The Choir
Founded by Ralph B. Woodward in 1979, the Salt Lake Children’s Choir has long been regarded as one of the finest ensembles of its kind in the nation. The choir consists of children generally between ages 8 to 15, from the Salt Lake Valley and adjoining areas who rehearse once a week. Correct vocal development is emphasized through the study of the works of classical masters, as well as outstanding folk and contemporary music from around the world. A prize-winner in international competition, the choir has appeared with many internationally celebrated artists and organizations including: Grant Johannesen, Frederica von Stade, Marvin Hamlisch, Pete Seeger, and regularly with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Utah Symphony. The choir has been featured at several conventions of the American Choral Directors’ Association and its singers have performed on multiple film soundtracks and on promotions for CBS, NBC and Walt Disney Productions and can also be heard on local and national classical radio broadcasts. Two former choir members are now appearing in leading operatic roles on the major stages of the world—with others pursuing a variety of careers in music. However, most choir alumni simply make singing an on-going enrichment to their lives.
Ralph B. Woodward, Director
The son of an internationally renowned choral conductor, Ralph B. Woodward is an accomplished singer, horn player, composer and an authority on the care and development of the young voice. He has played with the American Wind Symphony, the Utah Symphony and various German orchestras, toured Central and South America for the U. S. State Department, performed with jazz greats, Chuck Mangione and J. J. Johnson, studied and recorded with horn virtuoso, Hermann Baumann, and worked in close collaboration with pianist Grant Johannesen and folk singer Pete Seeger. Much of his own considerable writing for the choir reflects his extensive multi-cultural/lingual background in Europe and Latin America.
Deborah Neerings,
Assistant Director
Deborah Litster Neerings is a native of Midvale, and now resides there with her husband and three children. Deborah is very proud and grateful for her experience singing in the Salt Lake Children’s Choir under the direction of Ralph Woodward from ages 8-15. She received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Brigham Young University, and maintains a private piano studio. She enjoys accompanying instrumentalists, vocalists, and ensembles around the Salt Lake Valley. As a singer, she has been a member of the the Salt Lake Vocal Artists, Utah Baroque Ensemble, and Masterwork Chorus (NJ), being featured frequently as a soloist. She has served on the Artistic Staff of the Salt Lake Choral Artists, and is an experienced church organist and conductor.