Mag Mitchell came from a musical family, since she sang around the piano with her mother, Mercia Miner. Mercia was a singer and church choir director, a former member of the Youngstown Symphony Chorus. Her mother, Ivy Akersten was an accompanist and musical director in New Zealand, and Mag’s Uncle Rex Sayers was in musical theater in New Zealand as well. Mag grew up in Steubenville, sang in the church choirs as an elementary school student, through high school, and sang in high school chorus, along with the musicals there. She majored in special education at Kent State University, but continued to sing at KSU in the Women’s Glee Club, Oratorio Guild, and A Capella Choir. She has been singing in the church choir at St. Michael Church in Canfield since 1977, and performed in musicals at the Youngstown Playhouse and Salem Community Theater.

  Mag taught special education in Columbus, Akron, and Youngstown, finishing her career in 2004. But, she still enjoys teaching and is a substitute teacher in both Canfield and Youngstown, even enjoying teaching music in both districts!

  The Youngstown Symphony Chorus  was an important part of her life since 1975, when she joined to “have a night out” after her daughter was born. She will always remember the first time she sang the “Amen” in the Messiah, wondering how all the experienced chorus members knew where they were! Since then, she hasn’t missed a beat! Mag has especially enjoyed singing on the stage at Powers Auditorium, with the wonderful orchestra and musical directors, as well as the recent concerts at Stambaugh Auditorium. Both places are such important historic Youngstown locations for wonderful musical events. In the 1980’s Mag enjoyed singing in the opera choruses at Powers, and recently sang in the Opera Western Reserve Opera chorus for two operas at Stambaugh Auditorium.

  One of the highlights of her life was singing in Italy and Europe with the St. Vitus Church choir from New Castle, PA. Mag was honored to sing the psalm at a mass where the choir sang at St. Peter’s in Rome! That choir sang in Italy, Hungary, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Singing with friends is always a very special time, and brings people together from all backgrounds, languages, and life experiences. That experience colors our music and grows deeper and more vivid with each passing year. Youngstown Symphony Chorus is a very unique and dedicated group, which remains vital in the Youngstown, Ohio area.