Belle Voci Dorate (previously known as Belle Voci Ensemble) was founded in the summer of 2005 to explore and perform treble choir music from all eras, with a special emphasis on music by women composers. Many of the women also perform with local musical and theatrical organizations, including the Antelope Valley Master Chorale and the Palmdale Playhouse. Membership is by audition or invitation of the director. Rehearsals are held weekly at Lancaster United Methodist Church; in gratitude for LUMC's hosting, Belle Voci Ensemble presents music during worship at least 2 times a year, and donates a portion of our free will offering back to the music program.
Heather KinKennon, Founder and Artistic Director
Heather KinKennon is an adjunct instructor in Music at Antelope Valley College, where she teaches class voice, and is also an assistant conductor of the Antelope Valley Master Chorale. Heather studied at Riverside Community College, and went on to receive both her BA in Music and MFA in Choral Conducting from UCLA. She studied conducting with William Hatcher, Thomas Hilbish, John Ross, and the late Donn Weiss, with whom she also studied choral arranging. Her voice teachers have included Dr. Timothy Mussard and Diane David.
Heather made her Antelope Valley debut as a soprano soloist in December 2003 in the AVSOMC presentation of Handel's Messiah. She has also been featured as a soloist with the Colorado Choir and the Riverside Master Chorale. Her conducting and arranging skills were featured in an episode of NBC's Hull High, produced by Buena Vista Television.
In addition to her college duties, Heather maintains a private voice and piano studio in Lancaster, and is active in the music program at Lancaster United Methodist Church, where she has also served as substitute Chancel Choir director and pianist.
Mary Zimmerman, Accompanist
Mary is a cum laude graduate of USC, where she earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Performance. Her teachers have included Daniel Pollack, Malcolm Hamilton, and Robert Turner. For over 20 years, she has served as organist at Lancaster United Methodist Church, as well as the accompanist for Chancel Choir, and director of the Oliver Handbell Choir. She is also the accompanist for the Antelope Valley Master Chorale, and is staff accompanist for the Applied Music Program at Antelope Valley College. Mary is an active member of the California Music Teachers Association, and teaches over 40 students in her private studio. She has been honored by the Antelope Valley Theater Association with three "Shining Star" Awards for her musical direction.