LOS ANGELES CHILDREN'S CHORUS ELECTS NEW BOARD CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBERS

Entertainment Desk
Attorney David Scheidemantle has been named Chair of Los Angeles Children's Chorus (LACC). He succeeds Patti Paniccia, who served as chair for three years. LACC Executive Director Rachel Fine made the announcement. Scheidemantle, who joined the LACC board in 2007, is Co-Managing Partner of the Pasadena-based law firm Connon Wood Scheidemantle LLP and a Juilliard-trained violinist.

"David brings consummate leadership to LACC," says Fine. "An accomplished musician as well as an attorney, he brings prudent business insight, extensive musical experience, and a profound dedication to the organization. He is a tremendous asset to LACC. We are so pleased to have him lead the Chorus into its next chapter, building upon its considerable foundation."

Fine also praised Paniccia for her unwavering commitment and focused work at LACC, stating, "Under Patti Paniccia's visionary guidance and dedicated service, LACC reached new heights of excellence. She has positively influenced every aspect of the organization from its administrative and artistic endeavors to its educational and leadership components. It has been a great pleasure to work with her."

LACC Artistic Director Anne Tomlinson notes, "We are deeply grateful for Patti's extraordinary dedication and leadership over the past several years. She has been instrumental in providing vital guidance to LACC, its board, and staff during a period of exciting growth. We look forward to working with David and know he will be equally effective in his new role with LACC. "

Paniccia says, "I am very proud to have chaired such a fine organization over the last three years and am confident that LACC will continue to thrive under David Scheidemantle's skilled and caring leadership."

In addition, Fine announced the appointment of two new board members: Jennifer Terry (La Cañada), an attorney with the firm Arent Fox LLP, and Rick Roberts (San Marino), a managing partner with the investment firm First Quadrant.

"Jennifer Terry and Rick Roberts are both ardent LACC supporters and advocates," notes Fine. "We welcome them warmly to the LACC Board and know their insights and experience will enhance the Chorus and its mission."


Los Angeles Children's Chorus, founded in 1986, is noted throughout the country for its exceptional artistic quality and technical ability. It frequently performs with such leading musical ensembles as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Under the direction of Artistic Director Anne Tomlinson, LACC also assists Los Angeles Opera by providing and training children for opera productions that require children's chorus or soloists. LACC currently serves more than 290 choristers ages 8-18 from 60 communities across Los Angeles in five choirs (Concert, Chamber Singers, Intermediate, Apprentice and Preparatory) and a new class for young singers ages 6-7, First Experiences in Singing. The intensive training program includes weekly or twice weekly rehearsals. All children receive individual vocal coaching and take comprehensive musicianship classes. LACC has toured Brazil, China, Great Britain, Italy, Australia, Germany, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Poland as well as many parts of the United States and Canada. It is featured in the Academy Award-nominated documentary film, "SING!," which chronicles a year in the life of the choir and is shown periodically on PBS stations nationwide, and the recently-released documentary "SING OPERA!." LACC is also featured on "Amore Infinito" ("Infinite Love"), a Deutsche Grammophon CD of songs based on poems by the late Pope John Paul II and performed by Plácido Domingo, which was released worldwide in March 2009. LACC performs on one of 12 tracks that also includes Domingo in duet with Andrea Bocelli, Vanessa Williams and Katherine Jenkins. On June 4, 2009, the choir made its second appearance on "The Tonight Show," collaborating with the John Mayer Trio. Open auditions for LACC take place each May.
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