Janet Hostetter, D.M.A.
Artistic & Executive Director
janet.hostetter@emu.edu

Janet M. Hostetter received her doctorate and master’s in choral conducting from James Madison University and her bachelor’s in music education from Eastern Mennonite University. Her published research project, “Tone Production, Musicianship Training, Repertoire Development, Performance Practice: A Pedagogical Overview of Selected International Children’s Choirs,” provided her the joy of interacting with respected children’s choirs in Australia, the Czech Republic, Canada, and the Philippines. In the years since Dr. Hostetter came to SVCC in 2014, SVCC choirs have performed nationally and internationally, collaborated with renowned children’s choirs, performed in elite venues, and also produced numerous YouTube music videos. With more than 37 years’ experience among all age groups, Dr. Hostetter is a passionate educator of the choral art who frequently mentors as clinician, adjudicator, guest collegiate instructor, and honor choir director. On the home front, she enjoys spending time with her husband, three adult children, a son-in-law, and one cherished granddaughter.

Joy Anderson
Assistant Director: Musicianship Coordinator, Prelude Choir Director, and Mixed Voices Director
jonjoy@comcast.net

Joy Anderson, assistant director, holds a Bachelor of Music in music education from the University of Richmond, a Master of Music in music education and Level I Orff certification from James Madison University, and Kodály certification from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, including study at the Kodály Institute in Kecskemet, Hungary. Mrs. Anderson has taught in Kodály courses at several universities, including most recently, for seventeen years, at James Madison University, and is a frequent presenter and guest conductor for music education and choral organizations and school systems. Her writing has appeared in state and national music educators’ journals, and she is a contributing author to Winding It Back: Teaching to Individual Differences in Music Classroom and Ensemble Settings published by Oxford University Press. A 39-year veteran music teacher and conductor, Mrs. Anderson also currently teaches and directs K-5 music, elementary theater, and high school musicals at Eastern Mennonite School.

Heidi King
Intermezzo Choir Director, Musicianship Instructor, Concert Choir Assistant, Vocal Coach
heidi.king720@gmail.com

Heidi King completed a masters of music education degree at James Madison University and an undergraduate degree in music with a choral and instrumental pre-k-12 teaching licensure at Eastern Mennonite University. She teaches voice lessons for SVCC choristers and community members and also supervises music student teachers at JMU. Heidi previously taught middle school and high school choir in Shenandoah County and frequently participates in the local schools as an adjudicator or guest conductor. Heidi enjoys singing in the local a cappella group, Good Company, and is active in music ministry at her church, Zion Mennonite. In her free time, Heidi loves to travel, read, and spend time with her husband, Justin, and their active three-year-old, Everett.

Jessica Strawderman
Explorers Instructor
jstrawderman@harrisonburg.k12.va.us

Jessica Strawderman has taught K-12 music over the last 10 years and currently teaches general music at Bluestone Elementary in Harrisonburg City Public Schools. She completed her bachelor’s degree in music education at Bridgewater College and her master’s degree in music education at James Madison University, which included a Kodály certification. She has a passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the music classroom and instilling a love of music for every child. When Jessica is not teaching, she is likely traveling, hiking, or playing outside with her husband Logan and children, Owen and Nora. She is thrilled to be joining the SVCC family and experiencing the joy of music through play with Explorers! 

Karen Reichard
Explorers Instructor, Prelude Choir Assistant, Musicianship Instructor

Karen Reichard is a long-time fan of SVCC and has been to almost every Christmas and spring concert since 1991.  Mrs. Reichard is a retired music educator with 36 years experience teaching Preschool through 12th grades in Augusta, Shenandoah, and Harrisonburg City Schools. She taught general music, conducted elementary, middle and high school choirs, and taught guitar.  Mrs. Reichard received her Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music from James Madison University. She received her Orff Levels I-III and Master Class certifications from University of Memphis, with additional Orff classes at Hamline University and Western Carolina University, and received her Kodaly Level I certification from James Madison University.  Mrs. Reichard has been adjunct faculty at James Madison University teaching music education classes and supervising student teachers. She plays keyboard with her church worship team and currently resides in Harrisonburg with her husband Bob and two children, Jonathan and Emily.

Kaitlyn Townsend
Musicianship Instructor, Rehearsal Assistant, & Vocal Coach
kaitlyndtownsend@gmail.com

Kaitlyn Townsend holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from James Madison University. For nine years, she taught high school choir, guitar, piano, and co-directed the school musical—all in an effort to build independent musicians. In June 2022, she left full-time teaching to pursue singing professionally with a focus on early music. Kaitlyn is an alumna of SVCC who later served as a college intern. Currently, she serves as secretary for the advisory board and is thrilled to be working on staff! When Kaitlyn is not making music, she enjoys traveling, hiking, and going to concerts with her husband Don.

Tracey Reed
Principal Pianist
tracey.schimmel@gmail.com

Tracey Schimmel Reed enjoys an active career as a collaborative pianist in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond. She holds the principal pianist position with the acclaimed Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir, most recently performing at Carnegie Hall for the 2023 International Youth Choir Festival.  Ms. Reed received her music degrees from James Madison University’s School of Music: a B.M. in Collaborative Piano Performance and Coaching, and a Masters of Music in Piano Performance, studying with piano professors Drs. Lori Piitz and Gabriel Dobner. During the school year, Ms. Reed’s work involves rehearsing, coaching and performing with musicians of all levels, particularly undergraduate and graduate Music majors studying at JMU’s School of Music. Recitals performed on the Forbes stages feature a wide array of compositions, stretching from Baroque to Contemporary music styles, vocal as well as instrumental.  

Jeremiah Padilla
Prelude Choir & Concert Choir’s Mixed Voices Pianist
jeremiah.padilla@emu.edu

Jeremiah Padilla completed his DMA at James Madison University with Dr. Gabriel Dobner. He currently serves as an instructor at JMU, Eastern Mennonite University, and EMU's Preparatory Music Program. Jeremiah holds an MM and a BM from the University of Memphis. As a soloist, he has performed piano concertos with the James Madison Symphony Orchestra, the University of Memphis Orchestra, the Memphis Repertory Orchestra (MRO), and the Awit Pilipinas Youth Orchestra. Jeremiah is an avid collaborative pianist who enjoys sharing the stage with professors and colleagues at EMU and JMU. In 2019, he won the Outstanding Collaborative Lieder Pianist Award at AIMS in Graz, Austria. This summer, he is fortunate to be invited back to AIMS as a repetitor.

Erin Weldon
Choir Manager
erin.weldon@emu.edu
540-432-4650

Erin Weldon, a native of the Shenandoah Valley, joined SVCC in 2016 as a volunteer parent assistant for the Preparatory Choir.  While volunteering her time with the choir, Erin gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for the professionalism, artistry, and musical instruction provided by SVCC.  In 2017 she eagerly accepted the position of Choir Manager.  Mrs. Weldon brings over twelve years of managerial experience including working at Atwell Family Chiropractic, Bridgewater Family Dentistry, and ABC staffing.  Over the last five years, Erin has successfully run her own cake business while handling the responsibilities of a stay-at-home mother.  Outside of work, Erin enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, church family and friends.

Kris Shank Zehr
Project Manager
kris.shankzehr@emu.edu
540-432-4667

Kris Shank Zehr joined SVCC in 2010 as a parent volunteer soon after her children began as Prep chorister and Explorer student. Starting as an assistant to Joy Anderson with administrative duties for the Explorer classes, her responsibilities eventually grew to include managing SVCC’s music library, producing concert program books, and coordinating several trips, all of which have provided an excellent outlet for her love of music, words, and detailed organizing.  Kris also manages the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival Choir each summer, and has recently joined the women’s vocal ensemble Shekinah.  She enjoys ushering with her family at the American Shakespeare Center, relishes chopping vegetables for large batches of seasonal soups, and is leaning into life as parent of young adults.

Ethan Zook
Director of Support Services
edzook1@gmail.com
540-432-4551

Ethan Zook has been a volunteer with SVCC since 1996 when his daughter was a chorister. A music enthusiast, Mr. Zook plays oboe, organ, and sings in the Park View Mennonite Church choir. He is frequently involved with set development and backstage support for musicals at Harrisonburg High School and Eastern Mennonite School. As support services director for SVCC, Mr. Zook manages logistics for concerts, rehearsals, and trips, and is a member of the SVCC Board. On the home front, he and his wife Sharon enjoy traveling and spending time with their children and grandchildren.