Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus
The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus was founded in 1991 to raise interest in choral music within the schools of northeastern Ohio, and to encourage more students to continue their choral activities through college and into adulthood. The Youth Chorus comprises of approximately 80 members in grades 9 through 12 and represents almost 40 schools and communities. Like their colleagues in the Youth Orchestra, they are selected by audition.
On average, the Youth Chorus presents five concerts each season and collaborates with other musical ensembles such as The Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, and the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. In addition to performances at Severance Music Center, their activities include concerts and community engagement programs throughout the greater Cleveland area, as well as workshops and masterclass opportunities with highly regarded choral directors and clinicians.
The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus has been led by Gareth Morell (1991-98), Betsy Burleigh (1998-2006), Frank Bianchi (2006-12), Lisa Wong (2012-17), and Daniel Singer (2017-present). The ensemble has been widely praised as one of the top high-school-aged choral performing ensembles in the state of Ohio.
ABOUT OUR DIRECTORS
Daniel Singer
Director, Youth Chorus
Daniel Singer joined the choral conducting staff of the Cleveland Orchestra in 2012 as assistant director of the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus. He was promoted to assistant director of choruses and Director of the Youth Chorus with the start of the 2018-19 season.
Since 2011, Mr. Singer has served as director of music at University School in Hunting Valley, Ohio, where he conducts orchestra and chorus. Mr. Singer is also active as a guest conductor and clinician, and has worked with honor choirs and top student ensembles in Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and North Carolina. Mr. Singer performs professionally with Quire Cleveland and has sung as baritone soloist with ensembles throughout the region, including the Wooster Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, Choral Arts Cleveland, and the Suburban Symphony of Cleveland. He is also an arranger and composer, having written for choral and instrumental groups throughout the United States.
Prior to coming to Ohio, Mr. Singer worked as a performer, music director, and teacher in the Chicago area. He taught high school choral music in the cities of Lincolnshire and Cary and participated in music engagement in the Chicago Public Schools. Mr. Singer holds degrees in music education and conducting from Northwestern University and Michigan State University.
Devon Steve
Assistant Director, Youth Chorus
Devon Steve is in his first season with the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus. He is a Cleveland native, returning after years of teaching in Des Moines, Iowa. He currently serves as Director of Music at University School, teaching choir and orchestra. As an active choral singer, he participates in ensemble projects across the Midwest.
Mr. Steve received his B.M. in Music Education from St. Olaf College and is pursuing his Masters of Music in Choral Conducting from Simpson College.