WE'RE CELEBRATING OUR TWELFTH SEASON!

The York County Honors Choirs are unique in that they work in collaboration with choral directors from all of the 17 school districts in York County, PA. Each student in both choirs has been recommended by his or her school music director, private music instructor or home-school association. The collaboration has developed over the past ten years and makes this a very special singing situation. They are not part of any one school district, but rather represent all of York County.

More than ten years ago, York County celebrated its 250th Anniversary. At that time, the York County SENIOR Honors Choir was started as a way to include school students in grades 10, 11 and 12 from across the county in York's 250th Anniversary Celebration. The choir was formed and directed by Mr. Randy Yoder and received funding from the 250th Anniversary Committee.

The music of the Honors Choir met with such success that first year that a decision was made to continue the choir, and solicitation for funding from individuals and companies in the area began, as well as grants from many sources including our County Commissioners.

After about three years, it seemed only natural to expand the choir to reach grades 7, 8 and 9 to provide this terrific musical opportunity to younger students. Thus, the York County JUNIOR Honors Choir was formed and Mrs. Donna Knott agreed to be its musical director. Last year, the Honors Choir organization expanded even further and developed a summer choral camp program for children in grades 4, 5 and 6.

The Honors Choir Advisory Board feels these students have been provided with a wonderful musical experience. To their surprise, however, the benefits have far exceeded the musical opportunities. The members have met other students from all around York County who have the same love of music, the dedication and the talent. The social capital building that has been developing has astounded all of us, and the Board could not more be more pleased. The Choir members have become leaders and role models within their own schools, while at the same time they are learning the importance of community involvement.

Today, more than ten years since the Honors Choir organization began, all of the choirs' activities are now directed by an Advisory Board, and the funding continues to be solicited from individuals and companies, the County Commissioners and grant opportunities around the county. Mrs. Judy Simpson is the President of the Advisory Board, and Mrs. Susan Boyer is Executive Director.