Kristin Zaryski, a MSU master’s student in choral conducting, was appointed as the new director, and will replace the program’s founder, Mary Alice Stollak, when she retires this spring. Zaryski will be the second director in the program’s 15-year history.

In her time as director, Stollak and the choir have won two Grammy Awards and have performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York City and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Stollak built the MSU Children’s Choir into what MSU Community Music School Executive Director Rhonda Buckley called a world-class program.

“I’m so glad she has laid such incredible groundwork (and) has built this wonderful program on very strong and important values,” Zaryski said. “That’s going to make my job very easy.”

Zaryski, who has a bachelor’s degree in music education and plans to receive her master’s this spring, has previously taught music in Florida, New York and Michigan. She has worked with the children’s choir before, acting as an accompanist and assistant conductor in the choir’s camp last summer. Working closely with Stollak during the camp was what Zaryski said inspired her to apply for the job.

“She’s such a smart lady,” Zaryski said. “The choir, they have such a flawless sound. I thought, ‘I have to do this.’”

After the camp, Stollack had seen all she needed to see.

“I loved what she did and I was hoping she would apply for this position,” Stollack said. “Not only is she a good teacher and not only does she know about how to run a rehearsal, but she understands what it takes to make music come alive in the most musical way.”

When she applied, Zaryski said she worried she lacked the experience needed to lead the choir. She was one of 25 applicants in the international search, and was the only representative from MSU. However, Zaryski’s abilities were what stood out to the search committee, committee member Marjorie Longcore said.

“She has a real musical and artistic gift that we didn’t see in any of the other candidates,” said Longcore, who also is the president of the choir’s parental board. “Kristen hasn’t had all of the administrative experience that Mary Alice has had, but she will learn all that.”

Although the MSU Community Music School is welcoming a new member to its children’s choir, it’s also honoring the achievements of it’s outgoing director. The school is hosting a farewell concert for Stollak on May 14 at Wharton Center. The concert will highlight the choir’s favorite works during Stollak’s career. Tickets are currently available online and will be available at the Community Music School from April 27 to May 8.