Meet The Staff

Dr. Mark P. Thomas is a multiple Grammy -nominated musician/educator who has served as music director of the Schuylkill Choral Society since 1986. He has been recognized in both the United States and Europe for his passion, creativity, dedication, and leadership in the performing arts which include his cross-over performances in pop, rock, and country music. The Pottsville Republican has recognized Thomas as "…a person who has made a difference to our county" According to the Prague Post … Thomas is a passionate conductor who understands the intricacies and importance of both choral and orchestral music. Dr. Thomas is also co-founder and conductor of the Anthracite Philharmonic and co-founder of the Schuylkill Choral Societies children's choir, the Minors Notes Chorale.

David Watson studied at the University of the Arts, Temple University, West Chester University and Peabody Conservatory. He has worked with well known singers Eileen Farrell, Maureen Forrester, educator/ composer Lena McClin, pianist/educator Clement Petrillo, and composer/conductor Gerald Muller.

He is the longtime assistant director of the Schuylkill Choral Society, where he has helped prepare the group for major works by Brahms, Verdi, Mozart, Faure, Rutter and Handel. Mr. Watson has performed with the group as conductor, soloist, organist and narrator.

Mr. Watson retired in 2008 after 35 years as a music and drama teacher at Pine Grove Area.

Kimberly Breiner Stoudt is a 1994 graduate of Moravian College, Bethlehem, PA, where she earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in performance. She first joined the Schuylkill Choral Society in 1989, and with the exception of her years in college, has been with the group ever since.

Kimberly has traveled with the Choral Society as accompanist to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, England, Ireland, Wales, Canada, as well as Cleveland and Pittsburgh here in the USA.

She has also performed with other musicians and groups over the years and is currently teaching piano at her studio, Breiner Piano Studio, Ltd, which she established in 1994.

Robert Frankford’s passion for choral singing began in high school, where he was a 2-time member of the PMEA All-State Chorus. Mr. Frankford earned his BA in Music Education from Bloomsburg University in 2016, studying voice with Dr. Alan Baker.

While a student at Bloomsburg, he was the only freshman at the time to be selected to perform for representatives from NASM (National Association for Schools of Music). He was also a regular performer in the Music Department’s honor recital. During his undergrad, Mr. Frankford was a member of the Husky Singers, Concert Choir, and the Bloomsburg University Jazz Ensemble. 

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Allison Kline of Barnesville is a Middle and High School Music Teacher and Choir Director at Tamaqua Area School District. She is a graduate of Lebanon Valley College with B.A in Music Performance (percussion) and a B.S. in Music Education. Allison has had the great honor of being a quarterfinalist for the Grammy Music Educators Award in 2023 and 2024.

In the community Allison regularly serves as a Music Director for both youth and adult productions at the Majestic Theater and Tamaqua Arts Center and with the Spotlight Kidz.