Shanelle Woods

Director of Education and Vocal Studies

Shanelle Woods currently serves as Director of Education and Vocal Studies at the Young People’s Chorus of New York City (YPC). Drawn to YPC for its commitment to diversity and artistic excellence, she was especially inspired by the transformative educational experiences the organization offers to its choristers.

In her role, Shanelle leads YPC’s robust Education Program, which provides supplemental academic support—including life skills workshops, financial literacy training, subject tutoring, standardized test preparation, and college application guidance. She also oversees the Vocal Studies Area, where she prepares choristers for high school and college auditions, coordinates masterclasses, and leads weekly voice lessons.

Before joining YPC, Shanelle served as an adjunct voice instructor at Charleston Southern University, and Claflin University. Her professional performance career includes debuts with Seattle Opera and the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, as well as engagements with BARE Opera and National Sawdust. She has portrayed leading roles such as Carmen in Bizet’s Carmen, Tituba in The Crucible, and Alma Stinney in the southeastern premiere of Stinney: An American Execution. Other notable credits include Porgy and Bess at Spoleto Festival USA, Threepenny Opera with City Lyric Opera, and the world premiere of Stomping Grounds at The Glimmerglass Festival.

Shanelle holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Charleston Southern University and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Florida. She also earned an Advanced Certificate in Vocal Pedagogy from New York University, where she was also a member of the voice faculty.