Born in South Africa, André began organ, composition, and vocal studies in high school.  In 1982, he founded the Johannesburg Chamber Choir and Orchestra which he conducted for ten years. André was on the medical staff of Johannesburg General Hospital’s Department of Cardiology from 1985-1991, but left medicine to pursue a career in music. He received his Licentiate Diploma (LTCL) in piano teaching from Trinity College of Music (UK), then came to the US in 1992, where he obtained a Master of Music degree from the University of Central Arkansas.

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André was selected to participate in the 1998 Karelia International Conducting Master Class in St. Petersburg and Petrozavodsk, Russia. He returned to Russia the next three summers to continue conducting studies at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. 

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In 2002 André was appointed Minister of Music and Principal Organist at the First Presbyterian Church of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where he directed a diverse music program.  He also conducted several musical theater performances, and was adjunct professor of music at the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff from 2007 to 2013.

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In 2013, André became Director of Music and Organist at the First Presbyterian Church of Bentonville, Arkansas, where he also regularly performed as Principal Pianist with the Symphony Orchestra of Northwest Arkansas.  In 2018, André became Organist and Director of Music Ministries at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Petoskey. He has performed at the Bay View Music Festival and became Chorusmaster of the GLCO in 2020, which he prepared for this year’s performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

 

André joined the Little Traverse Choral Society as Director in 2022.  

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Cynda  Coleman

Pianist

 

Cynda Coleman began playing piano at a young age. Beginning in 6th grade, she was the accompanist for various choral groups and moved on to musicals during high school. Cynda holds a bachelor’s degree from Augustana University in biology and German. For 30+ years she has participated in church worship services and is currently serving as pianist at the First Presbyterian Church in Harbor Springs. Cynda has performed over the past several years with the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra and currently serves as the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra Chorus pianist. She is also the pianist for the Northern Michigan Chorale and the Great Lakes Treble Choir.

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​​​                                                                      2024-2025

 

Board of Directors

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Cheryl Staats  - ​President  

Frank Nemecek - Vice President 

Julie Falls - Executive Director

Maureen Delaney-Lehman - Secretary

 Ruth Music - Website Design

Cheryl Staats -- Program Layout 

Bobbie Barger​

Ethel Larson   

Eric Shea

Meg Brodie Ideker 

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Andre Strydom - Music Director 

 

 

Non-board members  

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Treasurer - Carol Bosche

Librarian - Carolyn Klender

Poster Art - Millie Janka

 

 

 

Our History

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1989 Changed name to Little Traverse Choral Society 

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1990 Received IRS  tax-exempt status

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1991 & 1993 Chorus for Michigan Opera Theater

• Verdi's "La Traviata" 

• Rossini's "La Cenerentola"

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2010 Received eddi award for Arts and Cultural Organizations

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2014 New logo designed by Millie Janka

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Commissioned Work: "My Father's Love" by   Wendal Werner

inspired by marquetry panels depicting the life of Christ

created by

Ed Lantzer of Kalkaska

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Premiered Chorale "Prelude on St. Crispin"

composed by Tom Woehrman of Harbor Springs

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Premiered "American Requiem" based on letters and poems

written by American servicemen during Viet Nam War

composed by 

Jerry Westerman of Petoskey

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