Katie McInnis - Artistic Director
Katie McInnis is extremely honored to accept the baton as artistic director of Voca Lyrica. Virginia Kerwin, founding director emeritus of Voca Lyrica, is one of Katie’s most cherished mentors, and both women have treasured being a part of Voca Lyrica. Katie holds a Bachelor of Music degree with majors in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Western Michigan University (1995), and a Master’s in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University (1999). Katie’s professional affiliations include The American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA).
During her 25 years teaching middle and high school choirs in the Big Rapids Public School system, Katie’s ensembles and soloists consistently received excellent ratings at MSVMA, as well as countless opportunities for growth including musicals, college visits, travel, collaborative experiences, MSVMA-sponsored district and state festivals, honors choirs, and more. Teaching vocal music at all levels is Katie’s greatest passion. She has worked with singers between the ages of 4 years old and 89 years young and has had the honor of conducting the MSVMA State SA Honors Choirs at the Michigan Music Conference in 2022.
Following her retirement from public school teaching, Katie is now enjoying her second stage of music education. She conducts the Ferris State University (FSU) Concert Choir, as well as the TrebleMakers community youth choir, sponsored by Voca Lyrica. She instructs a piano class at FSU, teaches private voice lessons, serves as an MSVMA adjudicator and clinician, assists with Big Rapids Public School vocal events, and serves on community non-profit boards including the Tuba Bach Chamber Music Festival and the Artworks programming committee. In her free time, hiking with her beautiful family and their rowdy puppies is her absolute favorite pastime.
Virginia Kerwin - Founding Director Emerita
Virginia Kerwin is the founding director emerita of Voca Lyrica, an adult treble choir based in Big Rapids, Michigan.Known for its innovative and collaborative programming, Voca Lyrica has sung partnered performances in iconic venues including Carnegie Hall, Grace Cathedral, Hill Auditorium, Lincoln Center, Sydney Opera House, Washington National Cathedral, Basilica of Santa Maria del Corro, as well as performance tours in Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, England, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Scotland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Wales.
Virginia has experienced a robust and diverse career in music education. She taught elementary general music for 7 years in New Jersey and Michigan, secondary vocal music for 15 years at Big Rapids Public Schools, and served as adjunct professor at Central Michigan University and Grand Valley State University. Additional teacher/conductor experiences include Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Michigan Ambassadors of Music, MSVMA Honors Choirs and The University of Michigan All-State Camp at Interlochen, with presentation and performance honors from ACDA Michigan and Central Division Conferences, Michigan Youth Arts Festival, Midwest Music Conference and Michigan Music Conference. Notable recognitions include the ACDA Michigan Maynard Klein Award for Distinguished Service to Choral Music in Michigan, MMEA Administrator of the Year, and MSVMA Teacher of the Year.
During her 20-year tenure as Executive Director of the Michigan School Vocal Music Association, Virginia was instrumental in developing MSVMA’s adjudication system. She contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Michigan Music Conference and the Michigan Youth Arts Festival, having served as board chair of these organizations. Virginia also serves on the ACDA Michigan Board as Membership Co-Chair. A frequently sought after clinician and consultant in the areas of vocal music and fine arts education, Virginia participated in the development of the fine arts graduation requirements for the Michigan Department of Education and served on the arts education advisory board of ArtServe Michigan. Additionally, Virginia participated in international music and cultural exchanges in Cuba, Latvia, and South Africa.
Virginia’s professional affiliations include the American Choral Directors Association, the National Association for Music Education, and the Michigan School Vocal Music Association. She holds degrees in Music Education from the University of Delaware and Calvin University.
Virginia enjoys singing with the Grand Rapids Symphony Chorus, traveling, reading, playing bridge, and spending time with her husband Bill, children, and grandchildren.