For this weekend’s playlist around Mother’s Day, I wanted to highlight our chorus in our ongoing exploration of the unique power of music to heal, both because there are a number of mothers in our chorus and we’d like to celebrate them along with all of the rest of you in the community, and to share two pieces sung by children that remind us of the people who will be carrying the country forward in the future. 

I also wanted to highlight the work of the chorus in featuring its members. If you haven’t seen them yet, please visit us on Facebook to see interviews with director Jeff Webb.
In this clip, Valerie Galczynski describes how her experience with the chorus helped to literally give her her voice back. This is a small clip from a longer interview; there are many more to view as well as a way of getting to know our chorus members and the role of music in their life.

I know from having worked with the group over the past four seasons just how much the chorus means to the community of men and women who sing in it, and the impact they have on the community through their singing. To explore more of these videos, please visit their YouTube channel!


We hope this finds you safe, and send our greetings through this music,

James Blachly
Music Director, Johnstown Symphony Orchestra


May 9: A playlist from the Johnstown Symphony Chorus

Dan Shuman : My name is Dan Shuman. I have a day job as an actuary, mostly staring at spreadsheets all day, but I've enjoyed making music from my youth, whether on the trumpet, piano, or voice. I sing tenor with the JSO chorus.
This music is so tranquil and helps bring peace to me when I'm troubled.
Emily Roy : Emily Roy is the Organist and Music Director at Resurrection Church in Cambria City. She sang with Inclined to Sing Children’s Chorus for eleven years and has now been a member of the Johnstown Symphony Chorus for two years
This truly lovely piece based on the hymn tune 'Rhosymedre' has been very special to me for the past few years. In its gentleness, simplicity, and beauty, it has had the power to uplift my soul and arouse a quiet joy. As you listen, I hope that it may stir your heart and be a blessing to you in these frightening times.
Doyle Yernaux:   I've been singing with the chorus for eight years and have performed in various theater productions around the area. I was introduced to JSO while studying at Pitt-Johnstown out of a desire to perform. I enjoy being on stage in any capacity so long as I'm able to reach out to people the best way i know how.
Heliotrope Bouquet by Scott Joplin and Louis Chauvin was written in 1907. I've been playing this more often since the National Emergency. There's something about this piece that reminds me of simpler times. Chauvin died a year after its publication. Here, one can feel the sense of a dying man making something beautiful to leave behind.
Christina Flower :  My name is Christina, I'm 27 and music is what makes my days brighter. Whether I am singing in the symphony chorus, my church choir, or just by myself. I have never found another aspect of life that can make me happier. 
This virus has served as the great equalizer I believe that as a people it can serve as a reminder that one by one, we can get through this experience.
Emily is one of the great examples we have of someone who sang with Inclined to Sing for many years before joining our Johnstown Symphony Chorus. Inspired by her contribution to the playlist, I wanted to add a few of my own.

The first video is taken from a performance from February 2020 of high school students of Nikolai Golovanov, Heruvimskaya pesn (Cherubic Hymn); the second is our nation’s national anthem in a similar setting but some years earlier. 

These performances serve as a reminder of how vital our children are to the strength of our society – how they have the power to transform the world around them into a place of beauty, and how they will soon be helping to solve many of the problems we now face. We also with to send our congratulations to our high school and college Seniors and their family, who are unable to gather as they graduate.
Meet the Johnstown Symphony Chorus
Under the direction of Jeffrey L. Webb, nearly 100 local vocalists rehearse weekly. The Johnstown Symphony Chorus performs the great works of the choral repertoire with the professional orchestra each year. Dedicated to musical excellence and a high level of artistry, the Johnstown Symphony Chorus is also a friendly and fun environment in which to learn and grow. More than a performing ensemble, the JSC is dedicated to the service of our community, sponsoring families for Thanksgiving each year, raising money to provide scholarships for Inclined to Sing choristers, performing at residential facilities, and adding musical charm and spirit to events such as the annual Light-Up Night in Downtown Johnstown. The chorus makes regular appearances at Veterans and Memorial Day events.