-
Choral Program Faculty
Simon Andrews
Director of The Academy Chorale
b. Croydon, England
B.A. Christ Church, Oxford, England
B.Mus. in composition, Christ Church, Oxford
M.A. Christ Church, Oxford, England
Ph.D. University of California, BerkeleyEducated at Chichester Cathedral Choir School, and Christ Church, Oxford, Simon Andrews pursued composition and piano accompaniment studies at the Royal Academy of Music. Winner of the 1985 Benjamin Britten Composition Prize, Dr. Andrews's compositions have been performed throughout the United States and England, France, China and Zambia and broadcast on BBC Radio. In addition to his composition activities, Dr. Andrews has been active as a conductor of opera on both coasts, Music Director of the Harrisburg Choral Society, and involved in education as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Choral Ensembles at Franklin & Marshall College. He joined the faculty of the Pennsylvania Academy of Music in 2001.
Jennifer Lobo
Musical Director Academy'sChildren's Choir
B.A., Gettysburg College
M.A. In Vocal Performance, New York UniversityJennifer Lobo has been named the new Musical Director of the Academy’s Children’s Choir and member of the voice faculty at the Pennsylvania Academy of Music. Ms. Lobo received B.A in music from Gettysburg College and her M.A. in Voice Performance from New York University in New York City. Her teaching experience includes music teacher for the Montessori school, private voice instructor, adjunct music faculty at New York University, and most recently as music teacher at the Manhattan School of Music. Other work experience includes Education Coordinator for the Philadelphia Orchestra and Program Coordinator of the Arts-in-Education Department of the Manhattan School of Music.
Dimitry Shmelev
D.M. in Conducting, St. Petersburg Conservatorium, Russia
Dimitry Shmelev, choral, studied choral conducting and voice instruction eventually earning his Doctor of Music in Conducting from the St. Petersburg Conservatorium in his native Russia. For the past fifteen years, he has been a conductor and voice teacher for Glinka State Capella, a choir that dates back to 1479 and is one of the most celebrated and well-traveled choruses in Russia. Mr. Shmelev has extensive experience abroad as a conductor for various vocal ensembles.
Cindy McGary
Director of Preparatory Singers,
Associate Director of Academy Children's Choir
b. Lancaster, Pennsylvania
B.A. in music education and vocal performance, Lebanon Valley
CollegeMrs. McGary has taken graduate courses at Westminster Choir College. She is the director of the Covenant Ringers Adult Handbell Choir and a choral ensemble at Covenant United Methodist Church. As a performer, she has been an active soloist in the Philadelphia, Reading and Lancaster areas. At the Academy, she is associate director of the Academy's Children's Choir and director of the Preparatory Choir. Additionally, Mrs. McGary holds the position of Academy registrar. She joined the Academy staff in 1995.
