West Bay Chorale

Artistic Director

Amanda Santo earned her Masters in Vocal Performance from The Hartt School of Music where she twice received talent scholarships. She is also a graduate of Rhode Island College where she was a recipient of the coveted Rita V. Bicho Scholarship, and was honored as an Outstanding Music Graduate of her class.  She currently teaches voice at The Community College of Rhode Island where she directs the Opera Workshop Program and serves as advisor for the Student Chapter of The National Association of Teachers of Singing.  Her professional memberships include the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the American Choral Directors Association, and the College Music Society.

Ms. Santo was part of the V.O.I.C.Experience Program at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida with legendary baritone Sherrill Milnes; and in 2008 she performed at the Irish Museum of Modern Art in Dublin, Ireland. Ms. Santo is the soprano soloist and section leader at Beneficent Congregational Church. She is a student of Maria Spacagna.

Accompanist

Ms. Susan K. Carroll began her service as Minister of Music at Beneficent Church in 2003. She has a bachelor’s degree in organ performance from the Oberlin Conservatory and a master’s from Yale University. She also holds a Certificate in Sacred Music from the Yale Institute of Sacred Music.

She previously served as Director of Music at Trinity Episcopal Church in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, Connecticut, as well as in the music programs of the First Church in Oberlin, Ohio, and the United Church on the Green in New Haven, Connecticut.

She is currently the accompanist to the Ocean State Children’s Choir, and also teaches individual keyboard students.

She has been a recitalist around the country, and has a particular interest in music with children.