Bethany music center has the privilege of having some of the most skilled instructors for the program and in the nation. One such teacher is Mercy Calhoun. She is a third year undergraduate vocal performance major and music education major at the prestigious Peabody Institute. In the past, Calhoun has served as a section leader, choir assistant and student-conducting intern with the Appalachian Children’s Chorus (ACC). She has also been an elementary teacher’s aid so she exhibits the skills necessary to teach music to young children and is an asset to Bethany’s Children’s Music program. Performance is in her blood as Mercy has also performed several roles including the role of Susanna from Le nozze di Figaro at the Narni Arts Festival. In 2015, she performed the role of Dorinda from Orlando by Handel with the Peabody Opera. She has attended the Interlochen Center for the Arts and Brevard Music Center. She has also been a guest artist with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra (WVSO) and with ACC during their Italy tour. In addition to solo work, she has had a vast choral performing background with the Appalachian Children’s Chorus. This includes performing in Lincoln Center, the United Nations General Assembly Hall, Ireland, with the WVSO numerous times, and at many political events.