About The Westbrook Village Voices

  Steve Houston is an Austin, MN, native who began his broad and continuing musical journey in the third grade with piano lessons. As a high schooler, Steve played clarinet in the school band, sang in the choir, appeared in several musicals and was part of a small, elite singing ensemble. Before heading off to college, Steve toured Europe as a member of the All-American Choir – an experience he declares was “once in a lifetime”.

After college -- music and vocal degrees in hand -- Steve taught music education to grades K-12 for a number of years. As it happened, a new livelihood beckoned in the early 1980's and Steve embarked on a new career as a Neurology Technician with Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. 

During his 38 years at Mayo Clinic, music remained a dominant role in Steve’s life. Before and after moving to Scottsdale in 1993, Steve shared his musicianship and expertise with many church and community groups over the years, playing with, singing in and directing musical assemblages from small groups to large choirs. If you visited Mayo Clinic Hospital in Scottsdale during Steve’s tenure, you may have even heard him playing the piano for visitors in the hospital lobby on occasion (such a nice touch in a hospital).

Steve moved to Westbrook Village in 2019 after retiring from Mayo Clinic so it’s no surprise that he quickly found his way to the Village Voices, where he first sang in the 2019 Holiday Concert. Steve was very excited to sing as “just” a member of the Village Voices but has now embraced the opportunity to take on leading the Village Voices as the new Choir Director.

Family is a very big part of Steve’s life. He and his wife Barb, who met in mid-70s Minnesota while singing together in a local musical group, have been making beautiful music together ever since. Their three daughters and seven grandchildren, for whom they are infinitely grateful, are their greatest joy!

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Nola Freed, a native of western Arizona, grew up in Yuma. She began piano lessons at the age of 11 and in high school, applied her considerable musical talents to learning the tenor saxophone. Nola played in her Yuma high school jazz and concert bands, and was chosen as the accompanist for her high school choir and several other choral groups.

Nola attended University of Arizona in Tucson where she earned a degree in Elementary Education, while minoring in music. After college, Nola embarked on a career in education, teaching kindergarten and first grade in Yuma and Casa Grande for 39 wonderful years!

While at the University of Arizona, Nola met her husband Jerry and they recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. The have two children, Clayton, who works for the City of Phoenix and Jodie, a Nurse Practitioner, who lives in St. Louis, MO, with husband Jared – and Nola and Jerry’s two beloved grandsons.

Nola has a wealth of musical experience. She has played in and directed multiple church and school events, including being selected as the accompanist for an Arizona Western Community College graduation. Nola studied piano under Charles Phillips in Yuma and her favorite piano, although not an oft heard of brand, is Young Chang, a well-respected maker of a small and very exclusive collection of grand pianos. When not playing the piano, Nola’s hobbies include reading, quilting (newly excited beginner) and listening to gospel or classical music.

Nola and Jerry retired from teaching in Casa Grande and moved to Westbrook Village two years ago. They were attracted to the friendliness of Westbrook Village and the variety of available activities.

Nola is excited to return to accompanying a choir and is looking forward to being a part of the Village Voices.

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See all the performances now and enjoy all the fun!

If you couldn't make it to our 2019 Spring Concert, you won't want to miss this!

Did you miss the Piano Recital in March, 2019?

It's not too late to experience "Some Enchanted Evening".