At its August 28 preview session, the Beaver Valley Choral Society announced that Duquesne University senior Abigail Hill is now the BVCS Principal Accompanist. Among her duties she will accompany at all rehearsals, concerts and special events; and for any small groups or sectional rehearsals.
The position of Principal Accompanist was formerly held by Judy Yester, who is now appointed BVCS Assistant Accompanist, Organist and Treble Youth Chorale Accompanist. Shirley M. Hallman retired as BVCS Pianist/Organist.
Ms. Hill has three brothers and is the daughter of Ryan and Jana Hill, Schnecksville, Lehigh County PA. The 2020 graduate of Parkland High School, Lehigh County is pursuing a B.S. degree in Music Education with a focus in Applied Voice.
Ms. Hill is the recipient of the Presser Foundation Undergraduate Scholar Award, a scholarship that honors the work of music educator Theodore Presser. She is a classically trained singer and pianist/accompanist who studied voice for nine years and piano for thirteen years. She also plays trumpet.
At Duquesne she performs regularly with the University and community ensembles, including Voices of Spring touring choir; Dukes Music Baroque Ensemble; Duquesne Opera Workshop; Duquesne Opera Theatre; and with numerous church choirs as guest soloist.
Ms. Hill served as President of Duquesne University’s American Choral Directors Association Collegiate Chapter; and Secretary and Vice President for the University’s National Association for Music Education Chapter 159. Her future plans are to teach and advocate for music education within Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities.