Staff
Joyce GarrettFounder
Music educator Joyce Garrett is most recognized for her artistic
leadership of the Eastern High School Choir from 1972-2005. Under her direction,
the Eastern High School Choir won second place at the 1988 International Youth
and Music Festival in Vienna, Austria and performed for the Allied Musical Salute
to the Liberation of France, in Paris and Normandy in 1994. She received two
honorary doctorate degrees from West Virginia Wesleyan College and her alma
mater, Bennett College, as a result of her work with Eastern. Her exemplary
music legacy is being replicated with the creation of the Washington Youth Choir,
where she guest conducts classes and select performances as a volunteer. During
her 33 year teaching career in the DC Public School system, Garrett received
numerous honors including the President’s Medal of The George Washington
University, 1998; The Catholic University Alumni Achievement Award in Music,
1993; the Reader’s Digest American Heroes in Education Award, 1991; and
the Washingtonian Magazine’s Washingtonian of the Year Award, 1991. Garrett
has produced choirs for the annual nationally televised programs Kennedy Center
Honors and Christmas in Washington since 1989. She also directed the United
States Naval Academy Gospel Choir from 1990-2005 and currently serves as the
Minister of Music for Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA. Joyce
still works with the Washington Youth Choir, leading occasional rehearsals and
inspiring Choir members with her wisdom and support.
Megan CheekExecutive
Director Megan Cheek hails from Athens, Georgia where
she received her B.A. in Public Relations from the University of Georgia. After
working as Manager of the University of Georgia Visitors Center, Megan and her
husband Jason moved to Washington, DC four years ago. Megan's love of the arts
led her to the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, a community art school, where she
served as Deputy Director, Marketing and Communications and previously as the
Program Director. During her tenure at the Arts Workshop, Megan helped to increase
educational income by 25% over a three year period, established and strengthened
the organization’s outreach program, and built a marketing and communications
plan. As the Executive Director at the Washington Youth Chorus, Megan is responsible
for the day-to-day operations of the organization which includes development,
marketing, program evaluation, and bookkeeping.
Colin JamesMusic Director
Colin James, a native Washingtonian, was born in Cheverly, Maryland. He earned his B.M. in vocal performance from George Mason University, and M.M. in opera performance from the University of Maryland. Colin has performed with the choruses of the Washington National Opera, Wolf Trap Opera, and has sung leading roles with the Maryland Opera Studio. Colin's versatility as a performer has given him opportunities to work in many different musical genres, including musical theater, cabaret, pop and jazz. He has served as a staff musician with various churches throughout the Washington, DC area. Currently, he serves on the musical staff at Calvary Baptist Church. In addition to performing, he maintains a studio where he teaches vocal and performance technique. Colin is thrilled with his appointment as Music Director of the Washington Youth Choir. He is honored to be working with such a wonderful and talented group of young singers.
Anika SampsonDeputy
Director Anika Sampson is a native of Columbia, Maryland.
Born to a musical family she sang often as a child, beginning her formal vocal
training with Dr. Lloyd B. Mallory Jr. at historic Pine Forge Academy in Pine
Forge, Pennsylvania. Anika continued her musical training at Oakwood College
in Huntsville, Alabama and performed as a soloist with the world traveled Aeolians.
Anika graduated with a BA in Music as well as a BS in Human Development and
Family Studies. For pre-graduate studies Anika attended Morgan State University
in Baltimore, Maryland where she studied with Mrs. Elizabeth “Betty”
Ridgeway. Under the leadership of the late Dr. Nathan Carter, Anika performed
as a favored soloist with the renowned Morgan State University Choir. Currently,
Anika is a member of the Soulful Symphony under the direction of Darin Atwater
as well as a soprano soloist for many church services, concerts, recitals and
weddings. She teaches voice lessons at her alma mater Pine Forge Academy to
students, ages 13 to 18. Anika’s responsibilities as Deputy Director include
providing managerial and logistical support to all aspects of the organization,
managing the choir’s performance schedule, developing and implementing
the college prep program, and providing marketing and communication support.
Shelby SenderAccompanist Shelby Sender is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree from the University of Maryland. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from Ithaca College, and will begin a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Maryland in the Fall of 2008. A student of Bradford Gowen, Shelby is active as a solo pianist and in demand as a collaborator as well. Shelby was recently featured as a student artist in the 2007 William Kapell International Piano Festival and as a soloist at the Arts Club of Washington. Recipient of the MTNA Star award and member of the Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honors Society, she has also appeared as a soprano on the opera stage as Jou-Jou in Ithaca College's production of The Merry Widow. Shelby has attended the Adriatic Chamber Music Festival and served on the staff at the Ithaca College Summer Piano Institute. In addition to performing, she is active as a private piano teacher in the Washington, D.C. area.