Look what's happening at Asbury United Methodist Church Getzville
Please join us at one of the following upcoming events.
Asbury UMC Choir Festival Weekend
"Songs of Thanks and Praise"
November 21–23, 2025
Asbury United Methodist Church
Getzville, NY
"Songs of Thanks and Praise"
November 21–23, 2025
Asbury United Methodist Church
Getzville, NY
Festival OverviewJoin us for a weekend of sacred music, inspiration, and community as choirs from across the region gather for workshops and performances that lift the spirit and celebrate the season of gratitude.
Artistic Director: Dr. Antonella Di Giulio
Faculty BiosDr. Antonella Di Giulio – Artistic Director
Dr. Di Giulio is a pianist, scholar, and educator with a Ph.D. in Music Theory and Historical Musicology. She is the founder of MusicaIQ and the Erie Niagara Conservatory, and has trained teachers internationally in music cognition, semiotics, and performance. She brings a unique perspective on integrating AI and NLP into creative ministry and music planning.
Dr. Di Giulio is a pianist, scholar, and educator with a Ph.D. in Music Theory and Historical Musicology. She is the founder of MusicaIQ and the Erie Niagara Conservatory, and has trained teachers internationally in music cognition, semiotics, and performance. She brings a unique perspective on integrating AI and NLP into creative ministry and music planning.
Dr. Brian Stevens – Guest Conductor
Dr. Stevens is a dynamic conductor, clinician, and educator with over two decades of experience in leading choirs across the U.S. Known for his expressive conducting and ability to build unified choral sound, he serves as a professor of music and guest conductor at numerous festivals and sacred music events.
Dr. Stevens is a dynamic conductor, clinician, and educator with over two decades of experience in leading choirs across the U.S. Known for his expressive conducting and ability to build unified choral sound, he serves as a professor of music and guest conductor at numerous festivals and sacred music events.
Christina Lamberti – Voice Technique
An acclaimed soprano and voice instructor, Christina Lamberti has performed with major opera houses and teaches voice across the country. Her focus in the festival is helping singers connect healthy technique to expressive sacred repertoire.
An acclaimed soprano and voice instructor, Christina Lamberti has performed with major opera houses and teaches voice across the country. Her focus in the festival is helping singers connect healthy technique to expressive sacred repertoire.
Christina Santa Maria – Voice Health
Christina Santa Maria is a certified vocal health specialist with a background in speech-language pathology and singing. She works with performers on vocal wellness, endurance, and recovery strategies, making her an essential presence for sacred music singers.
Christina Santa Maria is a certified vocal health specialist with a background in speech-language pathology and singing. She works with performers on vocal wellness, endurance, and recovery strategies, making her an essential presence for sacred music singers.
Workshops & SessionsFriday, November 21 – 6:30 PM (Held Simultaneously in Two Rooms)
Workshop A (Singers): "Lift Every Voice: Vocal Power in Worship"
Led by: Christina Lamberti (Voice Technique) and Christina Santa Maria (Voice Health)
Explore techniques to strengthen tone, breath support, vocal health, and blend in sacred music. Perfect for singers of all experience levels.
Led by: Christina Lamberti (Voice Technique) and Christina Santa Maria (Voice Health)
Explore techniques to strengthen tone, breath support, vocal health, and blend in sacred music. Perfect for singers of all experience levels.
Workshop B (Music Directors): "Spirit Meets Innovation: Integrating AI and NLP in Church Planning"
Led by: Dr. Antonella Di Giulio
Discover how AI tools and NLP strategies can enhance liturgy planning, choir programming, and multimedia ministry. This hands-on session is ideal for music directors looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Led by: Dr. Antonella Di Giulio
Discover how AI tools and NLP strategies can enhance liturgy planning, choir programming, and multimedia ministry. This hands-on session is ideal for music directors looking to stay ahead of the curve.
Saturday, November 22
10:00 AM – Workshop C (Singers): "Singing the Text: Expressing Faith Through Music"
Led by Christina Lamberti and Christina Santa Maria
Delve into diction, phrasing, and textual meaning in sacred music.
Led by Christina Lamberti and Christina Santa Maria
Delve into diction, phrasing, and textual meaning in sacred music.
10:00 AM – Workshop C2 (Music Directors): "Refining the Craft: Conducting for Church Choirs"
Led by Dr. Brian Stevens
A practical workshop on gesture clarity, expressive conducting, and rehearsal flow for volunteer and liturgical choirs.
Led by Dr. Brian Stevens
A practical workshop on gesture clarity, expressive conducting, and rehearsal flow for volunteer and liturgical choirs.
11:15 AM – Workshop D (Singers): "Festival Blend: Singing as One Voice"
Practice ensemble unity and prepare the Festival Choir anthem with our guest conductor.
Practice ensemble unity and prepare the Festival Choir anthem with our guest conductor.
12:30 PM – Festival Choir Rehearsal
All singers come together for final preparations under the baton of Dr. Brian Stevens.
All singers come together for final preparations under the baton of Dr. Brian Stevens.
Concert ScheduleSaturday, November 22 – 6:00 PM
Concert I: Choral Harvest
Featuring participating choirs and the Festival Choir
Concert I: Choral Harvest
Featuring participating choirs and the Festival Choir
Sunday, November 23 – 6:00 PM
Concert II: Songs of Thanks and Praise
New repertoire from choirs + Festival Choir finale
Reception to follow
Concert II: Songs of Thanks and Praise
New repertoire from choirs + Festival Choir finale
Reception to follow
Live Steaming
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