Virginia Erwin - Chorale Director, Virginia M. Erwin, soprano, brings over 25 years of teaching and conducting experience to her current position as Music Director of the Blue Ridge Chorale. Currently residing in Keswick, Virginia, she is on the faculty of Piedmont Virginia Community College, where, in addition to her Music Appreciation course, she teaches Classical Voice. As a member of NATS and ACDA, she has directed choirs in Maryland and in Virginia. She was a guest conductor at the 2007 District Music Festival held in Culpeper. Mrs. Erwin received her voice training from Serafina DiGiacomo at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore. With advanced degrees in Education from Syracuse University and in Music from the University of Virginia, Virginia enjoys working with students of all ages. Having previously taught music in the public schools, she is committed to fostering in young people knowledge and appreciation for all genres of music. To that end, she has written and produced several educational musical plays for Charlottesville students.

She is pleased to be in her seventh year with the Chorale, and seeks to bring to her conducting a fresh approach to programming, a sense of enthusiasm, and a commitment to choral excellence. She invites you to share in her enjoyment of good music.

Brittany Bache - Accompanist, Brittany is joining the Blue Ridge Choral for our 2011 Springr season. Brittany lives in Lignum, VA and began her education as a pianist from Cheryl Jarvis a local piano instructor and former BRC accompantist. Later, Brittany
continued her musically education with minored in Music at James Madison University.
She accompanied her church choir (Open Door Baptist) throughout middle and high school.
During high school, at various times, she assisted with accompanying the Culpeper High School choir and Windmore Theater. Brittany also accompanied individual high school
students during competitions/performances, which required some travel.
She is currently the pianist for Open Door Baptist Church in Culpeper, VA, teaches individual piano instruction, and is a pianist for weddings and other special events.
We are pleased to have Brittany share her talents with the Chorale and look forward to many seasons of making joyful music together.

Cathy ter Weele - Youth Choir Director, a mother of 4 children, residing in Culpeper, has been with the choir five years. With a BME degree from Shenandoah Conservatory, having graduated Magna Cum Laude, she has taught music, toured with groups across Europe, sung solos, and adds much to our choir. She is presently teaching in the Culpeper School Systems full time.

Caleb Ballew - Youth Choir Accompanist, joined our chorale in 2009. He is a teenager and piano student of Cheryl Jarvis. In addition to working with our Youth Choir he plays for church and public school activities. We look forward to a growing relationship with this talented young man.

Joe Whitesides - Percussionist,, Drumming is a true passion. Since 1981 he has performed with several rock, funk and jazz groups and continues to play regularly in the region. From 1989 to 1993 Joe performed with Virginia Tech's New Virginians touring show as percussionist. From 2000 to 2005 he served as Drum Instructor to the award-winning Chancellor High School marching band program in Spotsylvania, VA. He has also played in the pit orchestra for theater groups including the Elden Street Player, Middleburg Players, Hill School and Foxcroft School. By day, Joe heads Operations for Hoppmann Audiovisual, a leading regional technology contractor. Joe has one daughter, Gwyneth and is married to Samantha.