About Us

Mission Statement

The Mission of the Valley Forge Chorale is to perform a broad spectrum of choral music, as well as to foster a love of music in our members, our audiences, and our community. Our goal is to provide both a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere in which to develop an artistic sense of ensemble
singing, to encourage diverse membership, to support local musicians, and to promote the art and power of music through our performances.

Please reach out if you’re interested in singing with us.

David Hobbs is one of the founding members of the Valley Forge Chorale when it started in 2010, and he also has worked with the Chorale as a Composer-in-Residence and a soloist.  The Valley Forge Chorale has performed arrangements of David’s, along with some of his original compositions.

A graduate of Eastern University, David was the Mozart Scholar  for the Class of ‘99. While at Eastern, David was a two-time finalist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in its First Hearing Competition for young composers.  Several of his arrangements of Neapolitan songs were performed by Andy Fei during the tenor’s 2005 tour of China.

David joined the Bel Canto Lyric Opera Company of Philadelphia in 1992 at the age of 16.  In 1999, he became a featured artist.  He was appointed Assistant Conductor of the company in 2005.  David has been a featured artist with the Opera Theatre Company of Philadelphia and the Lancaster Opera Company.  He has been a soloist with many local orchestras including the Ocean City Pops, the Kennett Square Symphony, the North Penn Symphony, the Abington Symphony, and the Pottstown Symphony Orchestra.  David and his wife, Joy, live in Carney’s Point, Ni

David Hobbs

Artistic Director

David H Bryant began musical studies at the age of four with Dorothy Morton, a student of Moritz Moskowski and Constantin von Sternberg, founders of the Philadelphia Musical Academy (now University of the Arts).  David began playing the organ for weekly church services at the age of twelve.  During high school, he composed several Masses and other choral works for use in the Catholic Church and performed them with his own vocal ensemble, Musica Sacra.  David and his choir were given a Papal Blessing by Pope John Paul II in recognition of his musical work with the Catholic Church.

David received his undergraduate degree in Piano Performance from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, and earned his Masters degrees in Piano Performance, Piano Pedagogy and Musicology from Temple University, where he graduated Summa cum Laude.  David also graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow Scotland, studying piano, organ and composition, and attending under the auspices of the International Rotary Foundation’s Ambassadorial Scholarship Program.  David has just completed PhD work in Musicology and Composition at the University of Wolverhampton, England.

David is very involved with Rotary International and was recently made a Paul Harris Fellow for his charitable work with the foundation.  He has just returned to the United States from a one year engagement as Senior Lecturer in Music Theatre at the University of Wolverhampton in Walsall, England.

David has given hundreds of concerts and recitals throughout the US and Britain, and his original scores are published by Warner Brothers, Alfred, Columbia Pictures, Lorenz, Monarch Music, Gregorian Institute of America, Birdsong and Shawnee Press.   Critics hailed his recording of Harold Boatrite’s formidable Piano Sonata for Albany Records as ‘a superb blend of technic, musicality and inspiration…’ (Philadelphia Inquirer).

David’s works have been performed all over the world, including a command performance for President Bill Clinton at the White House in 1994.  Currently, David serves as the Director of Music at First United Methodist Church in Phoenixville, PA. and oversees the American Chestnut Music Group, an organization dedicated to bringing musical excellence to at-risk church congregations and other disadvantaged populations.

David has worked closely with many illustrious composers, including Soulima Stravinsky, Lucas Foss, Harold Boatrite, Fred Bock, Sir Jonathan Willcocks, Sir Peter Ledger, and Sir John Rutter.  Sir John has described David as “hero and poet of the piano”.  David’s latest works “Seven Last Words from the Cross” and the experimental virtual opera “SOMA” were premiered in 2017, both in the UK.

David H. Bryant

Accompanist

Valley Forge Chorale Executive Board

Come meet us up close

The Executive Board of the Valley Forge Chorale

Juliana Guarna


President

Jessica Caine


Vice President

Peter C Ward


Treasurer

Sandra Rodman

Secretary

Debbie Shelton-Heckman

Co-Property Chair

Matt Popek

Co-Property Chair

Helen Ann Cottman

Hospitality Chair

Ed Hoehing

Marketing Chair

Juliana Guarna,
President

As President, Juliana manages corporate sponsorships and grant proposals and oversees board operations and the Chorale. She is a Principle Graphic Designer II working for Montgomery County and minored in music from high school through college. She leads the County Centenarian Event and loves working with older adults. Her passion is designing for the County Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites Department, along with her other county work and freelance work. When not working or singing with the Chorale, her loves are creating culinary delights for family and friends, enjoying a libation while listening to an audiobook or a beautiful piece of music, puttering around in the garden, enjoying beaches, playing with her cats, the fine arts, and being kind to others.

Jessica Caine,
Vice President

As Vice President, Jess is responsible for coordinating with new members, overseeing committees and assignments, and assisting in any way needed. By day, Jess works as an English teacher helping students find joy and confidence in her first love -- books. By night, she sings with her second love -- the Valley Forge Chorale. Over the past decade, she has served a variety of positions in the Chorale and on the board, but she takes pride in being a founding member, a true Alto II, and one of the few people who knows how the risers get set up. When she isn’t working or singing, she can be found playing piccolo for the Penn State Alumni Blue Band Association or playing flute in other small gigs. She also enjoys writing, musicals, dog walking, pysanky eggs, cooking, organizing, and Dungeons & Dragons.

Peter Ward,
Treasurer

As treasrurer, Peter is responsible for all financial matters within the chorale. Peter is a retired lawyer. After law school he sang with the Philadelphia Chamber Chorus until departing Philadelphia for a position with the FTC in Washington. Thereafter, he moved to Jackson, Mississippi where he taught in a college business school and joined a law firm. Returning to Philadelphia, he joined The Mastersingers in what became its final year. He moved to the Valley Forge Chorale in its third year. Later he added The Choristers in Lansdale to his singing endeavors. Peter lives in Haverford with his wife and rescue dog, Bear.

Sandra Rodman,
Secretary

As Secretary, Sandy is responsible for taking meeting minutes and assisting with attendance. Sandy has been a member of the Valley Forge Chorale since its first season. She began her singing adventure in the Cherub Choir at her church and has been singing ever since. Sandy spent 35 years as an elementary educator, taking every opportunity to incorporate music into the curriculum. She and her husband live in King of Prussia. Sandy is thrilled to be back singing with VFC!

Deborah Shelton-Heckman,
Co-Property Chair

As the Property Chair, Deborah and Matt facilitate volunteer teams for set-up and tear down of concerts/events. Our events would not be as successful if it were not for the amazing volunteers helping to move chairs, table, and risers. She is an interior designer who loves travel, music, art projects, and synchronized swimming.

Matt Popek,
Co-Property Chair

As Co-Property Chair, Matt and Deborah facilitate volunteer teams for set-up and tear down of concerts/events. Matt is a founding member of the Valley Forge Chorale and has assisted with concert set-up at every performance venue in the Chorale's history. Matt is a professional transportation planner and enjoys sports, biking, and keeping the chorale entertained at rehearsals. He lives in King of Prussia.

Helen Ann Cottman,
Hospitality

One thing that sets the Chorale apart from other groups is the amazing treats and snacks at intermission. The Hospitality Chair oversees the coordination of these snacks, as well as fundraising dinners like Italian Night. Helen Ann is a founding member of the Valley Forge Chorale and has performed in almost every concert. Helen Ann loves to try new recipes and her desserts have become highly requested by returning audiences. In her free time Helen Ann cooks, crafts, spends time with her family, and raises 3 crazy cats, Tiger, Booger, and Missy.

Ed Hoehing,
Marketing Chair

This is Ed's second year with the Valley Forge Chorale. He is a retired teacher. As a member of Lower Providence Presbyterian Church, Ed has sung in the church choir most of his life. As Marketing Chair, he is responsible for public relations and marketing for the chorale.