Choral excellence since 2015.

Here’s more to know about Caritas.

Our History.

CARITAS A CAPPELLA ENSEMBLE was formed in 2015, under the leadership of Founding Artistic Director Cathy Youngblood. Since its debut in 2016 the group has inspired and delighted its Charlotte-area audiences with its challenging musical selections, its polished performances, and its vision to make an impact in the community. In 201 7 Caritas A Cappella Ensemble was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In the fall of 2023, Dr. Jeremy Mims became Caritas’ second Artistic Director.

Our Mission.

“Choral artistry with a purpose”

To promote and present outstanding choral performances in the Charlotte region, with a primary focus on a cappella music, while supporting the work of worthy social service non-profits.

Our Vision.

To be the pre-eminent a cappella vocal ensemble of the Charlotte region and to make our audiences aware of the current needs of our community through creative programming and partnerships.

Learn more about Caritas by watching this 4 minute video.

Our Values.

Excellence – to seek, expect, and demand excellence in our singers, leadership, and programming.

Inspiration – to inspire both singers and audience through creative and purposeful musical selection and interpretation.

Community Engagement – to identify worthy social service nonprofits in our community, and partner with them by promoting their mission through our music, exposing our audiences to their work, and committing a portion of ticket sales proceeds to support their efforts.

Inclusiveness– a commitment to present artistically diverse programs performed by a diverse choral ensemble.

Our Leadership.

Dr. Jeremy Mims, Artistic Director

Dr. Jeremy Mims is Assistant Professor of Music at Winthrop University, where he is the Director of Choral Activities. He conducts the Chorale, Chamber Singers, and Collegiate Choir, as well as teaches conducting to undergraduate and graduate students. Previously he was the chair of the music department at Clarke University in Dubuque, IA, where conducted the choirs and string orchestra. He has held numerous positions with community choirs and orchestras and with various churches. His ensembles have performed for various conventions and he is a frequent clinician for area honor choir.

Dr. Mims has served as musical director, chorus master, and accompanist of shows for various professional, collegiate and local theatres and opera companies. A musician of multiple talents and diversity, Jeremy has appeared on national and international concert and opera stages as a conductor, collaborative pianist, violinist, and tenor chorister. As an active collaborative pianist, Mims has served as accompanist for numerous high school all-region and all-state choirs, as well as professional and university choruses. Twice he has served as the pianist at the Prague Choral Festival, performing in Smetana Hall. He often performs recitals with singers and instrumentalists and with his duet partner, Dr. Melissa Loehnig. Active in the American Choral Directors Association, Mims has presented at regional and national conventions. Dr. Mims holds degrees from Hardin-Simmons University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. He is actively researching the works of Mexican Baroque composer Miguel Mateo Dallo y Lana.

Our Singers.

Tenors

Eric VanderHeide
Joe Few
Perry Mixter
Carl Edgren

Basses

Dick Greene
Erik Johnson
Jarret Ward
Matt Wetmore

Sopranos

McKenzie Coleman
Emma Gwin
Nonye Obichere
Amanda Williams
Crystal Stroupe
Mary Eppley
Mary Lathem

Altos

Alex Sims
Renee Crawford
Stephenie Santilli
Ariel Duke
Joy Eakley
Cecilia Matthews

Our Board of Directors.

Perry Mixter - President
Sharon Griffith -Secretary
Erik Johnson -Treasurer
Amanda Williams
Kay Johnson
Mary Lathem
Renee Crawford