The Georgia Children’s Chorus (GCC) is taking a new leap in its effort to serve Northeast Georgia families through music. The growth of the popular children’s chorus has created a need for the role of Artistic Director to become full-time. Carol Reeves, who has previously served as Artistic Director, will continue to do so, but in greater capacity, which means more opportunities for students and the community.

With more than 30 years of experience in directing children’s choirs, Reeves came to GCC as the Artistic Director in January 2004 with only 29 voices. Given a few years to recruit new members, she was able to nearly triple the size of the chorus by 2007 and has continued its growth to the now more than 100-member ensemble.

“We could not be more thrilled that Carol has chosen to go full-time with the chorus,” said Barb Wright, President of the GCC Board of Directors. “Her talent, experience and dedication to serving children and young adults first are just some of the qualities that make her the perfect fit for this role. In addition, she is committed to ensuring the quality of choral literature the children and young adults are learning is at the highest level.”

Reeves is known throughout the state for her expertise in musical training for the developing voice. She has raised the quality of the children’s singing to such an extent that the chorus has been invited to perform in New York at Carnegie Hall several times and, recently, at Avery Fischer Hall in Lincoln Center. Additionally, under Reeves’ leadership, GCC has been provided rehearsal space at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson’s School of Music. The UGA Performing Arts Center’s Hugh Hodgson Concert Hall offers a state-of-the-art venue to showcase the voices of the singers in the annual Holiday and Spring concerts.

Before leading GCC as artistic director, Reeves taught music in the Oconee County School System for seven years and received the honor of being named 1996 Teacher of the Year for Oconee County Intermediate School. She holds a Masters of Music Education from the University of Georgia and a Bachelors of Science in Music Education from Auburn University. Reeves has also studied at Butler University, where she completed all three levels of certification with Creating Artistry, and in Ithaca, New York and Kenosha, Wisc., where she was awarded her Artist Teacher Diploma from the Choral Music Experience Institute.

In moving to a full-time position with GCC, Reeves will now be able to focus her full attention on molding young voices and developing the chorus to reach new heights in the 2014-2015 academic year and beyond.

“My emphasis has always been on doing what is in the best interest of the children,” said Reeves. “To be able to focus my time and full attention on doing that will make all the difference in this organization and the families we serve. It really is an exciting time for GCC and for me personally.”

Reeves is a member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), Early Childhood Music and Movement Association (ECMMA), Choristers Guild and Chorus America.