About HAgerstown Choral Arts
HCA was founded in 1993 by Gregory P. Shook and Ned Wetherald, local musicians who desired to create a vocal ensemble that would perform both sacred and secular music from a variety of musical periods, styles, and cultures. Prior to 1993, Hagerstown and Washington County lacked an established choral group, and HCA has filled a void in the community’s cultural arts scene. Gregory Shook became the artistic director in 1994 when Ned Wetherald departed from the group to become Director of Music and Worship for the Presbyterian Church in State College, PA.
Hagerstown Choral Arts continues to grow in size, skill, and variety of musical offerings, continuing to hold an average of 60 members each season. HCA furthers its goal to increase awareness and appreciation of music in the community by collaborating with local organizations, performing arts groups, and musicians.
HCA performs in local churches, and other community venues, featuring local musicians, soloists, and music students in its concerts. Being invited to perform with both the Maryland Symphony Orchestra and the Hagerstown Municipal Band, HCA continues to reach a broad section of our community, performing music that some may hear for the first time during these performances.
HCA’s performances have consistently included at least two major concerts per year, with a repertoire ranging from classical works, such as Haydn’s Creation, and Mozart's Requiem, and lighter pieces, such as those composed my great American artists, like Cohen and Porter, to patriotic music, including the National Anthem and America the Beautiful.
Who we are
Janet Palmer, Artistic Director
Mary Remsburg, Accompanist and Rehearsal Assistant
Caleb Wescott, Associate Director
After graduation from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, with a degree in Choral Music Education, Janet taught K-12 choir and vocal/general music in public schools in Illinois, Wyoming, and Wisconsin for 38 years, retiring in 2019. While in Wyoming, she was named Teacher of the Year in Big Horn County School District 1 and co-found
After graduation from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, with a degree in Choral Music Education, Janet taught K-12 choir and vocal/general music in public schools in Illinois, Wyoming, and Wisconsin for 38 years, retiring in 2019. While in Wyoming, she was named Teacher of the Year in Big Horn County School District 1 and co-founded the Big Horn County Elementary Music Festival. Janet has worked for nearly 40 years as a choir director and church musician in multiple denominations, and as director, music director, accompanist, choreographer, or costumer in well over 100 school and community theatre productions. A new board member of Hagerstown Choral Arts, she is also involved with Potomac Playmakers and Authentic Community Theatre in Hagerstown. Janet and her husband, Larry, relocated to Maryland in April of 2023, and are enjoying getting to know and become involved in the area, and spending more time with granddaughter Coraline.
Caleb Wescott, Associate Director
Mary Remsburg, Accompanist and Rehearsal Assistant
Caleb Wescott, Associate Director
Caleb Wescott, a native of Boonsboro, Maryland, currently teaches music in Washington County Public Schools. Graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 2022, he formally studied music education and classical saxophone through The University of Tennessee with a focus in instrumental music. Beyond the classroom, he directs his musical passion
Caleb Wescott, a native of Boonsboro, Maryland, currently teaches music in Washington County Public Schools. Graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 2022, he formally studied music education and classical saxophone through The University of Tennessee with a focus in instrumental music. Beyond the classroom, he directs his musical passions toward voice, singing with various ensembles, and performing as a church musician. Self-taught, Caleb plays the piano by ear and enjoys performing periodically for smaller venues. In his free time, Caleb enjoys working outside and tinkering with automobiles.
Mary Remsburg, Accompanist and Rehearsal Assistant
Mary Remsburg, Accompanist and Rehearsal Assistant
Mary Remsburg, Accompanist and Rehearsal Assistant
Mary Remsburg was raised in the small town of Franklin, West Virginia, and graduated from Shepherd University in 2016 with a Music Education degree.
She was part of the Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir for 9 years growing up, which gave her the opportunity to be selected to perform at numerous venues, including Carnegie Hall and The Whi
Mary Remsburg was raised in the small town of Franklin, West Virginia, and graduated from Shepherd University in 2016 with a Music Education degree.
She was part of the Shenandoah Valley Children’s Choir for 9 years growing up, which gave her the opportunity to be selected to perform at numerous venues, including Carnegie Hall and The White House.
During her time at Shepherd University, Mary was part of the Jazz Combo and Jazz Ensemble, which gave her the honor of performing with Award Winning composer Maria Schneider. Mary also performed at several Honors Recitals at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, both as a classical soloist and in the Jazz Combo. She accompanied for Women’s Camerata for several years, as well as Performance Forums and senior recitals.
Mary currently teaches through her private studio at Shepherd University, teaches at Saint James Private School, and is the accompanist for Hagerstown Choral Arts. Mary also frequently plays for musical productions, recitals, recordings, private events, and concerts.
Aside from the classical and jazz world, Mary recently released her very first folk album entitled, “Sounds Like Home,” under the stage name “Mister Mae,” and her music has been featured on multiple radio programs both in the United States and the United Kingdom. She is married to Chase Remsburg, another graduate of Shepherd University.