Welcome to the Berkeley Community Chorus
Meet our Director
Dr. Jeffrey Poland is Professor Emeritus of Music and former Director of Choral Activities at Fairmont State University in Fairmont, WV, where he taught for twenty-two years. Previously, he had eleven years’ experience conducting high school, church, and community choirs in upstate New York, New Jersey, and Ohio. Poland holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baldwin-Wallace University, a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from The Ohio State University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.
For two seasons, Poland was the assistant conductor of the May Festival Chorus, the resident choir of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. He was the founder and conductor of the Marion Chorale, a semi-professional ensemble in Fairmont. His conducting experience embraces many musical styles from Renaissance to contemporary classical music, masterworks with orchestra, and music theatre productions. He is a two-term Past President of the West Virginia-American Choral Directors Association, and a published author in state and national choral journals. After retiring to Martinsburg in 2010, he became the founder and music director of the Berkeley Community Chorus.
Meet our Accompanist
Heidi Stoika graduated from Shepherd University in 2018 where she studied under Dr. Yu-Hsuan Liao and received a B.A. in Piano Pedagogy. Along with private teaching, she is also a collaborative pianist, working with various groups and soloists, both instrumentalists and vocalists, as well as many school choirs. Since 2018, Heidi has served as the piano and organ accompanist for St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Martinsburg, WV. Along with being the collaborative pianist for the Berkeley Community Chorus, she is also the accompanist for the Charles Town Middle School choir. Heidi is the adjunct piano instructor at Hagerstown Community College, and she has been teaching private piano lessons through the Community Music Program at Shepherd University since 2016.
Join Our Musical FAMILY
Become a Part of Our Chorus!
Experience the joy of singing and connect with fellow music lovers in our vibrant community. We offer auditions in the spring and fall each year.
Spring Auditions have been completed! Check back in the Fall for more information / dates on the next opportunity to join!
If you are interested in auditioning, please click below to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you sell tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets online for our upcoming concert here!
Advance tickets are also available through any chorus member. Please email us at: [email protected] with any questions.
How can I get information about upcoming events?
Our Facebook page stays updated with upcoming events! Or you can email us by clicking HERE for information
How can I donate?
Please click HERE to donate.
What is our Spring 2026 repertoire?
America 250
Patriotic Songs
The Star-Spangled Banner ……………………………………arr. Russell Robinson
Two Passages from The Testament of Freedom…………………..Randall Thompson
I. The God who gave us life IV. I shall not die without a hope
Three Patriotic Treasures: A New Colossus, My Country ‘Tis of Thee, America the
Beautiful……………………………. ………………………………arr. Greg Gilpin
God Bless America………………………………………………..arr. Joseph Martin
Battle Hymn of the Republic……………………………………arr. Peter Wilhousky
Armed Forces – The Pride of America………………………………arr. Greg Gilpin
God Bless the USA……………………………………………….arr. David Schmidt
Choral Art Songs
The Road Home………………………………………………………Stephen Paulus
When the Earth Stands Still………………………………………….Don MacDonald
American Folksongs
Dylan (Medley): Like a Rolling Stone, Blowin’ in the Wind, Mr. Tambourine Man,
The Times They Are A-Changin’……………….arr. Roger Emerson and Adam Podd
This Land Is Your Land……………………………………….arr. Robert De Cormier
Shenandoah……………………………………………………………..arr. James Erb
My Old Kentucky Home………………………………………………arr. Mark Hayes
Oh! Susanna……………………………………………………………arr. Mark Hayes
Country Roads………………………………………………………….arr. Ken Cooper
What was our Christmas 2025 repertoire?
