OUR Choir Director
It is with great pleasure that the Westbrook Village Voices welcomes our new Choir Director, Erica Lewis. A transplant from upstate New York, Erica has been enjoying the warm Arizona weather since arriving in the Grand Canyon State in 2018.
Erica has more than a decade of teaching experience, including piano lessons, vocal lessons, group music classes, leading multiple choirs and directing musicals. She has taught a wide variety of students over the years, ranging in experience from beginners to seasoned performers -- but beginners have always been her favorite students!
Erica earned her her Bachelor of Science degree in
Vocal Music Education from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, NY. Subsequently, Erica received a Master's Degree in Music Education from the State University of New York (SUNY) in Buffalo, NY.
Erica is the owner of the local west valley business Musician First Music LLC (www.MusicianFirstMusic.com), offering private and group lessons in piano and voice on a full-time basis.
In addition to teaching music, Erica enjoys performing, and can be spotted around the valley singing in The Phoenix Symphony Chorus.
Erica lives in Peoria with her husband, Aubrey, and her two cats, Nikko and Tinyus. In her spare time, Erica enjoys tap dancing and taking boxing classes.
Please join us in welcoming Erica to the Westbrook Village Voices! The 2023-2024 season is sure to be our most exciting and entertaining yet. We look forward to the new musical adventures Erica has planned for the choir!
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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 42nd wedding anniversary.
Their son Clayton and his wife Ericka, live in Phoenix, where Clayton works as an Engineer for the city. Clayton and Ericka are the proud parents of Nola and Jerry's latest grandson, the new and adorable Gus! Nola and Jerry's daughter Jodie is a Nurse Practitioner, who lives in St. Louis, MO, with her husband Jared, along with Nola and Jerry's two eldest - and precious - 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 in 2019. They were attracted to the friendliness of Westbrook Village and the variety of available activities.
Nola is delighted to be playing with the Westbrook Village Voices and is looking forward to another wonderful year!
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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
Ivan L. Fortin • Vice President & Public Relations
Diane Kane • Treasurer
Linda Hofman • Secretary
Sandra Bacs • Social Chairperson
Joan Behrens • Music Librarian
Past Loch-Shaw • Community Liaison
Betsy Stuehling • Choir Historian
<> About the Board of Directors <>
WE MAY HAVE A NEW NAME BUT YOU GET THE SAME GREAT BENEFITS!
The Westbrook Village Performing Arts Council has announced the PAC Patron Loyalty program for the 2023-2024 season. Click HERE to join, or renew your membership today, and start the season fully prepared to use the many benefits this unique membership offers – complimentary and discounted tickets, early access to tickets and more.
Lovers of music, drama, and dance support the Westbrook Village Performing Arts Council – and The Westbrook Village Voices – by becoming PAC Patron Loyalty members. This very unique loyalty program has become very popular with residents and non-residents alike and you’ll find multiple membership options that suit every budget and every schedule!
Our 2023-2024 productions and dates are listed at the top of this page. Tickets are now on sale HERE and via the Box Office (623-237-3037). It's important to note that your PAC Patron Loyalty membership benefits are available instantaneously upon enrollment and you can purchase your complimentary or discounted tickets the moment they go on sale!
The Westbrook Village Voices -- and the Westbrook Village Performing Arts Council -- thank you for your support and look forward to seeing you at all of our shows next season.
Questions / Inquiries: Send an email to WBV.PACPatron@gmail.com
