Leslie Moruza Dripps has been teaching with City Singers Children’s Choirs since 2007 and assumed the roles of artistic director in 2009 and executive director in 2011. She received her bachelor’s degree in music education from James Madison University and has taught choral music at the elementary, middle and high school levels, starting her career in Richmond Public Schools and then later directing the choral program for several years at Chickahominy Middle School in Hanover County. Leslie currently teaches private voice lessons and frequently directs all-area choral ensembles in Virginia and is becoming well known in the area as a clinician. She also is a performing singer-songwriter with her band “Moruza,” gigging throughout Virginia to promote their first full-length album. Leslie directs City Singers Advanced Ensemble and the Young Women’s Ensemble.
Andrea Harris Spackman directs our Neighborhood Singers Training Chorus for girls and boys in grades 2-5. Andrea holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Virginia Commonwealth University with her teacher licensure area in vocal music for grades Pre-K through 12. In addition to her formal education, Andrea brings a wealth of choral and teaching experience with her to this program. She has worked with school-aged children in a number of summer music programs including the VCU Summer Strings Camp and the Heart and Soul Foundation “Noise!” summer camp. Mrs. Spackman has also served as the Pre-K Choir Director at Cornerstone Baptist Church. She currently teaches music in grades K through 5 for Henrico County Public Schools.
Dr. David McCormick (“Dr. Mac”), recipient of degrees from Westminster Choir College, a doctorate from Union Theological Seminary, NYC and a Fulbright scholarship, served as Director of Music/Organist for 24 years at Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, and head of the Church Music program at Presbyterian School of Christian Education. He is currently Choirmaster/Organist at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church. A long time Northside resident, Dr. McCormick has been involved with City Singers since its inception in 1996 and now serves as advisor, accompanist, and director of our Young Men’s Ensemble.
Mara Smith joins the faculty of CSCC as Assistant Director for the 2011-2012 season. Ms. Smith holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music and French from the College of William and Mary. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Music Education at Virginia Commonwealth University, specializing in PreK – grade 12 vocal music. Mara also teaches private piano and voice students at Key Signatures in Richmond, Virginia. She has performed in various choirs around Richmond from an early age, and directed her high school’s a cappella ensemble. In addition to teaching, Mara performs as the vocalist and guitarist in her band Western Family Tree, for which she composes original music. Ms. Smith began working with City Singers Children’s Choirs in 2010 as our Publicity Liaison and continues these services this season as she joins our faculty as Assistant Director.
Megan Ellenberger joins City Singers as our choral intern for the 2011-2012 season. She is currently a student at Virginia Commonwealth University studying music education. Megan’s love for music grew as a singer in her high school’s advanced choirs. She is a worship leader for children and teens at Fairmount Christian Church. Megan also works with the Chickahominy Middle School show choir as their choreographer.