For many young singers, joining a children’s choir is a formative experience—one that nurtures not only musical talent but also confidence, community, and lifelong friendships. But for some, the journey doesn’t end when the final concert bows are taken. In the Indianapolis Children’s Choir (ICC), the Anderson Area Children’s Choir (AACC), and the Columbus Indiana Children’s Choir (CICC), a remarkable number of alumni have returned—not as students, but as leaders, educators, and creative professionals.

These choir kids turned choir professionals are living proof of the lasting impact these organizations have. From conducting rehearsals to composing original works, managing operations to mentoring the next generation, they bring their passion full circle.

As the ICC celebrates its 40th Anniversary, we shine a spotlight on these alumni whose voices once filled the concert halls as children—and now guide the chorus as professionals. Their journeys are a testament to the power of music, mentorship, and the enduring magic of choir.

Here are a few of their magical moments:

Melissa Garcia, Director, CICC Concert Choir

What years were you in choir? I started in 1991, which was in founding year of AACC, and I participated until 1999, so 8 years.

What was your favorite memory of being in the choir when you were younger? Choir tours were very special because it’s when we got to know people and become close. We thought it was great to go to Minneapolis to ride a rollercoaster inside the Mall of America, plus we got to perform inside the mall too. The other tour I remember was the ‘Meet Me in St. Louis’ tour. It wasn’t a very normal thing for kids back then to do, so it felt very special and prestigious to be able to go on these types of trips to sing.

What is most rewarding about working at the ICC now? I love getting to work with the community that I’ve been involved in since I was mentored by Ruth Dwyer (ICC’s Director of Education Emerita), and upholding her legacy in the Columbus area.

What are you most excited about during the ICC’s 40^th Anniversary? I’m excited for the 40^th Anniversary concert in May when all the choirs come back together and will have a joint concert. It will be such a special time!

Olivia Cain, CICC Administrator/Columbus Indiana Philharmonic Representative

What years were you in choir? I was in the CICC from 2003-2010.

What was your favorite memory of being in the choir when you were younger? My favorite thing about being in choir when I was younger was to have a chance to build relationships with kids and my directors through my greatest passion. Being able to join choir through my elementary school teacher, Mrs. Eikenbary, and learn from some of who I thought were the greatest musicians in the world, was something that I will cherish forever.

What is most rewarding about working at the ICC now? The most rewarding part of working for CICC and ICC now is seeing all the young singers who are able to be in the same position as I was. Being able to step into a role last year that my former elementary teacher held for so many years is such a blessing. I love being able to connect with these young singers, listen to them sing, and be a part of such an amazing organization.

What are you most excited about during the ICC’s 40^th Anniversary? I am most excited to get back to regular rehearsals and celebrate the young singers we have this year!​

Dane Burton, Operations Coordinator

What years were you in choir? I was in the ICC for 7 years, from January 2014 – May 2021.

What was your favorite memory of being in the choir when you were younger? I have two. One is more serious, and the other is more funny.

1. The ICC was the first place in my life that I really felt safe to be entirely myself. I didn’t have to put on a mask. The moment that showed me that was when, near the beginning of my time in the ICC, I had a breakdown during a concert. I expected everyone to be livid with me, but I was treated with such warmth and kindness. It has stuck with me to this day.
2. On a tour in Washington D.C., I was very excited to share some of my obscure architectural knowledge with my friends. Whenever the Washington Monument came into view (which is a lot in D.C.) I would proclaim that it is the world’s largest obelisk. Well, during our tour of Arlington National Cemetery, our guide asked if anyone knew what the large spires on top of some of the graves were called. Completely forgetting that I was on hallowed ground, I loudly proclaimed that they were obelisks! I got a few stern-looks for that one- I had gotten too caught up in the moment!

What is most rewarding about working at the ICC now? It’s a way for me to give back. Not only am I able to contribute to and repay all that the organization has done for, I’m able to pay it forward by helping current singers and families!

What are you most excited about during the ICC’s 40^th Anniversary? I got to perform at Carnegie once during my time in the choir, but we were just a small part of a much larger production. I think it’s fantastic that the ICC gets to go back for a concert that’s entirely their own for the 40th, and that it’s open to all singers, from kindergarten through 12th grade!

(in gray)

Leeann Starkey, Curriculum Manager/Composer-in-Residence/Editor of ICCPH/Librarian/Director of Hendricks County Lyric Choir

What years were you in choir? I was in the ICC from 1996-2004.

What was your favorite memory of being in the choir when you were younger? In general, creating beautiful music and forming friendships are what I enjoyed the most about being in ICC!  More specifically, special performances stand out in my memory now – being in the Hansel and Gretel opera, going on two European tours, performing in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (19 times!).  I remember how much fun it was to sing at such a high artistic level – I enjoyed the challenge and the excellence we achieved.

What is most rewarding about working at the ICC now? The most rewarding thing about working at the ICC now is seeing how the choir can make an impact on singers just like it did on me years ago – seeing their joy in singing together, making friends, and growing as a choir is such a gift!  As a composer for ICC, it is also especially meaningful to hear them sing music I’ve written just for them.

What are you most excited about during the ICC’s 40^th Anniversary? I’m excited for Carnegie and to bring out many of the favorite songs from our past ICC repertoire!

Abbie Hunter, Director, Hendricks County: Avon – Preparatory Choir and Beginning Level Choir and ICC Alumni Association President

What years were you in choir? I was in the ICC for 8 years.

What was your favorite memory of being in the choir when you were younger? It is so hard to narrow down all the things I loved about being an ICC singer. For the sake of being concise, one of my favorite things was learning music from other cultures. I loved learning about other cultures this way and I incorporate this practice in my own music teaching today.

What is most rewarding about working at the ICC now? I love the singers I get to meet and make great music with. I love to watch them grow both as people and as musicians.

What are you most excited about during the ICC’s 40^th Anniversary? I am excited for the performance at Carnegie Hall, and the fact that ICC singers of all ages are invited to participate.

Additional alumni who currently work for the Indianapolis Children’s Choir include:

Christiann Cauley, Graphic Designer

Nicholas Kohne, Director, CICC Descant Choir

Patrick Pauloski, Director, Lyric Choir (Monday)

Emma Robinson (Diebold), Marketing & Communications Manager

Paul Schafer, Finance and Information Management Officer

Camden Zetty, Artistic Operations Manager

Has the ICC impacted your life? Share your own magical moment with us as we celebrate 40 years of bringing musical magic to the central Indiana community.