Skip to the content

Berks Youth Chorus Elects New Board Member as New Season Begins

by Berks Youth Chorus

Berks Youth Chorus Elects New Board Member as New Season Begins

Berks Youth Chorus is proud to announce that Denise Strohmayr has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors. The staff, volunteers and families congratulate and welcome Denise to the BYC family.

A decorated Associate Professor of Reading Area Community College, Denise Strohmayr has been teaching and supporting students in higher education environments for over 20 years.

In 2020, she received the Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Recognition Award, which recognizes faculty who demonstrate passion, support of their students inside and outside of the classroom and devotion to the holistic success of their students. She holds a B.A. in Speech Communication and an M.A. in Organizational Management.

She pursues her passion for community volunteerism as a board member for the Berks Technical Institute Program Advisory Board and the Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County. She previously served on the board of directors of the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks.

As a Berks County Native, Strohmayr looks forward to supporting the youth of Berks County as they grow through BYC’s program.

“I love supporting the arts in Berks County,” declares Strohmayr, “and I feel quite inspired by BYC’s goals of cultivating leadership, confidence, creativity, and joy in young singers.”

“Denise’s passion for access and inclusion in educational environments throughout Berks County makes her a wonderful new asset for our organization,” shares Sam Barge, Executive and Artistic Director. “The pandemic has had a devastating impact on children’s lives during the last few years, and it has highlighted the inequalities that persist for children with less access to resources.

“Denise’s addition represents BYC’s commitment to serving families throughout our county, so that all Berks youth can come as they are and raise their voices together.”

BYC is preparing for a full year of performances and learning experiences. All BYC singers are rehearsing in person this year, and rehearsals begin September 12.

All young people in grades 3 to 12 are encouraged to join Berks Youth Chorus.  The Chorus welcomes youth of all musical backgrounds and is committed to providing financial assistance to all who need it.  Register and learn more at berksyouthchorus.org.  All who have questions about the Chorus may email [email protected] or call (610) 898-7664.