Who We Are
Gina McKeown, GNCC Founder and Music Director
Gina McKeown is a Music Educator and Music Therapist that currently runs a private music studio in Newburyport teaching piano and voice and is Music Educator at Bradford Christian Academy in Haverhill MA, where she directs the BCA High School Chorus and teaches general music to grades 3-7.  Gina holds a Masters of Music from Illinois State University with an emphasis in Music Therapy and a Bachelors of Music Education, with a choral and piano emphasis, from Illinois Wesleyan University. She was the Founder and Director of the after school Molin School Children’s Chorus from 2011-2014 and has been Music Director for the after school Molin Drama Club for the past 6 years.  In March of 2014, Gina was the recipient of the Newburyport Youth Services Beacon Coalition's Asset Award for her work with the youth in Newburyport.  Gina resides in Newburyport with her husband and their four children. 

Allison Balentine, GNCC Founder & Assistant Music Director
Allison Balentine is a Music Educator at Bradford Christian Academy in Haverhill MA.  She has worked from 2011-2014 at the Molin Upper Elementary School in Newburyport  in the after school chorus and is the Founder and Principal Director of the Molin Drama club for the past 6 years.  She is also a vocalist at the Hope Church in Newburyport.  Allison holds a BA in music from Bucknell University and a Masters in Education from Gordon College.  In March of 2014, Allison was awarded the Newburyport Youth Services Beacon Coalition's Asset Award for her work with the youth in Newburyport.  Allison resides in Newburyport with her husband and their four children.

​Christina Bauer, Assistant
Christina Bauer is a vocalist and parent of a GNCC member.  She attended Friends University in Wichita KS and Wichita State University and studied voice with Linda Starkey.  She is currently studying voice with Allyn Gamble in Newburyport and completing coursework at Berklee College of Music in Boston.  Christina has previously worked as an instructional support staff member with early elementary students in Rowley.  She resides in Newbury with her husband and their two children.

History of GNCC:
The GNCC started in Fall of 2015 and grew out of a need for more after school music ensemble experiences in the Greater Newburyport area.  Gina McKeown and Allison Balentine founded the organization after starting an after school chorus at the local upper elementary school.  The GNCC, since it's inception,  has worked with over 150 students by providing them an opportunity to sing together and meet as musicians.  These students originate from Newburyport and the surrounding communities, including Amesbury, Newbury, West Newbury and more!  The GNCC hopes to continue growing and we are looking forward to the addition this Fall of aa younger age ensemble for 2nd and 3rd grade students, the GNCC Junior Chorus, for the 2017 session.  
Volunteers Needed!
GNCC is looking for interested, supportive volunteers.  Please contact us if you have interest in pursuing a volunteer position with us.  This may include, assisting at weekly rehearsals, working behind the scenes in the organization, helping at concerts and performances, organizing fundraising opportunities, assisting with purchasing shirts/uniform accessories for students, and other areas of need that the GNCC may have.  Email: info@gncchorus.org