(York, PA, April 2025) - The York County Honors Choirs (YCHC) Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Amanda Nowell as the new Executive Director, effective early April 2025.

With over 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector, Nowell is thrilled to step into this new role of Executive Director, while continuing as the Director of the Hershey Theatre Apollo Awards. Born and raised in York County, Amanda was a member of the YCHC from 2002 - 2008, highlighted by the opportunity to sing in Westminster Abbey while touring England with the Senior Honors Choir in 2008. She believes the arts are alive and thriving in Central PA, and is proud and grateful to now be at the helm of this incredible organization. Nowell is a well-known community theatre director, directing at local theatres including Hershey Area Playhouse, Theatre Harrisburg, Dreamwrights, and Keystone Theatrics at Allenberry Resort. She enjoys spending time with her husband and 5 year old son, Jordan, and can always be found with an iced coffee in her hand. 

Kevin Alvarnaz, interim Board chair, shared: “It is exciting to have a former Senior Honors Choir member now leading the organization into the future. Ms. Nowell’s passion for the organization, for the arts in general, and her fresh ideas to grow and strengthen the York County Honors Choirs are needed at this point in the organization’s history. We are excited about her joining and leading the team.” 

Nowell adds: “From seventh to twelfth grade, my world revolved around the York County Honors Choirs. I met people with whom I have lifelong friendship, was taught lifelong lessons far exceeding the melodies and harmonies we sang, and was lucky enough to sing in some of the most beautiful places across the world next to some of the most beautiful people that I’ve ever known. The legacy of this organization is not lost on me, and I truly hope to continue to lead as wonderfully as my predecessors.” 

The York County Honors Choirs has been in existence for more than 25 years and has provided choral education and performance opportunities for hundreds of diverse young people from throughout York County. Over the years, Honors Choir students have performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Washington National Cathedral, and the Canterbury Cathedral in England. For more information about the YCHC, how your student can participate, or how you can support the organization may be found at www.theychc.org or by emailing yorkcountyhonorschoirs@gmail.com.