Music Director: Dr. Julia Davids
Dr. Julia Davids is passionate about the difference music makes for individuals and communities. Music Director of the NSCS since 2009, she comes from London, Ontario, Canada, where she grew up singing in the Amabile Youth Choir, her church choir, and the Ontario Youth Choir. She now enjoys singing professionally with Bella Voce and other choirs in the Chicago area.
Julia is the Stephen J. Hendrickson Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at North Park University where she directs the University Choir and Chamber Singers, teaches vocal pedagogy and conducting, and is Music Department Chair. Julia co-authored with Stephen LaTour the award-winning book, Vocal Technique – A Guide for Conductors, Teachers, and Singers, published by Waveland Press, and now in a second edition. She is a frequent workshop and master class leader and has presented at numerous conferences for organizations including Choral Canada, the American Choral Director’s Association, and the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Julia also serves as Director of Music Ministries at Trinity United Methodist Church, Wilmette.
Julia is a founding member of the Canadian Chamber Choir, Canada’s national professional choir dedicated to building communities through choral singing. Artistic Director of the CCC since 2004, Julia returns to Canada multiple times a year to conduct and sing with the ensemble. The Canadian Chamber Choir’s 2024 release, Where Waters Meet, highlights their collaboration with Cree composer and singer, Sherryl Sewepagaham.
Julia has earned degrees at Western University, the University of Michigan, and a D.M. from Northwestern University. She lives in Skokie with her husband and their two children.
Julia is the Stephen J. Hendrickson Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at North Park University where she directs the University Choir and Chamber Singers, teaches vocal pedagogy and conducting, and is Music Department Chair. Julia co-authored with Stephen LaTour the award-winning book, Vocal Technique – A Guide for Conductors, Teachers, and Singers, published by Waveland Press, and now in a second edition. She is a frequent workshop and master class leader and has presented at numerous conferences for organizations including Choral Canada, the American Choral Director’s Association, and the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Julia also serves as Director of Music Ministries at Trinity United Methodist Church, Wilmette.
Julia is a founding member of the Canadian Chamber Choir, Canada’s national professional choir dedicated to building communities through choral singing. Artistic Director of the CCC since 2004, Julia returns to Canada multiple times a year to conduct and sing with the ensemble. The Canadian Chamber Choir’s 2024 release, Where Waters Meet, highlights their collaboration with Cree composer and singer, Sherryl Sewepagaham.
Julia has earned degrees at Western University, the University of Michigan, and a D.M. from Northwestern University. She lives in Skokie with her husband and their two children.
Assistant Conductor: Tierra Whetstone
Chicago native and opera singer, Tierra Whetstone, thrives on the excitement that music brings to people's lives. With a Bachelor of Arts in Music from North Park University, where she focused on conducting and voice, Tierra has performed with esteemed ensembles such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Savannah Philharmonic, Evanston Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Fringe Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, Thompson Street Opera Company, and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. Most recently, she conducted Thompson Street Opera's double bill of The Last Word and Forever and will serve as Music Director for an upcoming production of Notes From the Field at Loyola University in February 2025.
Beyond her singing and teaching, Tierra is also a passionate actress. She has collaborated with Open Door Theater, ETA Theater, and Pegasus Theatre in Chicago. In 2013, she earned a nomination for the Black Theater Alliance award for Best Supporting Actress in a Play for her role in Open Door Theater's Clara. Tierra is a dedicated educator who cherishes the lessons her students impart to her every day.
Beyond her singing and teaching, Tierra is also a passionate actress. She has collaborated with Open Door Theater, ETA Theater, and Pegasus Theatre in Chicago. In 2013, she earned a nomination for the Black Theater Alliance award for Best Supporting Actress in a Play for her role in Open Door Theater's Clara. Tierra is a dedicated educator who cherishes the lessons her students impart to her every day.
Accompanist: Sharon Rich Peterson
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Sharon Rich Peterson has been Accompanist for the North Shore Choral Society since 1979 and Accompanist for the Chicago Symphony Chorus since 1978. She is also a Collaborative Pianist at North Park University, DePaul University, previously with Grant Park Festival Chorus, and with numerous instrumentalists and singers in the Chicago area. Sharon is currently a North Park University Course Instructor for the Graduate music program, Interim University Organist, and Organist at North Park Theological Seminary, Chicago. Sharon is also Organist at Village Church, Northbrook.
Having served on the board of the American Guild of Organists' North Shore Chapter for several years and as Hospitality Chair for the June 2023 Great Lakes Regional AGO Convention, Sharon has just joined the board of the Chicago AGO. |
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Board of Directors
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