Joy Vernon, soprano, is from Smithfield, Virginia. She holds a BA in music education from Virginia Wesleyan University and an MM in Choral Conducting from Temple University. During her collegiate endeavors, she studied voice with Billye Brown Youmans and Dr. Christine Anderson. 

 

Joy has performed with various ensembles in Hampton Roads and Philadelphia: Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus, Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus Holiday Pops! Collegiate Homecoming ensemble, Virginia Wesleyan Choirs, Virginia Wesleyan Summer Sacred Music ensembles, Great Bridge Presbyterian Chancel Choir, Temple University Concert Choir, and TU Graduate Conductor Chorus and Recital Chorus, and the I. Sherman Greene Chorale. Joy has performed as a soloist with the Wren Masters from The College of William and Mary for An Evening of Bach at Virginia Wesleyan, at Great Bridge Presbyterian Church, and at various churches and events in Hampton Roads. Previously, she was the Director of Music Assistant at Great Bridge Presbyterian Church in Chesapeake, VA and Music Director at Lafayette Presbyterian Church in Norfolk, VA. 

 

Recently, she has had a blast conducting orchestra pits and teaching music as music director for shows like Matilda, Bridges of Madison County, Ain’t Misbehavin, and Mack & Mabel at Williamsburg Players and PCT. Last spring, she had the blessed opportunity to perform in the ensemble for The Wiz at the New Bedford Festival Theater in MA.

 

Joy has taught diverse repertoire and vocal technique to professional choirs, musical theater casts, church choirs/soloists, and children.  She currently teaches chorus and theatre at John Yeates Middle School and has enjoyed teaching voice and piano lessons at Centerstage, helping students build their confidence and skills.