Gwinnett Symphony Chorus
Founded in 2007, Gwinnett Symphony Chorus (GSC) is under the direction of Rick Smith. GSC is comprised of approximately 80 singers from all walks of life from Gwinnett and the surrounding region. GSC is made up of primarily volunteer musicians with a few key professional musicians. Many of these musicians have been loyal members of the chorus since its inception. Members include music faculty from New School of Music, local school music programs and universities, and community musicians. GSC performs multiple concerts per season including masterworks, holiday concerts and combined concerts with our symphony orchestra and jazz orchestra. GSC performed Renee Clausen’s Memorial at Lincoln Center in New York on September 11, 2011 in a special concert commemorating the 10th anniversary of the tragic events in NYC. Membership in GSC is by audition with the conductor or by invitation. Interested musicians may inquire about membership throughout the year.
Rick Smith, Music Director & Conductor
An active Music Director, Educator and Entrepreneur, Rick Smith serves as Music Director of Gwinnett Symphony Chorus, Chamber Singers, and Executive Director of Gwinnett Symphony Musical Arts Consortium. Mr. Smith is Executive Director of New School of Music and Director of Music Ministries at Johns Creek Christian Church.
Mr. Smith began formal study of music on piano at the age of 7. He comes from a very musical family where everyone was expected to play an instrument or sing. It was quickly noticed that he had a talent for piano and became the pianist at his church at age 12, and continued until he began his college career. While studying music at Shorter College in Rome, GA, Mr. Smith not only strengthened and refined his skills as a pianist and vocalist, but he also developed a passion and a taste for exquisite choral music. Though his primary instrument is piano, private voice instruction and extensive choral training played a huge role in the make up of Mr. Smith's musical studies. While receiving Bachelor’s degrees in both Church Music and Music Education, Mr. Smith gained exposure to choral music under the tutelage of choral genius, John H. Ratledge III, Ph.D. Dr. Ratledge, a student of the world renowned choral composer, Morten Lauridsen, engrained into his students a broad spectrum of remarkable technique in all genres of music.
Mr. Smith began formal study of music on piano at the age of 7. He comes from a very musical family where everyone was expected to play an instrument or sing. It was quickly noticed that he had a talent for piano and became the pianist at his church at age 12, and continued until he began his college career. While studying music at Shorter College in Rome, GA, Mr. Smith not only strengthened and refined his skills as a pianist and vocalist, but he also developed a passion and a taste for exquisite choral music. Though his primary instrument is piano, private voice instruction and extensive choral training played a huge role in the make up of Mr. Smith's musical studies. While receiving Bachelor’s degrees in both Church Music and Music Education, Mr. Smith gained exposure to choral music under the tutelage of choral genius, John H. Ratledge III, Ph.D. Dr. Ratledge, a student of the world renowned choral composer, Morten Lauridsen, engrained into his students a broad spectrum of remarkable technique in all genres of music.