Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel
Format: In-Person + Virtual
Admission: Free | Open to the Public
Watch: Livestream from Harkness Chapel
Program
Frost and Fire
Join us for an uplifting evening of choral music as CWRU’s University Chorale takes the stage for their winter concert, featuring a special appearance by Belle Voci, the celebrated treble choir from Berea-Midpark High School. The program includes holiday carols, winter-inspired selections, and a powerful all-ensembles performance of Keep Yo' Lamps by Rosephanye Powell. Together, these ensembles offer a vibrant and heartfelt celebration of the season, community, and the joy of shared musical expression.
About
Belle Voci is Berea-Midpark High School's welcoming, non-audition ensemble open to all students who want to explore their musical potential. Designed for singers of every experience level, this choir focuses on building foundational vocal skills, developing healthy singing technique, and nurturing confidence through performance. Members learn to read music, blend as an ensemble, and perform a variety of choral styles—from classical and folk music to contemporary pieces. Throughout the year, Belle Voci performs at school concerts and festival opportunities that celebrate teamwork, growth, and the joy of singing. Above all, the Belle Voci is a supportive space where students can express themselves, connect with others, and discover the power of making music together.
Sarah Novak is a graduate of Berea High School and a proud product of their music program. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Kent State University and Master's Degree from Baldwin Wallace University. Sarah began her career in music education in the Bedford City School District and transferred back home to the Berea City School District in 2019. She is in her 21st year of service as a music educator. Sarah also enjoys conducting the orchestra pit for Mighty Goliath Productions and playing her flute in the Solon Community Band.
University Chorale is a treble vocal ensemble open to all CWRU/CIM students and community members who enjoy singing. The non-auditioned ensemble performs a wide variety of accompanied and a cappella repertoire written specifically for treble voices. University Chorale focuses on developing basic musicianship skills, learning healthy singing habits, and sharing music with fellow singers and the community. UC has had the privilege of performing at University Convocation, the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing Bicentennial Celebration, and at “A Concert for Rage” with Windsong, Cleveland’s Feminist Chorus. “We walk in love, we welcome friends, we sing with joy.“
Dr. Jessica L. Gallagher-Steuver [STY-ver], she/her/hers, is a passionate music educator, choral conductor, performer, clinician, and lifelong learner. Dr. Gallagher-Steuver is a Lecturer of Music Education at APP and Baldwin Wallace Conservatory, and Conductor of University Chorale at CWRU. Additionally, she is the Artistic Director of Windsong, Cleveland's Feminist Chorus and a voice instructor at The Music Settlement in Cleveland, OH. Jessica is the Founding Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Queer Choral Studies, the official academic publication of GALA Choruses. Dr. Gallagher-Steuver's research interests include queer studies in music education, social-emotional benefits of choral participation, vocal health in older adulthood, and community music making. She defended her dissertation, "My Chorus is My Lifeline": LGBTQ+ Choral Participation in Older Adulthood in spring of 2025. Her research has been published in Research Studies in Music Education and Music by Women Journal, and she has presented peer-reviewed research at national and regional conferences including the National Association for Music Education's Professional Development Conference, the Society for Music Teacher Education's Symposia, the American Choral Directors Association's Midwest Regional Conference, the Ohio Music Education Association's Professional Development Conference, and GALA Chorus's National Leadership Symposium. Jessica holds degrees from Bowling Green State University (BM in Music Education, 2012), University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (MM in Music Education, 2022), and APP (Ph.D. in Music Education, 2025). Prior to pursuing higher education, Dr. Gallagher-Steuver taught early childhood, elementary music and middle school choir in Cincinnati, OH for seven years. She developed curriculum for History of Rock and Roll and Music Technology courses, and served as the drama and show choir director at West Clermont Middle School. She currently lives in Cleveland, OH with her husband and cat, Biscuit.
CWRU Music 2025–26 Concert Season
The APP Department of Music presents a wide range of concerts, recitals, and special events that showcase the talents of students, faculty, and guest artists. From classical masterworks to contemporary compositions, these performances highlight the creativity and excellence within CWRU’s vibrant music community. Open to the public, the series offers opportunities for audiences of all ages to experience inspiring live music and support the next generation of musicians and scholars.
Venue
Florence Harkness Memorial Chapel (est. 1902) is known for its Tiffany stained-glass windows, soaring arches, and exquisite woodwork. The neo-Gothic structure, located on Mather Quad at APP (Cleveland, OH), commemorates the brief life of Florence Harkness Severance. The chapel offers a warm, intimate, and acoustically resonant space for performances and special events.
Health + Safety
University Health and Counseling Services is committed to protecting the health and well-being of our campus community. Find the latest guidelines and resources on the Respiratory Viruses page.