Rachel Blackburn
A native of Warren, Ohio she received her formal musical training from Central State University (B. A. Music Education) and New York University (M. A. Music Education in Higher Learning)
Under her leadership, The Hempstead Select Chorale has performed with the West Mountain Symphony Orchestra in Utah, The National Philharmonic in Washington DC and the New Orleans Philharmonic in Louisiana. In 2004 they made a Carnegie Hall debut and the same in 2006 at Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center. In 2007 the chorus made their International debut performing at Votiv Kirche and Melk Abbey in Vienna, Austria. In 2009 they brought home the Gold in an International Choral Competition in Verona, Italy.
Additionally, Rachel serves as Vice President of Sisters of the Arts, the only NY based chapter of The Society, Inc. a national organization of African-American women who support, mentor, and cultivate youth and young adults seeking careers in the Fine and Performing Arts.