Staunton Choral Society
Rehearsals for our Fall 2026 Semester start August 24th!
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Mission
Mission
The Staunton Choral Society is a welcoming, non-auditioned community choir dedicated to sharing the love of music with the Staunton area. Open to all voices—soprano, alto, tenor, and bass—we embrace singers of all backgrounds and skill levels. Our diverse repertoire spans classical, folk, contemporary, and sacred music, ensuring something for everyone to enjoy. Committed to making music accessible to all, we proudly offer free concerts to the community, fostering a shared appreciation for the power and beauty of choral music.
IF YOU LOVE TO SING, WE'D LOVE TO HAVE YOU!
Origin
Origin
Founded in 1962 by Dr. and Mrs. Jim Higgs, the Staunton Choral Society is a welcoming, non-auditioned community choir dedicated to sharing the joy of music throughout the Staunton area. Open to all voice parts—soprano, alto, tenor, and bass—SCS upholds its founders’ vision of preserving and celebrating beautiful choral music. Each year, we present free spring and winter concerts featuring a diverse repertoire, including classical, folk, contemporary, and sacred music. Thanks to the dedication of our members and community support, we continue to bring the power of music to all.
Meet Our Director and Accompanist
Meet Our Director and Accompanist
Gary Bibens
Gary Bibens
Director
Director
Gary Bibens 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, currently as the Director of Music at Verona UMC in Verona, VA.
Gary’s musical experience is varied and includes serving as music 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 Lowell
Catherine Lowell
Accompanist
Accompanist
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.
Donate Today
Donate Today
Your donations make it possible for us to provide outstanding choral music to the Staunton area at no charge. Thank you for helping us share the joy of music with all!
Mail a Donation
Mail a Donation
To donate via check, make your checks payable to: Staunton Choral Society and mail to:
P.O. Box 2793, Staunton, VA 24402.
The Staunton Choral Society is a 501(c)3 organization. Contributions are tax deductible.
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