A Pop-Up choir is a no obligation, community choir format that has gone viral all over social media. Sometimes it may also be called a one-day choir or community sing.
They are usually non-audition, free choirs led by vocal/choral professionals in the area.
They often choose popular songs that would be familiar to many people.
Who participates?
People who like to sing with others. People who like to sing harmony as well as people who can sing the melody. This format thrives on having different kinds of people coming together in voice.
Adults who are already seasoned singers as well as those who would like to give singing a try in a low-pressure setting. The focus is on the experience rather than a perfect end product or concert.
It would be fantastic to have some singers who like to improvise and/or beat boxers!
Inexperienced singers are welcome too. Beginning singers may find it useful to come with a friend who sings.
All voices make up a whole!
All voices are welcome!
What IS a Pop-Up Choir?
Val Flamini
Little Flame Creator
Pop-Up Choir Director
Val Flamini has been directing choirs and musical theatre ensembles for nearly two decades. Projects most meaningful to her include conducting Tchaikovsky with orchestra and the Susquehanna Valley Chorale at the Weis center; facilitating social justice music projects with PSU music students; developing a camp focused on vocal expression, Camp eXpresso! ; and composing for and directing a music memorial video dedicated to the surviving victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary mass shooting. Flamini received a Community Impact Hero award by the American Red Cross for the memorial video.
Since earning her Ph.D. in music education from The Pennsylvania State University in 2020, Dr. Flamini has been teaching at Penn State as well as performing and publishing. She is also the creator and vocal coach at the Sohum Studio. Dr. Flamini’s research interests include creative instructional approaches in the choral setting and conscious experiences such as flow theory and mindfulness while singing. During her graduate work as a student at the PSU School of Music, Val had the privilege of interning with Dr. Anthony Leach, the creator and director of Essence of Joy. Ever since that experience, she has been seeking the appropriate platform to continue his work as a leader in the choral community specializing in human transformation through singing.
Jason Olcese
Pop-Up Facilitator
Jason Olcese is a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer focused on live performance and songwriting. He is best known as the front man of My Hero Zero, where his work emphasizes strong vocals, tight arrangements, and audience connection. He plays and records across vocals, guitar, piano, bass, and percussion. Jason is known for adapting songs seamlessly between intimate acoustic settings and full-band shows.
In addition to performing, Jason is a co-founder of Happy Valley Song Lab where he works as a producer and artist coach. It is through this space his passion for helping musicians refine their sound, process, and performance transpires.
Register
for the next Pop-Up Choir
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You guarantee your entrance to the event.
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Receive important updates & announcements.
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You will receive the sheet music in advance and a hard copy reserved for you at the event.
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You'll have access ahead of "walk-ins" into the event.
Little Flame
Pop-Up Choir
A non-audition, no obligations, free one-day choir experience