Embedded Files
Our Story
Four decades of bringing high-caliber choral music to the Concord community and beyond.
40 YEARS OF MAKING MUSIC
A Chorus Built on Community
A Chorus Built on Community
The Piedmont Choral Society was organized in September 1986 as the area's premier community-based mixed-voice choral group. The all-volunteer, auditioned chorus averages 60 to 80 members and comprises talented singers from all walks of life — many of whom hold professional positions as directors or members of other musical groups and church choirs.
Our mission is to offer area vocalists a challenging, managed, artistic outlet to provide high-caliber, professional performances of choral masterworks and to use their musical talents to serve the community. The chorus employs a qualified staff consisting of an Artistic Director and an accompanist, and professional instrumentalists are often engaged for orchestral accompaniment at concerts.
Governed by a board of directors and led by an elected president, PCS relies upon the activities of many volunteer members. The chorus takes on an ambitious schedule of concerts and services throughout each season, including two Christmas Concerts and two Spring Concerts. Beyond the concert hall, we perform for local civic events and in area venues such as churches, nursing homes, and assisted living centers.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Organizations We Support
Organizations We Support
Proceeds from our annual Patriotic Benefit Concerts have supported these local organizations over the years.
Cabarrus Christian Ministry
Cabarrus Vocational Opportunities
Coltrane Life Center
Community Free Clinic
Family Promise
Habitat for Humanity–Cabarrus
Hannah's House
Hospice & Palliative Care
Jason Ray Foundation
Logan School & Day Care Center
Meals on Wheels
Military Order of the Purple Heart
Paws for Life
Prayers for Elijah Foundation
Special Olympics of Cabarrus County
Wings of Eagles Therapeutic Riding
HIGHLIGHTS
Milestones Along the Way
Milestones Along the Way
1997
Piedmont Choral Society founded in Concord, North Carolina as a community-based mixed-voice chorus.
2004
Launched the annual Patriotic Benefit Concert, a three-concert series open to all singers with no audition required.
2017
Over half a ton of food collected through the "Old Fashioned Hymn Sing" canned food drive for Cabarrus Christian Ministry.
2025
The PCS Chamber Choir performed at the Biltmore Estate's Christmas Candlelight Tours in Asheville — a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
LEADERSHIP
The People Behind the Music
The People Behind the Music
Joseph D. Judge
DIRECTOR
Joseph D. Judge
DIRECTOR
Joseph Judge has been the Musical Director and conductor with Piedmont Choral Society for over twelve years. Judge also serves as Instructor of Music at Stanly Community College in Albemarle NC. During his previous 16-year tenure at Pfeiffer University Judge was the Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music.
His conducting experience includes major choral works with orchestra accompaniment alongside musical theater and opera productions. His soloist performances have taken him across both the United States and Europe.
Judge received his B.A. in Music Education from Pfeiffer University and completed his M.M. degree in Vocal Performance at the University of Colorado Boulder. He serves as Director of Music Ministries at Central United Methodist Church in Albemarle while also teaching voice.
John Posey
ACCOMPANIST
John Posey
ACCOMPANIST
We feel very fortunate to have John bring his exceptional musicality and passion to The Piedmont Choral Society. John was born in Norcross, Georgia and was raised at Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church in Norcross, GA. John studied piano and organ at the University of Evansville. He has shared his musical gifts with congregations in Indiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
John teaches piano to students of all ages and is a member of the Charlotte Bronze Handbell Ensemble. In addition to his musical pursuits, he enjoys time spent outdoors—whether walking, kayaking, or cycling—as well as the study of history and an appreciation for fine cuisine.
Board Members
Board Members
2026 - 2027
2026 - 2027
President - Kay Yates
Vice President - Julianne Overcash
Secretary - Shannon Nesbit
Treasurer - Tomy Aldridge
Artistic Director - Joseph D. Judge
Marketing Director - Pamela Shawkey
Membership Director - Beth Torres
Development Director - Chris Cook
Music Librarian - Brenda Shafer
Members - At - Large - Sylvia Wagoner and Jeff Crew
Choir Officers
Choir Officers
2026 - 2027
2026 - 2027
Alto Section Leader - Cathy Lynch
Soprano Section Leader - Valerie Frank
Tenor and Bass Section Leader - Gail Williams
ENSEMBLE
The PCS Choral Artists
The PCS Choral Artists
The PCS Choral Artists was formed to serve as an outreach ensemble for our community. Members are selected each semester by our director from the larger PCS group. The Choral Artists perform at area venues and special events throughout the season.
In December 2025, this select group had the honor of performing at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville as part of their Christmas Candlelight Tours — a truly memorable experience for our members.
Report abuse