About the Foothills Chorale
ABOUT US
Foothills Chorale is a community choir consisting of vocal musicians from the Upstate of South Carolina who are dedicated to professional performances of great music in a wide variety of vocal styles. A typical concert program of the Chorale may include the traditional three B’s: (Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms), or the audience may hear a different three B’s: Bach (PDQ Bach, that is), Bernstein (musical theater), and Brubeck (vocal jazz).
The Chorale has established a tradition of excellence throughout its history. It provides the singers of the Upstate area an opportunity to perform a capella and choral/orchestral literature. It also helps to expand community/educational experiences and strives to improve the total quality of life for the citizens of the area.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Conductor and Artistic Director, Dr. Allyss Haecker
Dr. Allyss Haecker is currently in her third year as the Director of Choirs at Seneca High School and her second season as the artistic director of the Foothills Chorale. She most recently served as the Artistic Director of the Riverside Singers at Augsburg University, the See Change Treble Choir in St. Paul, MN, and the Colonial Chorale at Colonial Church in Edina, MN. Dr. Haecker was a member of the music faculty at the Shattuck-St. Mary’s School as a voice teacher within their Vocal Performance Program. She was also the Artistic Coordinator of the Northfield Youth Choir program and conductor of the Concert Choir. Formerly, she was on the voice faculty at St. Olaf College and was the conductor of one of the college’s choirs, Cantorei. Dr. Haecker served as an Associate Professor of Music and the Director of Choral and Vocal Studies at Emory & Henry College (VA) where she taught voice, conducting, choral methods, vocal pedagogy, diction, and directed the Concert and Chamber Choirs. In addition, Dr. Haecker was an Assistant Professor of Music at Newberry College (SC) and the National Music Conservatory in Amman, Jordan. For sixteen years, she served on the vocal and conducting faculty of the Performing Arts Institute, a summer festival for students of music, dance, and theater. Previously, she taught choral music in the Fenton Area Public Schools (MI) and was the Artistic Director of the Saginaw Youth Chorale (MI). Dr. Haecker received her doctor of musical arts in choral conducting and literature from the University of Iowa, her master of music degree in choral conducting from the University of Illinois, and her bachelor of music education degree from Converse College (SC). She is a frequent clinician and guest conductor for district, state, and regional choral festivals.
Dr. Haecker’s ongoing research includes contemporary South African choral music and its impact on social and political change. She was a recipient of the T. Anne Cleary International Research Fellowship which allowed her to study and perform throughout South Africa. Her time in the Middle East has also led to research and performances of unpublished Arab choral music. She has twice presented at the Virginia Music Educators Association Annual Conference on topics of vocal pedagogy and courageous music-making. To watch her recent Ted Talk and hear recent performances by Dr. Allyss Haecker, please visit www.allysshaecker.com.
Dr. Haecker currently lives in Pickens, SC with her husband, Arthur, and their hilarious son, Kai.
Accompanist, Beverly Henderson
Beverly Henderson is an accomplished musician and a sought-after accompanist in the greater Anderson area. She currently accompanies the Foothills Chorale, serves as the music director and pianist at Welcome Baptist Church, and plays piano for Sandy Springs United Methodist Church’s early Sunday morning services. Ms. Henderson also works in the musical theatre department at Anderson University. Over the past 30 years, she has been musical director for community theatre productions in Easley, Pendleton, Clemson, and Anderson.
Mission and Vision
The mission of Foothills Chorale is to advance the choral art and foster the love of music by providing performance and arts advocacy opportunities for the community.
As a local arts organization, we envision a future in which making beautiful music together elevates the quality of life, community pride, social harmony, and cultural literacy in the foothills of South Carolina.
Our History
For more than 30 years, local music aficionados have poured their souls into performances of outstanding choral music for the enjoyment of the entire community.
What began as the Clemson Chorale Society under the wing of Clemson University’s music department and grew into the Clemson Community Chorale, was reborn as the Foothills Chorale in 1992 with a new energy and dedication to serve the needs of a flourishing tri-county community. Throughout these years, the Chorale has experienced much joy and has shared that joy with the community.
The Chorale’s vision for the future will be brought into focus with upcoming season plans for memorable music, greater instrumentation, and additional performances, all under the leadership of our Conductor and Artistic Director, Allyss Haecker.
Board of Directors
Jane Jacobi, President
Megan Ulmer, Secretary & Ticketing Manager
Jim Fireovid, Treasurer
Allyss Haecker, Director
Cyndi Banks, Librarian
Tim Kelly, Member
Will Cate, Member