Read about the 2023 Yn. Diane Chevian Memorial Choir Workshop
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Read about the inaugural 2022 workshop – Yn. Diane Chevian Memorial Choir Workshop
St. Nersess Armenian Seminary is proud to continue its long history of hosting programs for high school students and young adults. A youth choir workshop for boys and girls ages 13-18 has been added.
The Yn. Diane Chevian Memorial Youth Choir Workshop has been established in memory of Yn. Diane and her love of liturgical music. The four-day workshop was directed by Fr. Haroutiun Sabounjian, seminary graduate and pastor of the Armenian Church of the Holy Resurrection in New Britain, CT. Instructors included Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian of the Sacred Music Council and Louise Yardumian, choir director at St. Hagop Armenian Church in Pinellas Park, FL.
All students ages 13-18 are invited to attend. No choral experience required. Tuition, room and board are free for all participants (excluding travel expenses).
This new choir workshop is being funded through the generosity of those who contributed In Lieu of Flowers to St. Nersess Seminary on the occasion of the passing of Yn. Diane Chevian. Yn. Diane was the beloved wife of Fr. Mardiros Chevian, dean, and mother of daughters Alexandra and Kristina. She was a dedicated choir director for many years at St. Mesrob Armenian Church in Racine, WI, as well as the primary instructor of the former St. Nersess Liturgical Music Program, which took place during several summers.
This first annual youth choir workshop will be the first part of a two-year curriculum. Throughout the workshop, Fr. Mamigon Kiledjian and Louise Yardumian will work to teach participants the Yegmalian Divine Liturgy in 4-part harmony. Special lectures will be offered to explain the meaning of these sacred hymns. Participants will have opportunity to build relationships with choir members from across the Eastern Diocese. The workshop will end with their participation in the celebration of the Holy Badarak in the St. Hagop Chapel. After the workshop, participants will have access to regular one-on-one virtual training sessions with Fr. Mamigon to reinforce their learning and progress their musicianship.