Commonwealth Youthchoirs, a nonprofit choral music education organization based in Germantown, recently chose Bucks County resident Jameson Gilpatrick as its new executive director. 

“Jamie has over 25 years of experience in nonprofit performing arts management, with a focus on finance, administration, and fundraising,” said Linda Deis, chair of CY’s board of directors. “He is skilled in strategic planning, board relations, and marketing and is passionate about the arts.”

Gilpatrick previously served as the managing director at Steps on Broadway in New York City for five years, where he successfully navigated the $5 million dance training center through the pandemic. At Bristol Riverside Theatre, where he served as managing director, Gilpatrick shepherded an audience growth plan that resulted in a 14% increase in attendance. In addition, he successfully executed a matching gift campaign, which exceeded the goal by 64%.

Gilpatrick is stepping in amid a restructuring of CY’s leadership staff that comes as the group’s business director, Martha Platt, retires. 

“This was a planned and strategic transition that has been in the works for some time,” said CY’s Director of Advancement Jill Ringold. 

Earlier in his career, Gilpatrick served as marketing coordinator for Wesleyan University’s Center for the Arts and as assistant managing director at the Connecticut Repertory Theatre at the University of Connecticut, where he taught introduction to theater management for four years.

Gilpatrick, in collaboration with co-artistic directors Dr. Elizabeth C. Parker and Mr. Frank J. Van Atta, will guide CY's community - oriented initiatives, namely the Keystone State Boychoir and Pennsylvania Girlchoir, as well as the school-based program Find Your Instrument.

“I am honored to join CY as executive director and to partner with Elizabeth, Frank, and the board to nurture our young singers and grow the organization,” said Gilpatrick.

Parker touted Gilpatrick’s "long-standing dedication to the arts and industry expertise.”

“We know that he will be an outstanding addition to our team,” she added.

Van Atta emphasized Gilpatrick’s, “proven ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders, including staff, donors, and supporters,” which “will be essential in propelling CY into the future.”

As general manager for Long Wharf Theatre, Gilpatrick also negotiated the world premieres of numerous productions by Paula Vogel and Athol Fugard, among others. As the managing director of Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre, he spearheaded a strategic planning process that revitalized the organization's mission and vision, ensuring its continued relevance and artistic excellence. Furthermore, he served as the director of finance & administration for the Westport Country Playhouse (under the artistic direction of Joanne Woodward), managing the financial aspects of a successful $30 million capital campaign.

The Commonwealth Youthchoir, which started in 2001, has performed for popes, presidents, and notables like Malala Yousafzai. Singers have traveled to all seven continents, performing both at home and abroad, in venues ranging from famous concert halls to local nursing homes. All high school seniors graduate, having spent an average of six years in the choir.

“Young people with a passion for singing and a desire to develop their skills, forge new friendships, perform, and explore the world have a home at CY,” says Gilpatrick. “Auditions for fall are underway, so reach out today.”