Gettysburg, PA — The Gettysburg Choral Society is pleased to announce the appointment of Ethan J. Draper as Assistant Director. Draper joins the organization as it prepares for its tenth anniversary season and brings with him a strong background in choral conducting, organ performance, and sacred music.

Founded in 2017, The Gettysburg Choral Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization composed of auditioned singers dedicated to pursuing excellence in choral music performance. Under the direction of John McKay, the ensemble presents seasonal concerts and special events throughout the region.

Draper currently serves as Minister of Music and Organist at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hanover, Pennsylvania, home to one of the ten largest pipe organs in the world, Austin Organs Opus 1215. There he leads a vibrant music ministry that includes vocal and handbell choirs and a concert series featuring the church’s renowned instrument.

A graduate of Lebanon Valley College, Draper studied Sacred Music and Organ Performance with Dr. Shelly Moorman-Stahlman and previously studied organ with Brenda Arnold Day. He also studied conducting with Dr. Kyle Zeuch and voice with Professor Jonathan Walker-VanKuren. While at Lebanon Valley College, he served as collaborative pianist for the College Choir and held leadership positions as president of both the college’s Organ Guild and its student chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.

Before accepting his position at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Draper served as Organ Scholar at Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg and was Choral Conducting Scholar for the Harrisburg Choral Society during its 2023–2024 season.

Draper was named the 2026 Presser Foundation Scholar at Lebanon Valley College and has received several other honors, including the Robert W. Smith Award in Music, the Elizabeth May Meyer Award, and the Pickwell Memorial Music Award. In 2025, he was awarded the prestigious Brokaw Grant from the American Bach Society, presented annually to one undergraduate nationwide, enabling him to conduct research at the Riemenschneider Bach Institute at Baldwin Wallace University. His scholarly interests center on the music of Johann Sebastian Bach.

An active member of the American Guild of Organists, Draper serves on the National Committee for Young Organists and as Sub-Dean of the Harrisburg Chapter. He also holds the Service Playing Certification from the AGO.

“Ethan’s musical gifts, leadership abilities, and enthusiasm for choral music make him a wonderful addition to our artistic staff,” said Artistic Director John McKay. “We are excited to welcome him to The Gettysburg Choral Society and look forward to working together as we continue to build upon the ensemble’s commitment to artistic excellence.”

In addition to his new responsibilities as Assistant Director, Draper will be featured as organist during portions of The Gettysburg Choral Society’s Christmas concerts, “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” on Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of United Lutheran Seminary, 61 Seminary Ridge, Gettysburg. He will accompany several selections and perform organ repertoire as part of the festive program.

The Gettysburg Choral Society is also welcoming new singers for its tenth anniversary season. Auditions are held by appointment and are open to adults with previous choral experience and music-reading ability. Remaining audition dates are Saturday, July 18, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and Monday, August 17, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. Rehearsals begin September 14.

For more information about The Gettysburg Choral Society or to schedule an audition, visit www.gettysburgchoralsociety.org or email julie@gettysburgchoralsociety.org