Staunton Choral Society

Gary Bibens, interim Music Director for Spring 2025, has a bachelor’s of arts degree in music from Mary Baldwin University. He has served as a church music director for over a decade, most recently as the Director of Music and Arts at Crozet UMC in Crozet, VA, where he has directed both the praise band and the chancel choir since 2019.

Gary’s musical experience is varied and includes serving as band director and pianist for a cast of the world-famous touring musical group “Up With People”.  Additionally, he has sung in multiple barbershop choruses and quartets for over the past 40 years, most notably singing tenor with the gold-medal winning Alexandria Harmonizers chorus of Alexandria, VA. Gary currently lives in Waynesboro with his wife Debby.

Catherine is originally from Bellevue, WA and received her BA from the University of Washington while working as a church organist, contract accompanist, and private piano and cello instructor. She worked in the Seattle area as a freelance pianist for several music organizations and in 2007 founded her own music school, Foothills Music Academy.

Catherine holds an MS in Higher Education from Mary Baldwin University where she serves as collaborative pianist for the MBU Choir and music department. Catherine and her German shepherd, Edelweiss are loving their new home in Staunton and the opportunity to perform with the Staunton Choral Society.