Begun in the fall of 1997, the Greenville Chorale Young Artist Mentor Program is an outreach project designed to recognize and encourage promising young singers in area high school choral programs. Each Young Artist is selected by a special audition with Conductor Dr. Bingham Vick, Jr. and a recommendation by their choral teacher or voice coach. Outstanding high school singers are paired with a veteran Chorale singer for rehearsals and performances during the year.

The Young Artist Mentor Program enhances both the choral skills and leadership of these young musicians, contributing to their musical development and, at the same time, strengthening our local high school choral programs. In addition, this valuable experience has prepared Young Artists to continue their vocal training and pursue significant collegiate and personal careers. For the hard work and dedication that each of the Young Artists gives, the Greenville Chorale awards $500 to support each student’s high school choral program.

Potential Chorale Young Artists should mail the included application directly to Kelly Groom, PO Box 16851, Greenville, SC 29606 or e-mail kelly@greenvillechorale.com. 

Deondre' Pendergrass, son of Derrick and Angel Pendergrass, is a sophomore at Mauldin High School and a first year voice student at The Fine Arts Center. He was in honor choir at Mauldin Middle under the direction of Vanessa Rhodes. Deondre' has been singing for six years and plans to major in vocal performance.

Alexandra Mauney, daughter of Stuart and Ginger Mauney, is a senior at Eastside High School and the Greenville Fine Arts Center. She has studied voice at the Fine Arts Center for four years under Michael Rice and Karen Parks, and has studied piano for nine years with Sherry Parrini. She is active in her home congregation of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she sings with the Youth and Sanctuary Choirs and assists with the direction of the Children's Choirs. Alexandra wishes to pursue a vocation in music ministry, and plans to continue studying both voice and piano in college.

Matthew Hartman, son of Mike and Dana Hartman, is a senior at Seneca High School. Matthew has been singing for six years and is currently a member of the Seneca High School Honors Chorale and Madrigals. He was chosen for All- State SATB Chorus for the past two years. After graduation, Matthew plans to attend Anderson University to major in Art & Graphic Design and minor in Music.

Hunter Holliday, son of Chuck and Robin Holliday, is a senior at Pickens High School. Hunter has been singing since he was five years old and is a member of the Honors Chorus at Pickens High School. He is active in the Youth Choir at First Baptist Church Easley and played the lead role in the summer production of This Changes Everything. Hunter enjoys playing the guitar and piano. Next year, Hunter plans on attending USC and majoring in Music Education and Vocal Performance.