About the SYC

Emerald Joiner-Christensen was born and raised in Saginaw and is the extremely proud director of the Saginaw Youth Choir. Emerald is a graduate of Saginaw Valley State University. She completed her degree in music education in 2016 and immediately began teaching in local school districts. She is the SASA Voice/Keyboard instructor as well as the music director of SASA Steelers. In addition to teaching, Emerald teaches private piano and voice to young students in the area.  Though Emerald has been involved in many projects and organizations in her lifetime she is the most proud of her involvement with the SYC. Emerald’s favorite aspect of the SYC is being able to watch students who begin as strangers grow to become close friends through music. It holds a very special place in her heart.

 Claire Ingersoll is the Director of Choirs at Shepherd Public Schools. With many years of experience working alongside local musicians in Saginaw, Claire specializes in choral and private vocal pedagogy and is responsible for educating middle and high school students in proper choral technique. She is a fun spirit in rehearsal and uses her positive attitude and energy to encourage others to work hard and succeed. This is her second season as choral assistant with the Saginaw Youth Choir. Claire is inspired by her band director husband and their two cats. In her free time, Claire likes to hike, read, and play disc golf with her friends. 

Ryan Davidson is a piano accompanist and private lesson teacher from Breckenridge, Michigan. He began taking piano lessons at the age of 5 and studied music at Saginaw Valley State University. Ryan teaches piano lessons around the Mid-Michigan area and enjoys accompanying choirs, soloists, instrumentalists, and playing with Jazz Combos and Ensembles. He is also a regular organist and pianist at Hope Lutheran Church in St. Charles, MI, and St. John Lutheran Church in Hemlock, MI.