Village Voices Holiday Concert
December 2-3-4, 2022
Tickets on sale Sept. 29, 2022
Village Voices Spring Concert
March 31 - April 1-2, 2023
Tickets on sale Jan. 26, 2023
Announcing our new choir director
We are happy to announce that we have a new Choir Director, the well-known and popular, valley professional, Michael English.
Michael hails originally from Las Vegas, NV, where he grew up as a 3rd generation native of the state. He attended the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, majoring in Music Education with an emphasis on Choral conducting. Subsequently, Michael attended Hope International University where he majored in Music Ministry. A lifelong student of music, Michael brings a wealth of music and performing experience to his position as Choir Director.
Michael has performed with major artists such as John Rutter, Andrea Bocelli, and the Boston Philharmonic Pops Orchestra. He has also performed in major operas, operettas, and musicals such as Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, Franz Lehar’s The Merry Widow, and Sondheim’s Into the Woods.
He has been a sought out musical director and conductor for the last decade. He is currently finishing up teaching certification at ASU and is the Director of Worship arts at Peace Lutheran Church in Peoria, AZ. When he isn’t singing or playing piano, Michael enjoys cooking, binge-watching his favorite shows on TV, and karaoke.
Please welcome Michael to the Village Voices! We are looking forward to the new and exciting musical adventures he has in store for the Village Voices, Westbrook Village and the community at large!
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OUR Choir Accompanist
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.
They 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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The Benefits of Singing
Village Voices Board of Directors
Village Voices Board of Directors
There are many benefits to be enjoyed when you sing with the Village Voices. Here are just a few!
- Singing decreases stress and anxiety.
- Singing improves cognition and your overall brain function.
- Singing leads to a longer life.
- Singing lowers your blood pressure.
- Singing tones your facial muscles, diaphragm, and intercostal muscles.
- Singing increases empathy and understanding for others.
- Singing develops your lung capacity and strengthens posture.
- Singing brings people together and creates a sense of community.
- Singing improves your memory as you age.
- Singing boosts your immunity.
Village Voices Board of Directors
Village Voices Board of Directors
Village Voices Board of Directors
Nancy Connolly • President
Pat Loch-Shaw • Vice President
Diane Kane • Treasurer
Carol Cox • Secretary
Ivan L. Fortin • Public Relations
Betsy Stuehling • Choir Historian
Open Position • Music Librarian
Open Position • Social Chairperson
<> About the Board of Directors <>
WE MAY HAVE A NEW NAME BUT YOU GET THE SAME GREAT BENEFITS!
A PAC Patron membership (formerly The Cactus Club) serves as the heart of the performing arts community in Westbrook Village and starting July 1, 2022, you can join for the 2022-2023 season!
Residents who love drama, music, and dance are supporting the Westbrook Village Performing Arts Council – and The Village Voices – by becoming PAC Patron members. The five PAC Patron donor levels provide ideal flexibility and the multiple membership options ensure quality performances continue right here in our own community. This vital funding provided by PAC Patrons is used for stage and technical improvements (lighting, sound, and other performance essentials) and allows us to bring you multiple, state-of-the-art productions during each season.
Now is the time to become a PAC Patron member and start enjoying all the benefits your friends and family having been talking about for many seasons.
The Westbrook Village Voices thanks you for your support and we look forward to seeing you at all of our shows this season.
Questions / Inquiries: Send an email to WBV.PACPatron@gmail.com
