Jay W. Risser, conductor

Jay Risser has been conductor of the Lancaster Chamber Singers since 1995. With undergraduate studies at Westminster Choir College and graduate studies at Temple University, Hartt School of Music, and the Pennsylvania State University, he has worked with prominent choral conductors James Litton, Elaine Brown, Gerald Mack, and Michael Korn. While attending the Pennsylvania State University, he was appointed part-time faculty and conductor of the 150-voice University Choir, as well as an adjunct voice instructor. In central Pennsylvania, Mr. Risser served as reorganizer and music director of the Lebanon County Choral Society. In addition to conducting the Chamber Singers, he is full-time music director for Holy Name of Jesus Roman Catholic Church in Harrisburg, a private voice and piano instructor, and a retired elementary school music educator.

Karen Homsher, assistant rehearsal conductor

Karen Homsher has been singing with the Lancaster Chamber Singers since 1981 as a member of the soprano or alto sections. In addition to being assistant rehearsal conductor, she also serves as the music librarian for the ensemble. She earned her B. Mus. at Houghton College and an M. Mus. at the University of Michigan. She is a retired music educator and is active at Leacock Presbyterian Church where she sings in the chancel choir and directs the handbell choir.

Stephan Englehart, assistant rehearsal conductor

Stephan L. Englehart sings in the tenor section of the Lancaster Chamber Singers, and has been singing with the group since the winter of 2014. He graduated from Lebanon Valley College in 2014 with degrees in both music education and vocal performance. He has studied voice under Mark Williams, Victoria Rose, and Jay Risser. When not singing with or directing LCS, Stephan serves as a music teacher in the Warwick School District, where he teaches elementary music and directs the 5/6 Chorus at Kissel Hill Elementary, directs the Middle School Choral Ensemble, and co-directs the Kissel Hill Elementary musical. Stephan is currently working on his Master's Degree in Music Education at West Chester University, and his Kodaly certification at Westminster Choir College.