When the Long Beach Youth Chorus ended its season in May due to the pandemic, they also found out that their Artistic Director would be moving out of state. A search over the summer brought them Stevie J. Hirner, who has jumped into the most difficult season imaginable, doing an incredible job keeping their kids engaged and singing online. Even though they haven’t been able to hold a concert, their singers have been preparing three virtual choir videos that will be premiered at their January 30 online Winter Gala. The event will also be a chance to give an official welcome to their new Artistic Director. Stevie Hirner grew up in Georgia, got her Bachelors at Auburn, Master’s at Univ. of Missouri, taught for five years at Chicago inner city schools, then moved to Miami and had another successful run as a choir teacher there and as Assistant Conductor for the South Florida Master Chorale. She has now started on her Doctorate at USC, where she hopes to focus on LGBTQ+ issues in choral and educational settings. To register for the event (it’s free), go to www.longbeachyouthchorus.org/events and follow the link to register. There will be a silent auction and other online performances and presentations, in addition to the chorus videos. Please come enjoy some music and help the LBYC welcome Stevie Hirner to Long Beach. — For interviews or questions, contact Stan DeWitt (He/Him/His)* Executive Director, Long Beach Youth Chorus 562-972-3324 or stan@longbeachyouthchorus.org
* The Long Beach Youth Chorus is an organization that is committed to equity and inclusion in all forms. One way to practice this value is to normalize the sharing of pronouns, and we invite you to do the same, if you are comfortable.”
