Everett Reed
Director
Everett grew up in Des Moines, graduated from Lincoln High School and Grand View University and earned his BA in music in 2022. He works at Carver Community School in Des Moines with the Boys and Girls Club and is a Choral Scholar at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Ling Hsiao
Accompanist
Ling Yu Hsiao is a music therapist and a collaborative pianist. She earned degrees in General Music at Queens College, Collaborative Piano at the Eastman School of Music, and Music Therapy at Appalachian State University. Currently, she is a music therapist for St. Croix Hospice, a staff accompanist at Drake University, and the pianist at Salem United Church of Christ in Alleman. She maintains a small private piano and flute studio, and performs as a freelance collaborative pianist throughout the Des Moines metro area. She has been a chorister in the Des Moines Choral Society since 2016. During her free time, she enjoys cuddling with her dog and cats, cooking, taking walks, and listening to podcasts and audiobooks. She is learning how to play the harp with Kristin Maahs. Her life-time goal is to visit as many national parks as possible with her husband, Joby Bell.
Anita Campbell
President
Anita has been a member of the Ankeny Community Chorus since its founding in 2001. Anita directs all activities of the chorus and the Board of Directors. Anita has a lifelong passion for music and service to her community.
ABOUT
The Ankeny Community Chorus was organized in 2001 after a collaboration with Ankeny resident, Bill Konnath, and Steve Carstenson, High School Choral Music Director. Our first rehearsal was in June of 2001 and after the second rehearsal over 100 people had become members.
A Board of Directors was elected, nominal dues were collected, the Chorus was incorporated and gained a non-profit 503(c)(3) status. Bill contacted several individuals and business, and was able to obtain funds to purchase copyrighted music for the group. The first “official” performance was on September 14, 2001 at a service for victims of 9/11.
The Chorus has maintained a membership of 70 – 80 members. We have had several directors, including Steve Carstenson, Michael Gossen, Elliot Stern, Riley Anderson, and currently, Everett Reed. Accompanists have been Diane Rauser, Cathy Brause, Joyce Moeckly, Terry Waltersdorf, and currently, Ling Hsiao. Our President is Anita Campbell. We perform a variety of music, which appeals to many musical tastes.
The chorus is now in its 25th year, performs two major concerts, presents a concert at the Iowa State Fair and a joint concert with the Ankeny Community Band as part of the city’s Summer Sounds series, and goes caroling at local retirement communities. We have participated in other community events throughout the years.
Thanks to the continuing support of sponsors, (corporate and individual), community grants such as BRAVO, Polk County Community Development, and proceeds from concerts, ACC has assets that include tuxedos and gowns for members, a significant music library, keyboard and sound equipment, a set of choral risers and a utility trailer.
The chorus is always open to new members. We can be contacted via our online form or through Facebook. We practice every Thursday night at 7:00 at Ankeny Presbyterian Church, 317 SE Trilein Dr., with time off during December.