Who We Are
Gina McKeown, GNCC Founder and Music Director 
Gina McKeown is a Music Educator and Music Therapist that currently runs her private music studio, McKeowns Music Studio, in Newburyport teaching piano and voice to all ages of students from young - adult.  McKeown is the Director of Music and Coordinator of the Private Lessons Program at Bradford Christian Academy (BCA) in Haverhill MA, where she directs the BCA High School Chorus, is the Music Director for the annual school Musical and teaches general music to grades K-8.  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 was  Music Director for the after school Molin Drama Club for 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, their four children, giant dog and 3 cats!

​Christina Bauer, GNCC Juniors Director
Christina Bauer is a vocalist that currently studies with Martha Peabody in Amesbury.  She is an associate music teacher at McKeown's Music Studio in Newburyport, teaching piano and voice to all ages of students. She attended Friends University in Wichita KS and Wichita State University and studied voice with Linda Starkey. and has completed 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 Salisbury with her husband and their two children and her two cats!

Risa Annicchiarico, GNCC Accompanist & Minuets Director
Risa Annicchiarico, 'Mrs. Rico', has joined us this year as our accompanist for grades 4-8 and our director of 'Minuets' - grades K & 1. She currently works at the Molin School in Newburyport as a Choral and Instrumental teacher. She resides in Newburyport with her husband and 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 250 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 have enjoyed seeing our Minuets, our youngest singers to date, grow  this year!  The Minuets is a younger age ensemble for Kindergarten and First grade singers.
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: [email protected]