The Crozet Chorus, Inc. seeks to foster the appreciation and enjoyment of choral music in the community though high-quality performances and to inspire singers to realize their musical potential in a non-competitive and supportive environment.
History of the Crozet Chorus
The Crozet Chorus was organized by a local resident in the summer of 2015 to provide a venue for singers of all levels. Incorporated as a non-profit in December 2015 with a Board of Directors, the chorus is secular, non-auditioned and open to men and women. Our first performance, in December 2015, Songs of the Season, was a resounding success with a capacity audience and a standing ovation! Over 100 singers have been part of the chorus.
The Crozet Chorus performs a varied repertoire—from great composers both classical and modern, to music from across the globe and through the decades. We welcome singers of varied abilities and musical backgrounds from throughout the region. They come from diverse backgrounds—teachers, farmers, nurses, attorneys, architects, business people, professors, authors, homemakers and computer experts–all united in their love of choral music. Crozet Chorus is an educational and community outreach organization devoted to fostering excellence in performances and a greater appreciation of choral music in both chorus members and the community. The chorus has no religious or political affiliation.
Chorus Director
Will Nichols is a singer, conductor, and voice teacher in Charlottesville, VA. He holds degrees in Vocal Performance and Choral Conducting from Vanderbilt University and Georgia State University respectively. A lifelong performer, Will has experience singing in musical theater and opera productions, choirs, and in television projects across the country and abroad. He previously taught high school choir and music theory in Charlottesville as well as serving as a choral clinician in town. Will is looking forward to starting the 2025-2026 season as the Artistic Director of the Crozet Community Chorus. He will also serve as an Adjunct Instructor of Voice at Piedmont Virginia Community College and maintain his private studio in town.
Chorus Pianist
Joyce Polifka relocated to Charlottesville in January 2018 with her husband and three young children. Prior to the move, she was an Adjunct Piano Professor at Colorado College, a post she had held since 2006. She was also the Children’s Music Assistant at Grace and St. Stephens Episcopal Church, where she helped direct and accompany choristers ages 5-18. Joyce had a busy home studio and was an active member of the Pikes Peak Music Teachers Association, in which she chaired several festivals and held various board positions. She served on the Piano Faculty of Montgomery College in Rockville, MD from 2003-2006, where she taught both group and private piano. At that time, Joyce was also Director of Music at the National Naval Medical Center and Assistant Director of Music at St. Jude’s Catholic Church. She holds Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Music Education and Piano Pedagogy from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. In 2007, Joyce earned her National Certification as a Teacher of Music (NCTM).
Chorus Leadership
Board of Directors 2025-26
- María Nootbaar, President
- Pam Macpherson, Secretary
- Caroline Walters, Treasurer
- Susannah Hornsby
- Kadie Hudson
- Paula Mendenhall
- Katy Mullin
- Kiki Osbourne
- Karen Parks
- Tim Root
- Marji Ross