About
Founded by Stacey Thompson and Sterling Keyes in 2010, the Orem Chorale is an opportunity for singers in Utah Valley to develop their musical talents and share them with the community.
The Chorale meets every Thursday, September through June, usually from 7:30-9:00 pm. Rehearsals are in the choir room at Orem High School.
Mission Statement
The focus of The Orem Chorale is to inspire, uplift and unite our community – Orem and beyond – through beautiful music. As we progress toward that goal, we strive continually to improve our own musicianship and vocal abilities through challenging repertoire spanning a broad range of music and styles. Under the direction of Russell Oliphant, The Orem Chorale sings spirituals, folk songs, sacred hymns, and classical works by the masters. As a choir, we are committed to encouraging one another to grow as musicians, challenging ourselves and each other to achieve greater musical heights and knowledge. Through our own growth, we believe we can better serve our listeners and our community by sharing a heightened musical experience to be enjoyed by all.
About our Director, Russell Oliphant
Russell Oliphant graduated from BYU with a degree in Music Education with an emphasis on choral music and a minor in Ballroom Dance. He has had experience working with choirs and groups of all ages and skill levels. He has sung in many collegiate and community choirs such as the Sonoran Desert Chorale, Cantorum, and all of the auditioned choirs at BYU. He has taught privately for 5 years and has helped many students have success in making music and enjoying the process. He currently teaches choral music at Timpview High School in Provo.
About our Assistant Director, Ashley Gunnell
Ashley Gunnell graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Choral Education from Utah State University in 2018. She has been involved in several collegiate and community choirs in both Cache and Utah Counties. She currently teaches music at Brookhaven Elementary School in Eagle Mountain and has an after school choir program of 80 students. She loves being involved in creating music with others, both singing and directing, and is excited to share that love with others.
About our Accompanist , Kayley Byers
Kayley Byers was born and raised in Orem and graduated from BYU with a degree in Elementary Music Education. She began her musical training with the piano and later added the violin and organ. She participated in the choirs, jazz band, and orchestra at Orem High School. She studied the organ at BYU, culminating in a recital on Temple Square. She has accompanied various choirs and enjoys using her talents to uplift and benefit others.