Meet Our Team
Megan Charlesworth
Executive Director
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Megan Charlesworth holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Slippery Rock University of PA, and a Master of Music in Music Ed from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where she studied the impacts of integration of culturally diverse materials in the music classroom. She is currently pursuing a Graduate Certificate in Arts Management through the University of Massachusetts. Megan brings a decade of experience in youth music education, arts programming and organizational leadership to the Berks Youth Chorus and is thrilled to bring her skills and expertise to her home community.
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Outside of her role as Executive Director, Megan serves as the Director of Local Music Mission at Calvary United Church of Christ in Reading, and is enjoying music directing and playing in the pit orchestra for local theatre organization. She lives in Temple with her husband Preston, and two children.
Michael Adams
Director of Choristers
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Michael is a lifelong choral singer who has conducted singers from all generations across the Berks and Lancaster County area. In addition to his role as Director of the Choristers, Michael currently serves as the Director of Fine and Performing Arts and Director of Choral Studies at Lancaster Catholic High School teaching vocal music and music theory. He also holds a private voice studio where his students have gone on to choral festivals at the district, regional, and state levels. Prior to Lancaster Catholic, Michael served as the Director of Music at St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Sinking Spring and taught elementary and middle school music at schools in both Berks and Lancaster County.
Michael received a Bachelors of Arts in Music Education from Bloomsburg University and is currently pursuing his Masters Degree in Music Education at Kutztown University. He is a classically trained operatic baritone who has sung with such choral greats as Paul Salamunovich, Z. Randall Stroope, Elaine Hagenberg, and many others.
When not in a choral rehearsal or performance, Michael enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife, Trish, and their three children.
Grace
Mittleman
Director of Chorale
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Both a music teacher and singer, Grace Mittleman has been immersed in music for over two decades. A Long Island, New York native, she earned a dual Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and Vocal Performance from the University of Hartford in May 2023. During her undergraduate studies, Grace performed two lead opera roles, presented a full senior recital, and completed student teaching placements in both elementary and secondary schools.
Grace previously taught general music and chorus in Connecticut, where she led three different choral ensembles with a combined membership of more than 230 students. In addition to her teaching, she has sung in choirs recreationally and professionally, further enriching her musicianship.
The energy and passion Grace brings to her work make her a favorite among students and colleagues alike. Now based in Pennsylvania, she is thrilled to serve as Chorale Director with Berks Youth Chorus and to be part of such a vibrant musical community.
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Dan
Behler
Director of MasterSingers
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Dan is a music educator based in West Reading. After graduating summa cum laude from Lebanon Valley College with Bachelor’s Degrees in Music Education & Vocal Music, he began his career at Cocalico Middle School.
He spends much of his time in the service of CMS, where he teaches classroom music and directs the 7th & 8th Grade Chorus. Additionally, he coaches his students in preparation for solo performances and participation in ACDA and PMEA honor festivals, maintains a thriving theatre program, and directs the CMS Select Singers, which provides local community service through music.
Outside of Cocalico, Dan is pursuing his Masters of Music in Choral Conducting at Messiah University. He also works as the Drill and Brass Instructor with the Marching Band at his alma mater, Schuylkill Valley High School. He is excited to use his knowledge and experiences to serve the young musicians of Berks County at BYC.
Board of Directors
Mark Merolla, Board Chair
William Cotter, Vice Chair
Heather Hafer, Secretary
Abi Young, Treasurer
Victoria L. Piscitelli, CPA
Jenny Perry
Our Advisory Board
Bruce Bengtson
Andrew Constantine
Greg Funfgeld
Vicki Haller Graff
Christine Jordanoff
Emma Jane Maurer
Joseph Smith
Gianfranco Toso, M.D.
Karen Tripolitis
Dr. Valerie Trollinger