Joy Vernon is a Smithfield native.  She holds a BA in music education from Virginia Wesleyan University and an MM in Choral Conducting from Temple University. 

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, 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, with the Great Bridge Presbyterian Chancel Choir, and she has performed the "Star Spangled Banner" for a Chesapeake City Park 9/11 Memorial service.  Just recently she performed for NASA's Open House.   Joy has worked with numerous ensembles as music director in both music and musical theater arenas.  This is her first year as a Chorus teacher at John Yeates Middle School! 

After school, Joy teaches voice/piano lessons and musical theatre classes at Centerstage Academy in Yorktown, VA and sings on the worship team at her church.  She is currently enjoying her time as Sister Margaretta in preparation for The Sound of Music at Smithfield Little Theatre.