A classically trained singer with a degree in Choral
Music from Biola University in California and a current
singer with the Pittsburgh Camerata, Nolan directed choirs
in California before her husband took a job in Pittsburgh
13 years ago.
“I directed the San
Diego Children’s Choir
and the Palomar Youth
Chorale,” Nolan said.
“I’ve taught band,
classroom music,
English, you name it. I
most enjoy working in a
choral situation, and we
finally decided it’s time
to start something that
really isn’t like anything
else in the South Hills
area.”
The South Hills
Children’s Choir is a
nonprofit, community
choir open to any kids
Washington Area Assisted living Center and are trying to
get into Kennywood for some performances.
“We want to offer something unique, to give kids
depth in their understanding of music and life,” Nolan
said. “We also want to be a real, true, functioning choir
and not a whim that passes after a couple of years. We
want to be a place where kids can come and learn singing
techniques and learn teamwork in a creative, artistic
situation.”
Because different schools have different policies
on sending fliers home with students, the South Hills
Children’s Choir currently has a core of CanonMcMillan students, some Christian schools and some
home-schooled students. However, membership is
open to all South Hills students, aged 8 to 15, from all
school districts.
“Right now we have 12 kids and there’s been interest
from students in Upper St. Clair, South Fayette, Peters
and Washington,” Nolan said. “Every time I talk to
people, there seems to be more and more interest in
getting involved. But what I’m most impressed with
is how talented these kids are. They’re having a lot of
fun, but they’re learning the music and show so much
potential. It’s exciting and a little scary.”
who can sing, audition and join. The choir got off the
ground last fall and made it through its first holiday season.
“We sang at Phipps and people really enjoyed that. We
also sang at South Hills Village and local senior living
communities. We got a lot of good feedback and peop B