KSU Salem gets new choir chief

Staff report

SALEM

Melissa Fucci has been named choir director and music instructor at Kent State University Salem Campus.

Fucci comes to Kent State Salem from the Kent main campus where she is an instructor of musical theatre at the Kent State University School of Theatre and Dance. She is also the education coordinator for the Porthouse Theatre Academy in Cuyahoga Falls.

She also is a music mentor for the “Music! Words! Opera!” Curriculum Project with Opera Cleveland that helps grade school children learn opera concepts and guides classes to write original operas.

Fucci has a master’s degree of music in conducting and is involved in choir direction at many churches, and musical direction of the Hudson Community Chorus. She has acted as musical director for more than 40 musicals, many of which were performed at Kent State University or the Porthouse Theatre.

At Kent State Salem, Fucci will instruct students in musical concepts through classroom work, singing and performance while directing the Kent State Salem Community Choir. In her role as director, Fucci brings more than 20 years of experience to the choir, which will celebrate its 20th season this year.

Both community members and students are encouraged to participate in the group, which performs each semester. Rehearsals are at Monday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Kent State Salem City Center, 230 N. Lincoln Ave. Those interested in joining can contact Fucci at mfucci@kent.edu or at (330) 337-4243.