Welcome to the Staunton Choral Society website

Ricky Goodwyn, Jr. started conducting the Staunton Choral Society in our spring 2024 season and is off to a great start! Ricky originally hails from Western Tidewater, Virginia. Ricky is a rising young talent in the James Madison opera community whose performances have been described as "exceptional," "impressive," and "wise beyond their years." Ricky performs often with the James Madison University Opera. Ricky received his BM from James Madison University and is currently pursuing a masters in Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting at James Madison University where he studies with Professor Kevin McMillan and Dr. Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy.

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.

She 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.