Ensemble Directors
Teaching and Inspiring
To be an effective children's choir director, one must possess a unique combination of talents. This includes a deep understanding of choral literature and the skill to select music that challenges students without causing frustration, as well as choosing pieces that effectively impart relevant music theory. Additionally, the ability to teach vocal production across varying levels within a single ensemble is crucial, alongside fostering a positive and supportive environment where students feel at ease experimenting with new techniques. HCCC directors embody all these qualities and more. Each director holds a degree in music education and boasts years of experience.
Amy Studabaker
DIRECTOR
Mrs. Studabaker graduated magna cum laude with a B.M. in music education from Butler University, where she also received the Outstanding Music Educator: Elementary Award. A multifaceted artist, Mrs. Studabaker has skillfully directed choirs across various age groups, as well as theater and handbell choirs, and has served as a choreographer. She is excited about the chance to share her passion for music with her community.
Tiffany Richards
ENSEMBLE DIRECTOR
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTIONS
CHOIR LIBRARIAN
Mrs. Richards holds a B.M. in music education and an M.S. in library science. Her expertise positions her as the ideal leader for our Belle Voci ladies ensemble and the effective manager of our choir library. Moreover, Mrs. Richards also takes on the role of director of productions, expertly overseeing the extensive details required to bring our performances to life on stage.
Collaborative Pianists
Accompanying and Performing
Hancock County Children's Choir is privileged to work with some of the most skilled and knowledgeable collaborative pianists in the Indianapolis area. These remarkable individuals are not only gifted accompanists but also accomplished performers, educators, composers, and authors. Attuned to the nuances of the music and the needs and abilities of the students, these gentlemen leverage their extraordinary talents to enhance the sound of each piece and every ensemble.
Patrick Fata
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
Patrick Fata has been performing alongside his wife, Amy, for over two decades, during which they have released five albums, toured extensively across the US and Europe, and led worship at their local church, currently Harbour Shores Church in Cicero, IN. He spent 19 years on the faculty at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, and currently coaches a string ensemble at Carmel Latin School in Indianapolis, in addition to serving as an accompanist for the Indianapolis Children’s Choir’s Master Chorale.
His educational journey took him from the Conservatoire National de Région de Rueil-Malmaison in Paris to Huntington University and Butler University in Indiana, where he focused on piano performance. Patrick has authored three books with Memoria Press, blending history and theory into a curriculum aimed at nurturing children’s appreciation for classical music. He also composes and arranges music for schools, concert artists, media projects, and church settings, with his works published by Colla Voce, ICC Publishing House, and Portion Music.
Originally from France, Patrick now resides in the Midwest with Amy, their two daughters, and their aptly named dog, Tempo.
Sam Jones
PRINCIPAL ACCOMPANIST
Mr. Sam Jones possesses a Master of Music degree in piano performance and pedagogy from Butler University. He has shared his expertise by teaching piano at the Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, Butler Community Arts School, and the International School of Indianapolis. Presently, Mr. Jones serves as the Music Director at Franklin Central Christian Church, where he plays piano and organ for weekly services, curates musical selections, provides special music performances, and accompanies the choir.
Michael Anderson
ACCOMPANIST
Mr. Michael Anderson is the talented accompanist for both our Belle Voci ladies ensemble and our Ragazzi Coro men's ensemble. His musical journey began in junior high school, where he started accompanying choirs, ensembles, and soloists. Presently, he serves as the accompanist for the Mt. Vernon High School choirs. Mr. Anderson graduated with a BA in Music Business from Anderson University in Indiana, where he also met his wife, Dawn. They have been happily married for 33 years and are proud parents to three adult children, along with a one-year-old grandchild. With over 30 years of experience as a Worship Pastor, Michael has served in churches across Florida, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana, and is currently fulfilling his calling at South Meridian Church of God in Anderson.