Shaping young lives through musical excellence.
A world united by children who love music and each other.
Love and respect one another.
Love and respect the music.
Do our best.
The St. Louis Children’s Choirs typically serves over 450 singers (ages 6 to 18), from more than 200 schools and 85 zip codes in Missouri and Illinois. These young artists bring their talent and love of classical, sacred, contemporary, and world music to concert stages for everyone to enjoy.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Berner, outstanding music directors train our young singers with diverse and challenging curriculum in seven different ensembles based on age and musical ability. The Choirs offers young artists world-class performance opportunities and a choral music experience that emphasizes musical excellence and character education.
We promote individual growth through discipline, responsibility, leadership, humility, unselfishness, and teamwork.
We appreciate the value of every individual and the beauty of every voice.
We perform choral music at the highest level of achievement and strive for excellence in all we do.
We promote the joy of singing and the building of friendships through song so "That music made together may one day heal mankind."
We consistently demonstrate high standards of honesty and moral conduct.
Highly regarded by her peers and beloved by her singers, Barbara Berner celebrates her 24th season as Artistic Director with The St. Louis Children’s Choirs. Under her direction, the advanced touring ensemble has performed nationally at the Oregon Bach Festival, Southwest and National American Choral Directors Association conventions, Carnegie Hall, and the White House. Internationally, they’ve performed in Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Scotland, and most recently Montreal, Canada. The recipient of the 2017 Missouri Arts Awards for excellence in Arts Education, she has conducted the National Children’s Festival Chorus at Lincoln Center and state honor choirs in Kentucky and New Mexico. She has prepared Concert Choir for over ninety performances with the St. Louis Symphony.
Mrs. Berner received her BA from Principia College and her Master of Music from Ithaca College. Awarded an Artist-Teacher and Master Teacher Diploma from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education, she also holds an Advanced Certificate from the Kodály Pedagogical Institute in Kecskémet, Hungary.
Highly regarded by her peers and beloved by her singers, Barbara Berner celebrates her 24th season as Artistic Director with The St. Louis Children’s Choirs. Under her direction, the advanced touring ensemble has performed nationally at the Oregon Bach Festival, Southwest and National American Choral Directors Association conventions, Carnegie Hall, and the White House. Internationally, they’ve performed in Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Scotland, and most recently Montreal, Canada. The recipient of the 2017 Missouri Arts Awards for excellence in Arts Education, she has conducted the National Children’s Festival Chorus at Lincoln Center and state honor choirs in Kentucky and New Mexico. She has prepared Concert Choir for over ninety performances with the St. Louis Symphony.
Mrs. Berner received her BA from Principia College and her Master of Music from Ithaca College. Awarded an Artist-Teacher and Master Teacher Diploma from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education, she also holds an Advanced Certificate from the Kodály Pedagogical Institute in Kecskémet, Hungary.
Adrienne Broyles holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance with a minor in languages and a Master of Arts degree in Music Education from Indiana University- Bloomington. Mrs. Broyles became a member of the artistic staff of The St. Louis Children’s Choirs in 2001. She has completed Level II in Kodály, Level II in Orff-Schulwerk, and was awarded an Artist-Teacher Diploma from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education. Mrs. Broyles was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2010 at Mason Ridge Elementary School in the Parkway School District. She was a presenter at the 2014 Orff-Schulwerk National Conference and for the St. Louis Kodaly Chapter, and has presented choral workshops and served as a guest conductor/clinician for numerous districts. Mrs. Broyles currently teaches at Parkway West Middle School.
Adrienne Broyles holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance with a minor in languages and a Master of Arts degree in Music Education from Indiana University- Bloomington. Mrs. Broyles became a member of the artistic staff of The St. Louis Children’s Choirs in 2001. She has completed Level II in Kodály, Level II in Orff-Schulwerk, and was awarded an Artist-Teacher Diploma from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education. Mrs. Broyles was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2010 at Mason Ridge Elementary School in the Parkway School District. She was a presenter at the 2014 Orff-Schulwerk National Conference and for the St. Louis Kodaly Chapter, and has presented choral workshops and served as a guest conductor/clinician for numerous districts. Mrs. Broyles currently teaches at Parkway West Middle School.
Belinda Burnworth holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree with honors from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and a law degree from Saint Louis University. After working as an attorney, Mrs. Burnworth found she missed teaching and returned to the field of music education. She teaches vocal music and guitar at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic School in Belleville, Illinois. Mrs. Burnworth taught music reading for Choristers and Concert Choir for ten years and served on the Choirs’ Board of Directors for 8 years. In 2017, she was awarded an Artist-Teacher Diploma from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education.
Belinda Burnworth holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree with honors from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. and a law degree from Saint Louis University. After working as an attorney, Mrs. Burnworth found she missed teaching and returned to the field of music education. She teaches vocal music and guitar at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic School in Belleville, Illinois. Mrs. Burnworth taught music reading for Choristers and Concert Choir for ten years and served on the Choirs’ Board of Directors for 8 years. In 2017, she was awarded an Artist-Teacher Diploma from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education.
Whitney Cairns is marking her tenth season as Director of the Chorale ensemble. Active as a guest conductor and clinician, Mrs. Cairns appears with the University of Missouri-St. Louis’ Acappellooza Festival; has guest conducted the Kirkwood Children’s Chorale, the Fort Zumwalt Middle School Choral Festival, and the Metro 8 Elementary Honors Choir, and directs the Children’s Choir at Central Presbyterian Church. In 2019, Mrs. Cairns gave multiple presentations at the Missouri Music Educators’ Association State Conference and has served as Lecturer of Ear Training and Aural Skills at the University of Missouri-St. Louis since 2011. Mrs. Cairns holds a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. Her Bachelor of Science degree in K-12 Music Education is from Pennsylvania State University. In 2017, she was awarded an Artist-Teacher Diploma from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education.
Whitney Cairns is marking her tenth season as Director of the Chorale ensemble. Active as a guest conductor and clinician, Mrs. Cairns appears with the University of Missouri-St. Louis’ Acappellooza Festival; has guest conducted the Kirkwood Children’s Chorale, the Fort Zumwalt Middle School Choral Festival, and the Metro 8 Elementary Honors Choir, and directs the Children’s Choir at Central Presbyterian Church. In 2019, Mrs. Cairns gave multiple presentations at the Missouri Music Educators’ Association State Conference and has served as Lecturer of Ear Training and Aural Skills at the University of Missouri-St. Louis since 2011. Mrs. Cairns holds a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester. Her Bachelor of Science degree in K-12 Music Education is from Pennsylvania State University. In 2017, she was awarded an Artist-Teacher Diploma from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education.
Dr. John McDonald is Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of Choirs at McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois. John holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance, as well as a Master of Music degree in conducting from East Carolina University and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He previously taught choral music at Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. John also maintains a career as a professional ensemble singer with the Church of St. Michael and St. George in Clayton and the Missouri Choral Artists.
Dr. John McDonald is Assistant Professor of Music Education and Director of Choirs at McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois. John holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance, as well as a Master of Music degree in conducting from East Carolina University and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Middle Tennessee State University. He previously taught choral music at Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. John also maintains a career as a professional ensemble singer with the Church of St. Michael and St. George in Clayton and the Missouri Choral Artists.
Lauren Romano has been a part of The St. Louis Children’s Choirs since 1999 when she joined Music Makers. She graduated from Concert Choir in 2011, and was also an SLCC ensemble assistant from 2012-2016. Mrs. Romano is now in her third season conducting Children’s Choir 1A ensemble. She studied conducting at Webster University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 2016. Mrs. Romano teaches music at Seckman Elementary School and is the children’s choir director at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Webster Groves. She completed Level III Certification from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education in 2019. She often conducts our Music Made Together Honor Choirs.
Lauren Romano has been a part of The St. Louis Children’s Choirs since 1999 when she joined Music Makers. She graduated from Concert Choir in 2011, and was also an SLCC ensemble assistant from 2012-2016. Mrs. Romano is now in her third season conducting Children’s Choir 1A ensemble. She studied conducting at Webster University, where she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 2016. Mrs. Romano teaches music at Seckman Elementary School and is the children’s choir director at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Webster Groves. She completed Level III Certification from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education in 2019. She often conducts our Music Made Together Honor Choirs.
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Donna Solverud has been teaching high school and middle school choir in the mountain west region for the past sixteen years and will be the Director of Choral Activities at Francis Howell Central High School this fall. Ms. Solverud has been a clinician and adjudicator for state solo and ensemble festivals and served in state leadership roles for the Wyoming Music Educators Association. She holds her Master of Music Education with an emphasis in choral conducting and a Bachelor of Music Education from Colorado State University. Ms. Solverud has been conducting church choirs and handbell ensembles for the last 17 years and has sung and played flute with various civic ensembles. She is passionate about sharing her love for music with young people.
Donna Solverud has been teaching high school and middle school choir in the mountain west region for the past sixteen years and will be the Director of Choral Activities at Francis Howell Central High School this fall. Ms. Solverud has been a clinician and adjudicator for state solo and ensemble festivals and served in state leadership roles for the Wyoming Music Educators Association. She holds her Master of Music Education with an emphasis in choral conducting and a Bachelor of Music Education from Colorado State University. Ms. Solverud has been conducting church choirs and handbell ensembles for the last 17 years and has sung and played flute with various civic ensembles. She is passionate about sharing her love for music with young people.
Billie Derham joined the Children’s Choirs in 2000 and performed with Concert Choir at Carnegie Hall in 2001 and 2010 and at Lincoln Center in 2013. A member of the music faculty at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, she has been a staff accompanist for the UMSL Music Department, St. Louis Conservatory of Music, and Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Mrs. Derham has played for the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, the Bach Society, and many soloists including Christine Brewer, Robert McFerrin, Mark Madsen, and Jay Willoughby. She has performed on the Premiere Performance concert series, Christ Church Cathedral concert series, The Sheldon concert series, and many other venues in the St. Louis area and the Midwest as an accompanist and soloist. She has also been the organist for Our Savior Lutheran Church in St. Charles, MO since 1995. Mrs. Derham graduated magna cum laude from Lindenwood University and with the highest honors from Southern Illinois University with degrees in piano performance.
Billie Derham joined the Children’s Choirs in 2000 and performed with Concert Choir at Carnegie Hall in 2001 and 2010 and at Lincoln Center in 2013. A member of the music faculty at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, she has been a staff accompanist for the UMSL Music Department, St. Louis Conservatory of Music, and Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Mrs. Derham has played for the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, the Bach Society, and many soloists including Christine Brewer, Robert McFerrin, Mark Madsen, and Jay Willoughby. She has performed on the Premiere Performance concert series, Christ Church Cathedral concert series, The Sheldon concert series, and many other venues in the St. Louis area and the Midwest as an accompanist and soloist. She has also been the organist for Our Savior Lutheran Church in St. Charles, MO since 1995. Mrs. Derham graduated magna cum laude from Lindenwood University and with the highest honors from Southern Illinois University with degrees in piano performance.
Michael Frazier is a graduate of Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville, where he received his Master of Arts degree in Piano Performance and Accompanying. In addition to his work with The St. Louis Children’s Choirs, he serves as accompanist for Main Street United Methodist Church, Lindenwood University, the Ladue School District, and is an adjunct professor of Piano at Missouri Baptist University. Mr. Frazier also serves as musical director and accompanist for several theaters in the St. Louis metro area and is a private piano instructor.
Michael Frazier is a graduate of Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville, where he received his Master of Arts degree in Piano Performance and Accompanying. In addition to his work with The St. Louis Children’s Choirs, he serves as accompanist for Main Street United Methodist Church, Lindenwood University, the Ladue School District, and is an adjunct professor of Piano at Missouri Baptist University. Mr. Frazier also serves as musical director and accompanist for several theaters in the St. Louis metro area and is a private piano instructor.
Sarah Gallaher is a graduate of the University of Minnesota– Twin Cities where she completed a Masters of Music degree in Collaborative Piano and Coaching. A St. Louis native and Cor Jesu Academy graduate, she joined the St. Louis Children’s Choirs artistic staff in 2016. Ms. Gallaher is on faculty at St. Charles Community College and the Community Music School at Webster University, teaching class piano proficiency and private lessons. In addition, she leads youth music ministry at Our Lady of Providence Church and works as a freelance pianist in the St. Louis metro area.
Sarah Gallaher is a graduate of the University of Minnesota– Twin Cities where she completed a Masters of Music degree in Collaborative Piano and Coaching. A St. Louis native and Cor Jesu Academy graduate, she joined the St. Louis Children’s Choirs artistic staff in 2016. Ms. Gallaher is on faculty at St. Charles Community College and the Community Music School at Webster University, teaching class piano proficiency and private lessons. In addition, she leads youth music ministry at Our Lady of Providence Church and works as a freelance pianist in the St. Louis metro area.
Linda Radick graduated from SIUE with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Mrs. Radick accompanies for the Parkway School District and accompanies singers and instrumentalists at Solo and Ensemble Festivals. She has served as the music minister at several large St. Louis churches, and currently leads the contemporary worship at St. Lucas UCC. Mrs. Radick has served as the musical director/pianist for many high school and community theater productions, including Webster Groves High School, Marble Stage Theater, Insight Theater, and Kirkwood Theater Guild. She volunteers as a pianist at the David C. Pratt Cancer Center at Mercy Hospital.
Linda Radick graduated from SIUE with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Mrs. Radick accompanies for the Parkway School District and accompanies singers and instrumentalists at Solo and Ensemble Festivals. She has served as the music minister at several large St. Louis churches, and currently leads the contemporary worship at St. Lucas UCC. Mrs. Radick has served as the musical director/pianist for many high school and community theater productions, including Webster Groves High School, Marble Stage Theater, Insight Theater, and Kirkwood Theater Guild. She volunteers as a pianist at the David C. Pratt Cancer Center at Mercy Hospital.
Katie Beth Smith holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music History from the University of Missouri-Columbia and dual Master of Music Degrees in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Washington University in St. Louis. Ms. Smith joined The St. Louis Children’s Choirs artistic staff in 2016. Ms. Smith has accompanied for various soloists and ensembles in the St. Louis area, including the choirs of Lutheran High School-St. Charles, Kirkwood Children’s Chorale, Trinity Presbyterian Church, and the Rockwood South Middle School choral program. In addition to accompanying for Children’s Choir 1B, Ms. Smith maintains a private piano studio.
Katie Beth Smith holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music History from the University of Missouri-Columbia and dual Master of Music Degrees in Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy from Washington University in St. Louis. Ms. Smith joined The St. Louis Children’s Choirs artistic staff in 2016. Ms. Smith has accompanied for various soloists and ensembles in the St. Louis area, including the choirs of Lutheran High School-St. Charles, Kirkwood Children’s Chorale, Trinity Presbyterian Church, and the Rockwood South Middle School choral program. In addition to accompanying for Children’s Choir 1B, Ms. Smith maintains a private piano studio.
Highly regarded by her peers and beloved by her singers, Barbara Berner celebrates her 21st season as Artistic Director with The St. Louis Children’s Choirs. Under her direction, the advanced touring ensemble has performed nationally at the Oregon Bach Festival, Southwest and National American Choral Directors Association conventions, Carnegie Hall, and the White House. Internationally, they’ve performed in Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Scotland, and most recently Montreal, Canada. The recipient of the 2017 Missouri Arts Awards for excellence in Arts Education, she has conducted the National Children’s Festival Chorus at Lincoln Center and state honor choirs in Kentucky and New Mexico. She has prepared Concert Choir for over ninety performances with the St. Louis Symphony.
Mrs. Berner received her BA from Principia College and her Master of Music from Ithaca College. Awarded an Artist-Teacher and Master Teacher Diploma from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education, she also holds an Advanced Certificate from the Kodály Pedagogical Institute in Kecskémet, Hungary.
Highly regarded by her peers and beloved by her singers, Barbara Berner celebrates her 21st season as Artistic Director with The St. Louis Children’s Choirs. Under her direction, the advanced touring ensemble has performed nationally at the Oregon Bach Festival, Southwest and National American Choral Directors Association conventions, Carnegie Hall, and the White House. Internationally, they’ve performed in Australia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Scotland, and most recently Montreal, Canada. The recipient of the 2017 Missouri Arts Awards for excellence in Arts Education, she has conducted the National Children’s Festival Chorus at Lincoln Center and state honor choirs in Kentucky and New Mexico. She has prepared Concert Choir for over ninety performances with the St. Louis Symphony.
Mrs. Berner received her BA from Principia College and her Master of Music from Ithaca College. Awarded an Artist-Teacher and Master Teacher Diploma from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education, she also holds an Advanced Certificate from the Kodály Pedagogical Institute in Kecskémet, Hungary.
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With over 30 years of business experience as an executive, consultant, coach, facilitator and educator, Pam has attended Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton School of Business management courses. She was one of seven vice-presidents for a billion-dollar company and ran a $30 million-dollar publishing concern for 52 print, audio, and video products. In 1999, she founded In Good Order and has served a diverse roster of clients. In her third season, she loves contributing to the Choirs as their COO.
With over 30 years of business experience as an executive, consultant, coach, facilitator and educator, Pam has attended Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton School of Business management courses. She was one of seven vice-presidents for a billion-dollar company and ran a $30 million-dollar publishing concern for 52 print, audio, and video products. In 1999, she founded In Good Order and has served a diverse roster of clients. In her third season, she loves contributing to the Choirs as their COO.
Ben Nordstrom joins The St. Louis Children’s Choirs after serving as Development Director at the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, St. Louis Chapter. Prior to his time at AAFA-STL, Ben enjoyed a twenty year career as a professional actor and singer in St. Louis and New York City. His stage credits include roles in musicals and plays, Off-Broadway and at regional theaters across the country including many appearances at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, The Muny, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, the New Jewish Theatre, Stages St. Louis, and others. He has been seen or heard in commercials and voice-overs for Explore St. Louis, Missouri Lottery, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, McDonald’s, Hewlett-Packard, and Schnucks and continues to emcee live events for many organizations in the area. As an educator, Ben has had the privilege of working with students at Villa Duchesne, The Muny, GCPA, and COCA. He is the recipient of a St. Louis Theatre Circle Award and two Kevin Kline Awards. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Actors Equity Association, and SAG-AFTRA, and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Webster Conservatory.
Ben Nordstrom joins The St. Louis Children’s Choirs after serving as Development Director at the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, St. Louis Chapter. Prior to his time at AAFA-STL, Ben enjoyed a twenty year career as a professional actor and singer in St. Louis and New York City. His stage credits include roles in musicals and plays, Off-Broadway and at regional theaters across the country including many appearances at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, The Muny, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, the New Jewish Theatre, Stages St. Louis, and others. He has been seen or heard in commercials and voice-overs for Explore St. Louis, Missouri Lottery, St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, McDonald’s, Hewlett-Packard, and Schnucks and continues to emcee live events for many organizations in the area. As an educator, Ben has had the privilege of working with students at Villa Duchesne, The Muny, GCPA, and COCA. He is the recipient of a St. Louis Theatre Circle Award and two Kevin Kline Awards. He is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Actors Equity Association, and SAG-AFTRA, and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Webster Conservatory.
Geda is recently retired from teaching general music in the Fort Zumwalt School District. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Master of Arts Degree from Maryville University in St. Louis. She is a certified Orff-Schulwerk Specialist (Levels 1, 2, 3, and Master). Geda and her husband Jim have three children: Lydia, Gea Rose and Isaiah, and three grandsons: Henry, Julius, and Louis. Gea and Isaiah are proud St. Louis Children’s Choir alums. Geda’s family loves to travel, attend plays and concerts, and sing a cappella harmony. Geda also loves reading, sewing, seeing her children perform in plays and musicals, watching her grandsons play hockey, and spending time with her family. She is overjoyed to be a part of the St. Louis Children’s Choirs team.
Geda is recently retired from teaching general music in the Fort Zumwalt School District. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis and a Master of Arts Degree from Maryville University in St. Louis. She is a certified Orff-Schulwerk Specialist (Levels 1, 2, 3, and Master). Geda and her husband Jim have three children: Lydia, Gea Rose and Isaiah, and three grandsons: Henry, Julius, and Louis. Gea and Isaiah are proud St. Louis Children’s Choir alums. Geda’s family loves to travel, attend plays and concerts, and sing a cappella harmony. Geda also loves reading, sewing, seeing her children perform in plays and musicals, watching her grandsons play hockey, and spending time with her family. She is overjoyed to be a part of the St. Louis Children’s Choirs team.
