With a mission to provide artistic excellence, music education and extraordinary opportunities for West Virginia youth, ACC began offering a Putnam County Choir named “Canticle.”
In the past 19 years ACC have helped to shape young lives through a comprehensive music education curriculum emphasizing proper vocal technique and music literacy, incorporating a wide variety of musical styles and traditions.
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Selina Midkiff: Founding and Artistic Director
Appalachian Childrens Chorus Mrs. Midkiff directs the Concert and Camerata Choirs. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Virginia University.
She is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the Music Educators National Conference and the West Virginia Division of the Orff Schulwerk Association. She is an experienced singer who has performed leading roles in opera, oratorio and musical theater throughout West Virginia.
Mrs. Midkiff has studied children’s choral technique and conducted with such renowned artists as Henry Leck, Barbara Tagg, Doreen Rao, Sandra Murphy, Janet Galvan, David Brunner and Lee Kesselman. She received the prestigious Artist-Teacher Certification from the Doreen Rao Choral Music Experience Institute.
She is currently serving as a commissioner on the Governor’s Commission on the Arts. Mrs. Midkiff is the wife to Gary Midkiff and mother to Allen, Chad, Andrew and William. She is also the proud grandmother of Aidan.
Ilse Long, Director
Canticle Choir – Appalachian’s Children’s Chorus
Ms. Long is a former ACC chorister who has a master’s degree in music education from Boston University and an undergraduate degree in music performance from the University of Charleston.
While at Boston University, she was the musical director for Amahl and the Night Visitors, director for United Parrish of Auberngale’s Children’s Choir, and taught Music in Winchester Public schools.
Ms. Long is also pursuing a doctor of musical arts. She teaches at Hurricane High School and directs the show choir.
