the David Benoit Jazz Quartet and as part of “Christmas with The Celts.”

Fostering relationships with school districts, private music instructors, homeschoolers, and community groups ensures that singers from all over York County are included. This unique educational opportunity gives singers the ability to reach a higher level of musicianship with other students who have the same love of music, level of dedication, and desire for excellence. Over 1100 Honors Choir alumni have gone on to achieve success in their communities, benefiting from their confidence and skills obtained through the program.