Rana Strickland is a local chorus and piano teacher and UMW graduate with a B.A. in Music and Elementary Education who has worked with adult and student choirs and played for churches for 25+ years. Rana teaches chorus and music theory for Fredericksburg Area Young Musicians, teaches piano and voice at Creative Music Academy and plays piano and teaches for CYT and Riverside Dinner Theater productions. Recently she enjoyed playing for  Riverside’s production of  “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.”  Rana has enjoyed singing with The Spotsylvanians Chorus, playing for the Spotlighters, and she enjoys directing this wonderful group of community singers.  

Zachary Short is an educator, conductor, coach, and aspiring school administrator whose work centers on developing students through excellence in music education, leadership, and a commitment to excellence. He earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education (Vocal/Choral) from Virginia Commonwealth University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership and Administration at Old Dominion University, preparing for future service in school administration.

He currently serves as the Director of Choral Activities at North Stafford High School in Stafford County Public Schools, where he directs multiple vocal ensembles, and works to facilitate initiatives focused on student engagement, recognition, and positive school climate.

Previously, Mr. Short served for three years as Director of Choirs at Freedom Middle School in Spotsylvania County. During his tenure, he expanded opportunities for young musicians by founding the school’s auditioned chamber ensemble, ENCORE, directing multiple theatrical productions, and building a program recognized for musical excellence, student leadership, and community involvement. Under his direction, ensembles have earned Superior ratings at the Virginia Choral Assessment, premiered new choral works, performed alongside collegiate ensembles, and represented their schools with distinction throughout the Commonwealth.

Outside of the choral classroom, Mr. Short is a Jostens Renaissance Ambassador, Head Coach of the Chancellor High School Swim Team, and Director of Sacred Music at St. Jude Catholic Church.

Whether conducting a choir, coaching athletes, mentoring student leaders, or supporting colleagues, Mr. Short believes that authentic relationships, high expectations, and a commitment to service create environments where every learner can thrive.

McKenneth holds a Bachelor degree in Music Education from Tennessee Tech University and Masters degree from Southern Seminary in Church Music with an emphasis in Composition and Piano.

He and his wife toured the country performing concerts for 13 years. McKenneth has also served as Minister of Music in 4 churches over the years. He has served as an accompanist for many organizations and is thankful for the opportunity to now accompany the Spotsylvanians Chorus. 

Beth Mailand recently joined the Spotsylvanians this year as their accompanist for the Spotlighters. She is currently the organist at Hope Presbyterian Church of Fredericksburg. You can find her teaching harp and piano privately in " Spotsy" and freelancing in the D.C. area. As the principal harpist with The U.S. Army Band, "Pershing's Own" of Washington, D. C., from 1986 - 2006, she performed regularly at the White House, State Department and Pentagon. She has also been a dance accompanist at the University of North Carolina School of Arts and a church pianist at Faith Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, Virginia.