Wilzer joined PYC in 2023 as Program Director, where she was responsible for planning and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization’s several youth ensembles, reaching singers in grades 1–12. She has developed strong relationships with the diverse community of PYC families and has led two highly successful fundraising events for the organization, the most recent bringing in over $20K to support the scholarship and tuition assistance fund.
“It has been a joy to work so closely with our singers and their families,” said Wilzer. “As I take on this new leadership role, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to see our impact first-hand. We are not only teaching singers—we provide them with the skills, experience, and community they need to build confidence and develop their sense of self.”
Funk has been a conductor with PYC since 2012, bringing over 30 years of experience as a youth choral educator. He taught music education in Fox Chapel School District for over three decades, where he served as the district’s music department chair for 17 years. He has held adjunct professorships in music education and piano at Clarion University, Point Park University and Duquesne University and currently serves as a part-time faculty member at the Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University.
During his time as Artistic Director, Funk led PYC singers through dozens of winter and spring concerts, in addition to performances with professional ensembles across the region, including the Pittsburgh Opera and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Funk also founded and directs PYC’s Cantate group, a neurodiverse choir that provides a sensory-friendly environment for singers with physical, social, emotional, and/or intellectual challenges to share the joy of music.
“As Artistic Director, it’s my privilege to develop our singers and provide them with opportunities to connect with the broader musical community here in Pittsburgh,” said Funk. “Experiences like performing with the opera or symphony are a valuable part of their perspective as young musicians.”
The 25–26 season will include several professional collaborations, including Puccini’s beloved La Bohème with the Pittsburgh Opera in October and the regional premiere of Kamala Sankaram and Kelley Rourke’s Jungle Book with Resonance Works in November. These partnerships build on the strong relationships PYC holds with both organizations, offering singers the chance to perform unique repertoire with professional musicians on some of Pittsburgh’s most notable stages.
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