Director
Joan Kennedy
Joan graduated from the Westhampton College of the University of Richmond. Her graduate work is from the University of Virginia. She studied piano in college where she began her career as an accompanist.
After college, Joan‘s love of music brought her to musical theater. It is here that she starred as Ado Annie in “Oklahoma” and Gooch in “Mame”. She was also involved in the productions of “George M” (River View Theater), “Carousel” and “Music Man”.
Joan is the Choral Director at Unity Renaissance Church in Chesapeake, Virginia, and the Chapel Director at Westminster Canterbury in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Previously, Joan was the children’s choir director for the Wycliffe Presbyterian Church in Virginia Beach where she also was an accompanist and vocal coach for the early service.
Joan is a well know vocal and piano teacher in the area. She is also a soloist for many of the area churches. She sings with Symphonicity, the Virginia Beach Symphony Chorus, and Schola Cantorum under the direction of Dr. Gayle Johnson.
Joan has sung with the Berkshires Festival Chorus for nine years under the direction of internationally known conductors including Robert Page, Jane Glover, Craig Jessup and Steven Lord.
Joan studies voice with Emily Stauch. She has studied directing with Deborah Car. Joan is a student of ballroom dance where she has won prestigious awards. She studies with Bob Miya.
Joan became the Choral Director of The Sounds Of Joy in 1999, taking SOJ to new levels of performance and musical challenge.
Joan resides at Westminster Canterbury with her husband Darryl.