Dr. Jeffrey Gemmell completed nine years of service on the board. As a choral and music education professor at Millersville University, his expertise in and passion for excellent choral music education will be greatly missed. Dr. Gemmell’s joy for choral singing is contagious. Each time he worked with MCCL singers, they commented on his engaging and energetic directing skills. He is uniquely gifted to help singers of all ages grow in their choral singing abilities. During Gemmell’s tenure on the board, he helped MCCL to expand music theory and kinesthetic movement as part of rehearsals and choir retreats. Additionally, he aided the board in developing strong music staff hiring practices.
He will continue to serve MCCL through leading choral workshops and masterclasses for auditioned choirs, as well as providing feedback and consultation to MCCL music staff.
The Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster has appointed Kate Grieser to its Advisory Board. Her passion for faith formation of children and youth, coupled with her experience in development and business, will contribute depth to the current work of the board. As a musician herself, Grieser said, “Music has played such a formative role in my life and I’m excited to see so many young people having the opportunity to experience that through MCCL.”
Currently, Kate serves as the Capital Campaign Coordinator for Lancaster Mennonite School. Previously, she worked as a Development Assistant at Eastern Mennonite Missions and as an Underwriter at Eastern Alliance Insurance Group. She received a Bachelor of Science in business from Goshen College. Kate attends Sunnyside Mennonite Church, where she participates on the worship team and serves as a part time Associate Pastor. In her free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, making music with her husband Nathan, and adventuring with her daughters Ivy and Juniper.
The Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster has appointed Nelson Kling to its Advisory Board. MCCL is grateful for the organizational leadership, strategic thinking, and passion for community singing that Kling brings to the board. Kling noted that he looks forward to serving on the MCCL Advisory board because he realizes the importance of children learning how to sing at a young age.
Kling served as the CEO of the Mennonite Home for 21 years. Before becoming CEO, he worked in Campus Development at Mennonite Homes for five years. He has served on six non-profit boards whose ministries impacted local, national and international communities. He holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Business Administration with a focus on Nursing Home Administration. A resident of Woodcrest Villa which is a part of Mennonite Home, he currently volunteers with Mennonite Disaster Service and has volunteered in various capacities in his church community. He and his wife, Marie, attend Landisville Mennonite Church where he teaches Sunday School. In his free time, he enjoys reading, traveling, attending sports events with the grandchildren and cross country motorcycle riding.
The Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster has appointed Durelle Leaman to its Advisory Board. Leaman joined MCCL singers as a guest artist for three choir seasons and will provide insight into how MCCL can continue to serve current singers with excellence. He is impressed by the quality of the choirs and is eager to serve MCCL to further its goals and mission.
Currently, Leaman works at High Steel Structures. Previously, he taught music education at Lancaster Mennonite School and worked at Camp Hebron. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Music Education and Mathematics from Millersville University. In his free time, he enjoys guitars, motorcycles, bicycles, and photography. Leaman, along with his wife Andrea, is an active member of West End Mennonite Fellowship where he helps to lead worship.