With over 20 years of vocal and choral teaching and performance experience, Viki DeMello is honored and gratified to help prepare Hilo Community Chorus for the next chapter in its proud tradition of music performance and community service. She earned her degree and certification in Music Education Magna Cum Laude, majoring in choral and vocal music. She also holds a certificate in Music Therapy from Hawaii Community College. Her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction is from the University of Iowa. She won First Place in the Quad-City Star Search (female vocal) and also worked for 10 years as a classical music programmer/announcer at NPR affiliate WVIK-FM (Augustana College, Rock Island, IL). Her instructional focus centers on vocal production, music reading, and ear training.