Mrs. Corbin Thomas Pinto is the VPAA Vocal Strand’s new director. She has previously taught at Bayside and Tallwood High Schools. In addition to teaching, she sings professionally with the Virginia Chorale

“I have heard great things about the school and Academy students and I am excited to see what they can do,” said Pinto.

A new director comes with a loss however, as upperclassmen had to say goodbye to the previous Vocal Strand director Dr. Don Krudop who’d filled the position since the school’s opening in 1989.

“Of course saying goodbye to Dr. K was hard, but having already been a student of Pinto I knew what to expect as far as work was concerned,” said senior Jamie Lynn Cruz. “I have always known her to be kind and understanding.”
Other upperclassmen seem to have similar views to Cruz.

“I knew Mrs. Pinto was going to challenge us,” said junior Abby Fedorowicz. “She has a lot of new ideas and assignments planned but, I’m excited to study under such an experienced and talented mentor!”

Fedorowicz added that she has “grown to absolutely love Mrs. Pinto” and sees her as her “music mom.”

“She always brightens my day,” said Fedorowicz. “My friends and I even call her Mermaid Pinto. She has a beautiful passion for music and pushed us to be the best singers possible.”

Pinto hopes to expand her students’ knowledge of singing and teach them skills that will help them succeed in college and the professional music world.

“My vision for the vocal academy is to help students improve on their vocal and choral talents and abilities,” said Pinto. “I want them to be smart musicians and independent artists. In addition to continuing the high level of performance the academy has been known for, I hope that soon they will have the confidence and knowledge to perform in small groups, as soloists in the community, and start some student run ensembles of their own.”

Cruz expressed her hope that Pinto will help them “shine even more” because they “deserve to be heard across the Beach and all around VA for that matter.”

The Vocal Strand will have their first concert under the direction of Pinto December 12th at 7PM in the auditorium.

Pinto and Vocal Strand students expressed their excitement to show students, staff, parents, and community members their talents and what they have learned since Pinto’s arrival in August.