Rock Hill, S.C. – The York County Choral Society Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Elizabeth Mixon and Randy Imler as the organization’s new Co-Artistic Directors, concluding a four-month national search process.
“This is a pivotal moment in the history of York County Choral Society,” expressed Kim Lee, YCCS Board Chair. “As only the third Artistic Director(s) in our 42-year history, we are honored to have Elizabeth and Randy at the podium as we embark on a new chapter. We look forward to an exciting season and a continued tradition of performance excellence and service to our community.”
The Society’s distinguished reputation and history resulted in a pool of highly qualified candidates. The breadth and depth of Imler and Mixon’s education, training, and experience set them apart from the other applicants.
Mixon’s rich background in education and choral music boasts 31 years in South Carolina’s public education system, including 18 years in choral education and 13 in leadership and test administration. Notably, during her tenure at Northwestern High School, her guidance led the Troubadours to prominence, with the choir achieving top state rankings, as well as close to 200 All State Choir placements. Holding degrees in music and education from Furman University, the Eastman School of Music, and Winthrop University, Mixon is an accomplished vocalist and conductor. She’s also an active church musician and dedicated resident of Rock Hill.
Mixon stated, “I am grateful for the opportunity to co-direct the Choral Society, a significant contributor to the fine arts in York County. Using the choir’s rich musical history as a strong foundation, I look forward to working with Randy to further hone the ensemble’s skill and musicality as it continues to grow as a purveyor of exceptional choral music.”
With over 35 years of active musical involvement, Dr. Imler has directed music at various churches and conducted choirs, including the Winthrop University Collegiate Choir and Jazz Voices. Imler has advanced degrees from Winthrop and the University of South Carolina, and his expertise extends from music and conducting to business administration. He has also prepared choirs for significant performances, such as the USC choirs for Mozart’s Davidde Penitente with the South Carolina Philharmonic, and has been an active clinician and adjudicator in choral events. He currently serves on the Winthrop Board of Trustees and works as Executive Director of the Catawba Regional Council of Governments.
Imler added, “Elizabeth and I are excited and humbled by the opportunity to co-direct the York County Choral Society. We hope to build upon the Society’s demonstrated record of musical excellence, and we’re going to have a lot of fun making fantastic music together. We look forward to the new friendships with those already in YCCS, and we encourage singers in York County who have never experienced choral singing in this environment to come and join us.”
The 42nd season with the Society will begin with Imler and Mixon at the helm. Auditions for the upcoming season will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 22 and Tuesday, Sept. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Oakland Baptist Church in Rock Hill, S.C. The next concert will be held December 3. For more information, visit yorkcountychoralsociety.org.
About the York County Choral Society
Founded in 1981, the York County Choral Society (YCCS) is a 501(c)3 community organization dedicated to performing masterworks from the standard choral repertoire. For over 40 seasons, the Society has performed these major musical masterworks with orchestral accompaniment, enriching the lives of both its 60+ member singers and the greater community. To learn more about YCCS, including how to join or upcoming performances, visit yorkcountychoralsociety.org.
yorkcountychoralsociety.org 