Germantown Chorus

The Germantown Chorus is a non-profit, non-auditioned group of singers from a wide variety of backgrounds who wish to foster their love of singing and share that joy with the greater Memphis area through professional-quality performances and community outreach.

History

The Germantown Chorus began as a summer program sponsored by the City of Germantown’s Parks and Recreation Department. They were asked to sing for civic functions in the summer of 1986. When the summer – and the funding – ended, the group decided not to disband. Now, more than thirty years later, the group still sings and performs four to six concerts annually with volunteer singers from all over the Mid-South.
Sunday, April 22, 2007, was proclaimed “GERMANTOWN CHORUS DAY” by Germantown Mayor, Sharon Goldsworthy during the Chorus’ 20th Anniversary Celebration Concert at GPAC.  Mayor Goldsworthy presented the Chorus with a certificate of merit and high praise for the Chorus’ civic and community service and “for the joy it has brought to all who have heard its voices raised in song.”

The Director

Ryan Lakanen has been a singer and board member with the Chorus since 2007. She stepped in front of the choir as artistic director starting with the 2019-2020 season.

Ryan is a graduate of the University of Michigan’s Choral Music Education program. She currently teaches private voice and piano lessons in her home studio. In addition to singing with the Germantown Chorus, Ryan also sings with the Memphis Choral Arts, Opera Memphis, and has done solo work in the area.

Accompanist

John Scott has been accompanist for the Chorus since 1999.  An accomplished pianist and gifted musician, John studied music at The University of Memphis before joining the U. S. Navy and continuing his education at the Navy School of Music.  He toured and performed with the Second Fleet Navy Band, playing a variety of genres.

He was featured accompanist of the Shelby Singers, a group of Shelby County choral directors.  John has performed as accompanist for many choral groups of Audubon Park Baptist Church where he recently celebrated 42 years as pianist/accompanist.  He is a celebrated area accompanist for many private events, has accompanied the National Association of Teachers of Singing and has played for many notable soloists.  When he is not accompanying or enjoying music, especially jazz, you can find him teaching piano at Lane Music, Germantown.

John, it has been said, “has hearts in his fingertips and the ability to express feeling at the keyboard.” His experience in a wide variety of musical styles, which he makes seem effortless, is amazing!  We are grateful to John for his support as our accompanist for these many years. His ability to recognize specific problem areas in individual choral sections is particularly beneficial during rehearsal time.  A gentle soul, John is a treasured member of the Germantown Chorus.   Thank you, John! 

Past Directors and Accompanists

• Tommy Gaines, Director, 2002-2006, 2015-2019
• Catherine Feazell, Director, 2012-2015
• Rick Marshall, Director, 2006-2012
• Mona Kreitner, Director, 1998-2002
• Anthony Williams, Director 1986-1998
• Marry Elizabeth Griffith, Accompanist, 1986-1995

For more information contact:   germantownchorus.com