Explore Our Commitment to Music and Community
The Edgewater Singers began as a group of five friends who decided one wintry evening in the early 1980s that they would love to entertain friends during the holiday season by caroling. Since the group’s original founding almost 40 years ago, The Edgewater Singers has expanded in size and scope but continues to explore expressive, diverse, and joyful musical styles that speak to our Chicago neighbors and beyond.
Meet Our Artistic Team
Discover the passionate individuals who bring music to life at The Edgewater Singers.
Philip Seward
Artistic Director
Composer, pianist and singer, Dr. Philip Seward’s work includes many vocal works, choral and theatrical. Mr. Seward holds a DMA from the University of Salford, a Masters from Northwestern University, and Bachelor degrees from Wabash College. He serves on the Music Faculty at Columbia College Chicago.
Mary Claire Barker
Accompanist
Mary Clare Barker holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music
Education from Western Michigan University and a Master of Music
degree in piano performance and accompanying from
Northwestern University. She lives in Chicago and is an active
soloist, accompanist, composer, and lecturer.
Joining The Edgewater Singers has truly inspired my love for choral music and community connection.
Maya Bennett
Community Volunteer