Our Mission
The Schoharie Valley Singers seek to provide quality musical experiences to inspire, entertain, and enlighten the community.
Our History
The Schoharie Valley Singers were founded in 1979 as the Depot Lane Singers by the late Frances B. Tripp, a former Schoharie High School music teacher. In 2005, direction of the group was passed on to Mitch Haverly, a retired music teacher from Berne- Knox-Westerlo Central School. Mr. Haverly was named Director Emeritus in 2018, when Middleburgh Central School music teacher Benjamin April took over as Artistic Director. In 2018, the Depot Lane Singers were renamed the Schoharie Valley Singers and became incorporated as an independent not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization. Over the years, the group has grown to include singers from Albany, Montgomery, Otsego, Schenectady, and Schoharie counties.
Our Artistic Director
Benjamin April has been the Artistic Director of the Schoharie Valley Singers since 2018. Mr. April teaches vocal music for grades 7-12 at Middleburgh Jr-Sr High School in Middleburgh, NY. In addition to his class load, he is co-adviser of the drama club and directs the select chorus. Prior to teaching at MCS, Mr. April taught vocal and general music at Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Middle School.
Mr. April holds a Bachelor’s degree in music education from Hartwick College, and a Master’s degree in music education from The College of Saint Rose. Mr. April has been a guest conductor or accompanist at County Music Festivals in Albany, Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schoharie Counties. He also maintains a private piano studio with students in Albany and Schoharie Counties. Outside of music, he enjoys hiking, camping, cooking, and traveling. Though he has been a New Yorker now for 14 years, he is still a proud New Englander and an unapologetic New England Patriots fan (even without Tom Brady!). He currently lives in Coeymans Hollow, NY with his two cats Merlin and Gandalf.