About Us
What is the Lancaster Art Song Society?
The Lancaster Art Song Society has a mission to provide vocal training to developing vocalists, to offer performing opportunities for the classically trained professional artist, and to present concerts and events for audiences of all ages to enjoy.
Who's Laus Deo?
Laus Deo means “Praise be to God”. This name was chosen for the chorale because it encapsulates their purpose of giving honor and praise to the triune God.
These choir members are part of the developing vocalist program of the Lancaster Art Song Society. They receive intense vocal training, have the opportunity to attend concerts and vocal workshops, as well as observe and glean from professional guest vocalists.
All members of Laus Deo are given a tuition scholarship and pay only a small registration fee.
Laus Deo performs for retirement communities, churches, and presents concerts at various venues.
Director: Heidi Shannon
Heidi Shannon has been blessed to enjoy the worlds of performance and education for many years. She has taught music to all ages, K-12 and at the college level, for over 20 years. Her broad education spans from classical voice to world music, movement and drumming.
Ms. Shannon holds a BS in Music Education (Voice) from Bob Jones University and a Master of Music from West Chester University. She holds Orff Schulwerk Certifications, Levels I-III, as well as the Master Level.
She was the first recipient of the 2009 “Music Teacher of the Year”, awarded by Music for Everyone, and was awarded a commendation by the superintendent of the School District of Lancaster, Pedro Rivera (former PA Secretary of Education).
Ms. Shannon performed with Opera Lancaster and directed their first two tours of Opera tales (presenting a Children’s Opera to over 1000 school age children). She has been seen in many of Opera Lancaster’s former productions as well as the Trust’s Performing Art Center (Fatih, Hope and Love, Romantic Trios, The Trust Collective). Ms. Shannon has concertized, often collaborating with other musical artists, across the United States and Latin America (Guatemala City, Guatemala and Ciudad Victoria, Mexico).
She is excited about her new venture, the Lancaster Art Song Society (LASS), and its partnership with the Trust Performing Arts Center – Arts & Culture Series.
The Lancaster Art Song Society aims to keep this beautiful genre of music alive. LASS seeks to educate young, developing singers through its choral scholarship program (Laus Deo), provide and sponsor performing opportunities for professional singers and present performances for audiences of all ages to enjoy.
Assistant Director: Johanna Howarth
Johanna Howarth is a native of beautiful Lancaster County. She holds a BS in Biblical Studies and a BM in Vocal Performance from Lancaster Bible College. Johanna’s experience extends beyond her accompanying prowess, which has included professionally accompanying for Lancaster Bible College, Opera Lancaster, and Prima events. She has also enjoyed performing in musicals, concerts and various events. Johanna has taught elementary music in school settings (private school and SWAN – a nonprofit organization), as well as having her own private piano studio. One of Johanna’s greatest joys is encouraging and fostering the love of music to children of all ages!