VOCE, Surry County’s premier vocal ensemble, announced recently that Patti Miller Fulk will be the group’s interim artistic director. The baton has been passed by previous conductor Mark Daniel Merritt. Merritt has relocated to pursue an advanced degree in choral conducting through the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Mark Gillespie, member of the Board of Directors, said he is looking forward to working with Fulk.

“We are very excited that Patti will be sharing her exceptional talents as artistic director for the 2012-13 concert season,” said Gillespie.

Fulk is a graduate of North Surry High School and Mars Hill College with a bachelor’s degree in music education. She taught music in area schools until her retirement in December, 2011. Other accomplishments include numerous roles in local productions through the Surry Arts Council, memberships in varied professional organizations including the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), an officer with the NC Music Educators Association (NCMEA) and director of Music at First Baptist Church in Dobson, to name a few.

Sharon Gates, president of the VOCE Board of Directors, said that Merritt will be missed.

“VOCE is in transition. Mark Merritt is an extremely talented director and challenged VOCE musically and vocally. It is time now to go in a different direction with hopes of providing the community with a wider and more familiar array of music. Our concerts will prove to be entertaining and exciting as we also perform in a variety of venues. We feel Patti will guide us in the direction VOCE wishes to go,” said Gates.

Established in 2002 by the late Sandy Beam, VOCE, pronounced “vo-che,” is the Italian word for voice.

“We are a choral ensemble featuring some of the Foothill area’s most talented musicians,” said Gillespie.

This season’s rehearsals will begin on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church at 326 S. Main St.

Contact Mark Gillespie at 789-2035 or email at jmarkgillespie@aol.com for questions or interest in auditioning and/or becoming a part of this group.