The Susquehanna Young Women's Chorale is the newest addition to the Educational Outreach Program of the Susquehanna Chorale, providing a focused rehearsal and performing opportunity for young female singers within the Susquehanna Valley.

Like the Susquehanna Youth and Children's Chorales, the Young Women's Chorale was formed to complement existing school music programs, by giving talented young female singers the opportunity to rehearse and perform with other highly motivated students at an advanced level of artistic excellence, specializing in music specifically written for women's voices.

Students are auditioned for membership and are required to pay a membership fee. A scholarship fund has been established to provide financial assistance for any deserving young musician who has auditioned successfully for the chorale.

The Chorale rehearses one hour each week for ten weeks during the fall. Rehearsals focus on a Scholarship Benefit Concert and the annual Youth Choral Festival in November. The program's repertoire includes pieces from many periods of music history and encompasses a wide range of styles, from sacred music to folk songs. Emphasis in rehearsals is on fine choral literature and developing good vocal habits through choral techniques.

A native of Erie, Pennsylvania, George Diehl has a strong theater grounding from his days as a performer in high school and college musicals. He graduated magna cum laude from Susquehanna University and holds a degree in music education with a vocal emphasis.

In addition to his duties with the Youth Chorale, Mr. Diehl is music director for Central Dauphin East Junior High School and Assistant Marching Band Director for Central Dauphin East High School.

"I look forward to every Tuesday night rehearsal with the Youth Chorale," says Diehl. "It’s a joy to work with a choir of this caliber."

He also looks forward to giving youth an opportunity to sing outside of the school environment. "There are programs for children and for adults, but nothing for this age group," says Mr. Diehl. "No other program centers on developing the voice, and encouraging students to keep music in their lives even beyond school. I’m thankful for the opportunity to work with students from many school districts, and look forward to many good years with the Youth Chorale."