PCC is thrilled to announce the Nancy Moser Klimcheck Scholarships, a newly created scholarship fund for the Festival of Choirs!
Anonymous donors have committed to fund up to three scholarships of $1,000 each for a period of 10 years. One scholarship will be awarded to an honored student from each participating high school during the festival.
The Scholarships are named in honor of Pittsburgh voice teacher, Mrs. Nancy Moser Klimcheck, who has spent her career teaching Pittsburgh high school students and adults the techniques and skills for excellent vocal performance.
Nancy has a Bachelor’s of Vocal Performance and a Master’s of Music Education degrees from West Virginia University. She was a professional core member of the Mendelssohn Choir for 20 years and the Soprano section leader for the auditioned high school Junior Mendelssohn Choir for twelve years. She is married to PCC member Bruce Klimcheck, whom she met at WVU.
Nancy has been teaching private voice in the Pittsburgh area for 30 years. She has taught members in the Mendelssohn Choir, the Bach Choir, and Pittsburgh Concert Chorale. Nancy has taught vocal workshops for the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale and Point Park University. Nancy has prepared many high school students for Musical auditions, district and state competitions, and college auditions.
“I feel that teaching kids is important. I think that is my calling. That is why this scholarship is really special to me! When I was in high school, there was nothing like this.”
PCC Music Director Dr. Susan Medley said, “We are so excited to be able to offer these scholarships. We want to encourage young singers to continue making music, and this tangible support will benefit a senior from each participating high school choir. I am thrilled that these scholarships honor Nancy Klimcheck. Her teaching has influenced the lives of so many singers, and PCC is deeply grateful to the donors who have made these scholarships possible.”
Many of Nancy’s students have become successful music teachers in high schools and in colleges. Some of Nancy’s students chose to major in other fields, but sang in their college choirs and have continued to sing in some capacity throughout their lives. Some have auditioned for professional groups and some have chosen to sing in their church choirs. Some have returned after starting their careers and families to take lessons from Nancy once again.
“Music offers community to students and gives them skills they can use throughout their lives."
The Festival of Choirs concert, Nancy said, is a wonderful opportunity for students to perform with one another and to learn from more experienced singers.
“Singing is an opportunity to be a part of a group, to feel like you do contribute, and that your contribution really counts. Singing is one of the few activities one can find joy in through all the years of one’s life. That joy doesn’t fade away and it’s a wonderful way to meet new people!”
“I felt for me, because I was the quiet kid in school, music really gave me confidence…. the confidence you build with singing carries over into everything else you do in your life!”
Nancy is very appreciative to the donors and so humbled by these extremely generous Music scholarships.
“This is one of the nicest things I think anyone could do for kids!”