Karen Bit.

I began my musical journey at the PA Academy of Music where I fulfilled their certificate program. Through this program I was able to participate in their chorale, opera workshops, theory classes, voice lessons and two half recitals. During this time I was also very involved with the local orchestras while also maintaining my private study with the viola. Following my time at PAM, I then studied at Shenandoah Conservatory for vocal performance. Here I was a part of two operas, (Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream and Mozart's Marriage of Figaro) two choirs, and SAI, the all girls music fraternity on campus. During my time at Shenandoah I also studied abroad in Belfast, NI, UK at Queens University. There I learned Bach's St. John's Passion as well as sang in the Music Society Choir. Upon returning to Shenandoah, I was a part of the Loudoun Lyric Opera production of Faust. Before I studied abroad in Belfast, I was fortunately enough to have a lovely position as a soprano section leader at Stephen City United Methodist Church. Upon returning to Shenandoah, I was offered a position as a soprano section leader at the First Presbyterian Church in Winchester. Since finishing my degree at Shenandoah, I left to chase my dream in New York City, where I was a part of the New York City Master Chorale. During my time singing with them we were able to premiere a piece by Leavitt, we were invited to sing on Sirius Radio and the Trinity Wall St. Afternoon concert series. Most recently this past March, we were invited to sing and participate in the Poulenc festival in Paris where we were fortunate enough to sing for both the Poulenc and Durufle families. Now that I have moved home for a time, my future goals are to go back and study abroad in Belfast again for musicology and voice. I would love this opportunity to be an music instructor in an area I grew up because I would love to contribute the skills and abilities I have obtained from my varied and eclectic experiences!