MCCL Welcomes Fall Intern and Alumnus Aaron Hershey
Mennonite Children’s Choir of Lancaster (MCCL) and Lancaster Bible College (LBC) are pleased to continue their collaborative commitment to music education through a new fall 2025 internship placement: Aaron Hershey, a senior at LBC and MCCL alumnus singer.
This placement not only strengthens the relationship between LBC and MCCL, but also celebrates Hershey’s full-circle journey—from singing with MCCL between 2015 and 2020 to now returning as an intern to inspire the next generation of young vocalists.
Coming back to MCCL rehearsals as a soon-to-be music educator rather than a student, I see them with a different perspective. I’m able to appreciate how much planning, preparation, and collaboration go into creating a successful rehearsal. Not a moment is wasted in rehearsal, and singers experience it as a fun and engaging sequence of activities” – Aaron Hershey
Throughout the semester, Hershey has observed the choir’s growth and evolution.
There are so many more adults involved now—assistant directors, musicianship teachers, parent volunteers. It’s amazing to see how the community has expanded.”
He’s also learning the value of repetition and vocal reinforcement.
Each week, Ms. Wingard leads the singers in high sighs, oohs, and other vocalizations repeatedly throughout rehearsal. They need this sort of consistent reinforcement to grow confident and comfortable with their own voices.”
Reflecting on his own experience, Hershey credits MCCL with preparing him for college-level singing and music. “
MCCL gave me the tools to succeed—solfege, score reading, vowel shaping, and ensemble listening.”
Sarah Wingard, MCCL’s Carol and Concert Choir director, highlights the significance of this internship: “Our partnership with LBC allows us to showcase what young voices can achieve with excellent training. Having Aaron return as both an intern and alumnus offers our singers a unique model of growth and possibility.”
Rachel Sidebothum, LBC’s music education coordinator, adds, “Interns who serve with MCCL gain specialized tools for choral teaching and a deeper appreciation for elementary and middle school music. MCCL proves that young singers can achieve remarkable artistry with the right guidance.”
Hershey encourages other music education students to consider the MCCL internship:
MCCL interns have the privilege of seeing almost every rehearsal, since they only meet one night a week. This gives us the opportunity to plug in and understand the whole process from the beginning to the end of the semester, rather than being an occasional observer who only sees bits and pieces of the rehearsal process.”
With alumni returning as educators, the partnership between LBC and MCCL continues to foster a vibrant cycle of mentorship, music-making, and community.