Julia Shelby: Director

Julia Shelby is the Director of Mountain Melody. She is a native Californian and hails from the San Francisco Peninsula. Since 2001, she and her husband have lived in Mountain Ranch in Calaveras County. Music has always been a part of her life, she has sung in schools, community choirs, and the internationally known Peninsula Women’s Chorus.

Julia formed Mountain Melody in the fall of 2005, to share her expertise and love of vocal music with the community. She continues to expand her knowledge by attending professional choral directing workshops. Ms. Shelby also works in Calaveras and neighboring counties as a registered nurse and nurse practitioner.

Marge Biagi-Castro: Accompanist

Marge Biagi-Castro has a wealth of experience as an accompanist, serving elementary and high school groups, and for several musicals produced by the Metropolitan Players. Her playing embraces many diverse styles, and her love of the music shines through in her performances. She has been with Mountain Melody since 2006 and enjoys working with what she calls “all of those remarkable women.” She thanks her mom for giving her lessons all those years ago–they really paid off!

Mountain Melody: Calaveras County’s Premier Women’s Chorus

The Mountain Melody Women’s Chorus is made up of women from all around Calaveras, Toulomne, and Amador counties. While each member has a distinct and individual voice, when they come together as a group, they create a stunning harmonic blend of tones that resonate through high and low registers. Each singer in the chorus looks forward to the challenge and exhilaration in learning, rehearsing, and perfecting the beautiful music they perform. Mountain Melody always welcomes new members.