West Branch Chorale

Beginning under the direction of Mrs. Jeanne Berninger (Muncy, PA) on September 1, 1970, the West Branch Chorale has provided an opportunity over the past 54 years for singers in North Central Pennsylvania to prepare for and present concerts to the general public in our area.  With the exception of a one and one-half year break during the recent pandemic, the Chorale has regularly presented free concerts in the Spring and Fall of each year at various sites in Lycoming County.

We started with 8 singers in 1970 and grew to as many as 65 during Mrs. Berninger's 46-year leadership of the Chorale.  Many members took advantage of Jeanne's retirement in 2016 to retire their voices as well and we presently number 30 to 35 singers depending on the season. Unfortunately, illness hit us hard at the time of last Fall's Christmas concerts as evidenced by the picture above.

Mrs. Shirley Smith succeeded Mrs. Berninger as our Director in 2016 followed by Mr. Brian Scott who joined us as our Director in the Fall of 2019. Mrs. Nancy Hodge followed Mr. Scott as our interim Director during the Fall of 2024 while we conducted our search to replace Mr. Scott.  We successfully concluded the search and Mr. Kenneth Kihlthau joined us as Director this past January.  

We do not require auditions of prospective singers; if you like to sing, you're welcome to join our Chorale.  We begin weekly practices for our Fall season at the Muncy Baptist Church on the first Monday after Labor Day with two concerts taking place in December; the Spring season's practices begin on the first Monday after New Year's Day with those concerts taking place between Easter and Mother's Day (generally during late April, although this year's concerts will be on May 3 and May 4 with Easter being as late as it is).  Singers are welcome to participate in either season or both.

Our operating budget for 2025 totals just over $7,000.  Patron donations and free-will offerings at our concerts fund our activities.  While we have a dues concept for our singers ($15 for one season, $25 for both), we have collected dues only in the year 2023 as we recovered financially from the pandemic's impact.  Last year we participated in Raise the Region for the first time with a very successful result.  Among small organizations participating for the first time, we had the most unique donors and accordingly received a $1000 prize!  We are quite thankful for last year's successful campaign and we look forward to building on that as we enter our second year in Raise the Region.

As noted above, our Spring concerts this year will take place on May 3 at Pine Street UMC in Williamsport, beginning at 6:00 PM, and on May 4 at Pleasant View Wesleyan Church in Muncy, beginning at 3:00 PM.  We hope that you will be able to join us as we present the concert "Let Freedom Sing!".