Officers
Sam Handley, President
Lindsay Cummings, Vice-President
Chuck Chandler, Secretary
Myron Silberstein, Treasurer
Executive Committee Directors
Gaye Klopack, Director of Workshops
Lindsay Cummings, Brooke Schrager, and Josephine Stracek, Co-Directors of Auditions
Rae-Myra Hilliard and Amanda Cabán, Co-Directors of Membership
Brooke Schrager, Director of Communications
Susan Dennis, Director of Hospitality
Supporting Board Members
Kim Woycke
Sam Handley, President
Lindsay Cummings, Vice-President
Chuck Chandler, Secretary
Myron Silberstein, Treasurer
Executive Committee Directors
Gaye Klopack, Director of Workshops
Lindsay Cummings, Brooke Schrager, and Josephine Stracek, Co-Directors of Auditions
Rae-Myra Hilliard and Amanda Cabán, Co-Directors of Membership
Brooke Schrager, Director of Communications
Susan Dennis, Director of Hospitality
Supporting Board Members
Kim Woycke
Sam Handley
Teaching Locations: Northern Illinois University, DePaul University
Musical specialties: Classical and Opera, Lyric Diction, Vocal Pedagogy, Arts Administration
Age of student: College and adult
Musical specialties: Classical and Opera, Lyric Diction, Vocal Pedagogy, Arts Administration
Age of student: College and adult
Sam Handley has been praised for “his rich, burnished” voice and the “genuine emotional depth of his characterizations.” He has performed more than a dozen roles at Lyric Opera of Chicago (where he was also a member of the Ryan Opera Center) including Hans Folz in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Quince in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Tom in Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera. Handley made his Asian debut as Basilio in Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia at the National Centre for Performing Arts (Beijing) under the baton of Lorin Maazel, with whom he had previously performed Talpa and Betto in Il Trittico and Colline in La Boheme. On the symphonic stage, his deep repertoire encircles masterworks of Handel, Haydn, Bach, Beethoven, Stravinsky, Vaughan Williams, Verdi, and Mozart, in whose Requiem Handley has been described as “striking in the tuba mirum.”
Sam joined the roster of The Metropolitan Opera in 2017 for Der Rosenkavalier. Further opera credits include Dulcamara in Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’amore (winter 2019/20 with Tiroler Festival, Erl, Austria), Don Alfonso in Mozart’s Così fan tutte, Lyric Opera of Chicago for Fellow Travelers, NCPA (Bejing) to sing Konrad Nachtigall in Die Meistersinger, a role Handley also performed with San Francisco Opera plus Alberich in The Essential Ring with the Lexington Symphony and Symphony New Hampshire. He sang Sprecher in Opera Colorado’s production of Die Zauberflöte, Basilio with the Atlanta Opera, and European (and role) debut as Escamillo in a new production of Carmen with Theater Aachen. Early career highlights include Leporello in Don Giovanni with the Ryan Opera Center, Don Magnifico in La Cenerentola with the Merola Opera Program, the title role of Don Pasquale on tour with the Santa Fe Opera, Mr. Emerson in Nelson’s A Room with a View (DVD by Newport classics), Sancho in Telemann’s Don Quichotte and Polyphemus in Acis and Galatea with Houston’s Mercury Baroque (KUHF records), Bottom in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Caspar in Weber’s Der Freischütz, Jaggers in Argento’s Miss Havisham’s Fire, the King in Prokofiev’sThe Love for Three Oranges, Dikoj in Janácek’s Katya Kabanova, and Dr. Miracle in Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann.
Sam has performed the national anthem at Soldier’s Field for the Chicago Bears and has performed with Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) for Waters’ opera Ça ira.
A fervent proponent of contemporary composers, Sam has delivered several world premieres, including Wlad Marhulets’ The Property with Chicago’s Lyric Unlimited, and the music of Scott Gendel and Dan Black with the Madison Contemporary Orchestra. He has been a guest artist with the Cleveland Orchestra with Franz Welser-Möst at both Severance and Carnegie Halls, Houston Symphony, the National Symphony Orchestra with Leonard Slatkin, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia with James Conlon. Among his several recordings, Argento’s Casanova’s Homecoming is available through Newport Classics and the DVD of his collaboration with Peter Schickele for P.D.Q. Bach in Houston: We Have a Problem is available from Acorn Media.
Dr. Handley has long loved sharing his knowledge of the art of singing and was a Teaching Fellow during both his Master and Doctoral studies. He has taught at UW-Platteville, Lee College, San Jacinto College, North Park University, Madison Summer Music Clinic, and Musica nelle Marche (Urbino, Italy) and is in demand as a Master Teacher, Clinician, and Adjudicator. Sam currently serves on the faculty of DePaul University in Chicago. He is President of the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and Executive and Artistic Director of Green Lake Festival of Music (GLFM).
As an administrator, Sam has overseen the growth of GLFM since 2020, including a new Children’s Chorus in collaboration with the local Boys and Girls Club, a reinstatement of the Choral Institute to promote and perform choral masterworks, a restructuring of the Chamber Music Institute, the first female composer-in-residence and the first composer-in-residence of color. Commitment to equity and access are core values for season themes such as 2023: Hemispheres Uniting and 2024: A Place for All. GLFM has established itself as a welcoming home for all music makers without charging admission for concerts. Instead, it relies primarily on free-will donations, sponsorships, grants, volunteer support, community involvement, and sound fiscal management.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Sam now resides in Sheboygan, WI, and enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, especially while camping, hiking, sailing, cooking, fine dining, and keeping up with their Labrador Finzi!
Sam joined the roster of The Metropolitan Opera in 2017 for Der Rosenkavalier. Further opera credits include Dulcamara in Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’amore (winter 2019/20 with Tiroler Festival, Erl, Austria), Don Alfonso in Mozart’s Così fan tutte, Lyric Opera of Chicago for Fellow Travelers, NCPA (Bejing) to sing Konrad Nachtigall in Die Meistersinger, a role Handley also performed with San Francisco Opera plus Alberich in The Essential Ring with the Lexington Symphony and Symphony New Hampshire. He sang Sprecher in Opera Colorado’s production of Die Zauberflöte, Basilio with the Atlanta Opera, and European (and role) debut as Escamillo in a new production of Carmen with Theater Aachen. Early career highlights include Leporello in Don Giovanni with the Ryan Opera Center, Don Magnifico in La Cenerentola with the Merola Opera Program, the title role of Don Pasquale on tour with the Santa Fe Opera, Mr. Emerson in Nelson’s A Room with a View (DVD by Newport classics), Sancho in Telemann’s Don Quichotte and Polyphemus in Acis and Galatea with Houston’s Mercury Baroque (KUHF records), Bottom in Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Caspar in Weber’s Der Freischütz, Jaggers in Argento’s Miss Havisham’s Fire, the King in Prokofiev’sThe Love for Three Oranges, Dikoj in Janácek’s Katya Kabanova, and Dr. Miracle in Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann.
Sam has performed the national anthem at Soldier’s Field for the Chicago Bears and has performed with Roger Waters (Pink Floyd) for Waters’ opera Ça ira.
A fervent proponent of contemporary composers, Sam has delivered several world premieres, including Wlad Marhulets’ The Property with Chicago’s Lyric Unlimited, and the music of Scott Gendel and Dan Black with the Madison Contemporary Orchestra. He has been a guest artist with the Cleveland Orchestra with Franz Welser-Möst at both Severance and Carnegie Halls, Houston Symphony, the National Symphony Orchestra with Leonard Slatkin, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia with James Conlon. Among his several recordings, Argento’s Casanova’s Homecoming is available through Newport Classics and the DVD of his collaboration with Peter Schickele for P.D.Q. Bach in Houston: We Have a Problem is available from Acorn Media.
Dr. Handley has long loved sharing his knowledge of the art of singing and was a Teaching Fellow during both his Master and Doctoral studies. He has taught at UW-Platteville, Lee College, San Jacinto College, North Park University, Madison Summer Music Clinic, and Musica nelle Marche (Urbino, Italy) and is in demand as a Master Teacher, Clinician, and Adjudicator. Sam currently serves on the faculty of DePaul University in Chicago. He is President of the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and Executive and Artistic Director of Green Lake Festival of Music (GLFM).
As an administrator, Sam has overseen the growth of GLFM since 2020, including a new Children’s Chorus in collaboration with the local Boys and Girls Club, a reinstatement of the Choral Institute to promote and perform choral masterworks, a restructuring of the Chamber Music Institute, the first female composer-in-residence and the first composer-in-residence of color. Commitment to equity and access are core values for season themes such as 2023: Hemispheres Uniting and 2024: A Place for All. GLFM has established itself as a welcoming home for all music makers without charging admission for concerts. Instead, it relies primarily on free-will donations, sponsorships, grants, volunteer support, community involvement, and sound fiscal management.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Sam now resides in Sheboygan, WI, and enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, especially while camping, hiking, sailing, cooking, fine dining, and keeping up with their Labrador Finzi!
LINDSAY CUMMINGS
Teaching Locations: Jefferson/Portage Park and Online
Musical specialties: Musical theater and contemporary styles
Age of student: 13 to adult
Musical specialties: Musical theater and contemporary styles
Age of student: 13 to adult
Lindsay Cummings is a Chicago actor, singer, music director, and teaching artist. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Theater from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and a Master of Musical Theatre and Opera Performance from Arizona State University. She’s worked in theatre and television throughout the country, but teaching young artists has always been her passion.
Currently Lindsay is an Instructor of Musical Theatre Voice and Piano at North Central College in Naperville, IL and the owner of Chicago Music & Acting Academy in Jefferson Park. She cultivates a safe and welcoming work environment that allows students the freedom to explore their musical voice. This year she founded Downstage Arts, a non profit theatre organization designed to provide funding for students and teachers to create theatre and tell stories that matter to them.
Currently Lindsay is an Instructor of Musical Theatre Voice and Piano at North Central College in Naperville, IL and the owner of Chicago Music & Acting Academy in Jefferson Park. She cultivates a safe and welcoming work environment that allows students the freedom to explore their musical voice. This year she founded Downstage Arts, a non profit theatre organization designed to provide funding for students and teachers to create theatre and tell stories that matter to them.
Chuck Chandler
Teaching Locations: DePaul University, Red River Lyric Opera
Musical specialties: Classical, Opera, Pedagogy
Age of student: College and adult
Musical specialties: Classical, Opera, Pedagogy
Age of student: College and adult
Award winning teacher and established authority in fitness training and the singing voice, pedagogue Dr. Chuck Chandler is a highly sought after presenter, master clinician, and consultant. His students have performance credits at the Metropolitan Opera, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Houston Grand Opera, Atlanta Opera, San Francisco Opera, and Santa Fe Opera among others. He has presented sessions at conferences in the United States and abroad, including The Pedagogy of Pedagogy as well as Fitness Training and the Singing Voice at the 2017 International Congress of Voice Teachers in Stockholm, Sweden. His article “Modern Opera and Film” was published in the National Association of Teachers of Singing Journal of Singing in March 2019. Chandler has given pedagogical workshops and led round table discussions on topics including the use of Voce Vista which offers real-time spectrogram analysis in the studio, teaching male voices, the use of progressive vocalise, and many others throughout the United States. Further, his presence as an adjudicator for competitions and as an in-demand master clinician nationwide is strong.
As a performer, Chuck Chandler has sung world premieres of operatic roles and art song cycles, and garnered acclaim as a tenor soloist in the performance of such concert works as Uriel in Haydn’s The Creation, Obadiah in Mendelssohn’s Elijah, the tenor soloist in Rossini’s Stabat Mater, Mozart’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Bach Cantata # 61, John Stainer’s Crucifixion, the Du Bois Seven Last Words of Christ, and the Saint-Saëns Christmas Oratorio to name a few. His operatic roles have included Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Nanki-Poo in The Mikado, Emperor Altoum in Turandot, King Kaspar in Amahl and the Night Visitors, and many others. He is a frequent recitalist throughout the United States and has appeared at venues such as the Weil Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and Scorca Recital Hall at Opera America. Chandler makes regular appearances at the Festival of Music by Women Composers, the National Association of Teachers of Singing national conferences, and continues serving on the faculty at the young artist training program of Red River Lyric Opera since 2016. Additionally, Chandler has taught at the Orvieto Musica Festival as guest artist faculty. He holds a doctorate in vocal performance from University of Kentucky, and has completed levels I and II Singing Voice Specialist training.
As a performer, Chuck Chandler has sung world premieres of operatic roles and art song cycles, and garnered acclaim as a tenor soloist in the performance of such concert works as Uriel in Haydn’s The Creation, Obadiah in Mendelssohn’s Elijah, the tenor soloist in Rossini’s Stabat Mater, Mozart’s Requiem, Handel’s Messiah, Bach Cantata # 61, John Stainer’s Crucifixion, the Du Bois Seven Last Words of Christ, and the Saint-Saëns Christmas Oratorio to name a few. His operatic roles have included Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Nanki-Poo in The Mikado, Emperor Altoum in Turandot, King Kaspar in Amahl and the Night Visitors, and many others. He is a frequent recitalist throughout the United States and has appeared at venues such as the Weil Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall and Scorca Recital Hall at Opera America. Chandler makes regular appearances at the Festival of Music by Women Composers, the National Association of Teachers of Singing national conferences, and continues serving on the faculty at the young artist training program of Red River Lyric Opera since 2016. Additionally, Chandler has taught at the Orvieto Musica Festival as guest artist faculty. He holds a doctorate in vocal performance from University of Kentucky, and has completed levels I and II Singing Voice Specialist training.
myron silberstein
Teaching Location: Northside Chicago (accessible from Red and Brown lines). Currently virtual/online only
Teaching Specialties: Text/character interpretation; Harmony/theory; American/20th/21st century music
Age of student: High school through post-graduate
Teaching Specialties: Text/character interpretation; Harmony/theory; American/20th/21st century music
Age of student: High school through post-graduate
Myron Silberstein’s career as an accompanist and vocal coach spans nearly thirty years. He has been a staff accompanist and vocal coach at North Park University, Resident Music Director of Chicago Opera Vanguard, and Artistic Associate of Storycatchers Theatre. He is a staff accompanist for CS Music’s annual Vocal Competition.
Mr. Silberstein has helped clients prepare successful auditions for numerous Young Artist and performance programs, including the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Madison Opera’s Studio Artist Program, and Lyric Opera Studio Weimar. Additionally, he has coached clients in preparation for mainstage and Artist-in-Residence roles at Pensacola Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Music of Remembrance, and for roles at local and storefront opera companies.
While being thoroughly steeped in the standard operatic and song repertoire, Myron Silberstein is a specialist in overlooked and contemporary repertoire. He has participated in and coached numerous world premieres. He is also a composer with a wide catalog of vocal works.
Mr. Silberstein’s recording of works by Peter Mennin and Norman Lloyd was acclaimed by Mark Lehman of The American Record Guide as “an indispensable addition to the discography of American piano music.” This recording, and his debut recording of piano works by Franck, Bloch, and Giannini, received mention on Fanfare’s annual Want List.
Mr. Silberstein has helped clients prepare successful auditions for numerous Young Artist and performance programs, including the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Madison Opera’s Studio Artist Program, and Lyric Opera Studio Weimar. Additionally, he has coached clients in preparation for mainstage and Artist-in-Residence roles at Pensacola Opera, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Music of Remembrance, and for roles at local and storefront opera companies.
While being thoroughly steeped in the standard operatic and song repertoire, Myron Silberstein is a specialist in overlooked and contemporary repertoire. He has participated in and coached numerous world premieres. He is also a composer with a wide catalog of vocal works.
Mr. Silberstein’s recording of works by Peter Mennin and Norman Lloyd was acclaimed by Mark Lehman of The American Record Guide as “an indispensable addition to the discography of American piano music.” This recording, and his debut recording of piano works by Franck, Bloch, and Giannini, received mention on Fanfare’s annual Want List.
Gaye Klopack
Teaching Locations: Private Studio and Chicago Area
Musical specialties: Pop, Opera, Classical, Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Vocal Rehabilitation
Age of student: Upper level high school, college and adult
Musical specialties: Pop, Opera, Classical, Musical Theatre, Jazz, and Vocal Rehabilitation
Age of student: Upper level high school, college and adult
Gaye Klopack is a singer, private voice teacher and choral director with more than 25 years experience. Her love of singing and teaching has rewarded her in a successful and enriching career and she is excited to be able to share her knowledge and expertise with audiences and students of all levels.In 2013, she released a CD of jazz standards, Small Day Tomorrow, and in 2019 she released another recording, Come Out ’n Play with Pat Mallinger and her pianist and arranger, John Paluch, that introduces jazz to children and the American Songbook. She has performed with Oscar Brown Jr., Clark Terry, Erwin Helfer and Johnny Frigo. As a classical artist, she has performed with the Grant Park Symphony Chorus, Cantate Choir and has been a soloist with Ars Musica Chicago and the Chicago Choral Artists.
Gaye Klopack graduated with an M.A. in Vocal Pedagogy from Northeastern Illinois University in 1997 and has been a choral director and voice teacher in Chicago for over 25 years. In 2009 she was honored as a “Distinguished Teacher” by President Obama and the United States Department of Education for mentoring a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. In November of 2010 she was the featured cover story for Choral Director Magazine. She has taught choral methods and vocal music education at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago and has been a featured lecturer for “Jazzin’ Up Chicago Public Schools” for the Chicago Institute of Jazz. Ms. Klopack has also served on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Jazz Orchestra. She currently teaches vocal jazz ensemble for CAPE, a community education program through Northeastern Illinois University.
Among her students are broadway and classical performers, jazz singers, a YoungARTS winner, two GRAMMY Gibson-Baldwin HS Ensemble Vocal Jazz winners, student performers on WFMT Radio’s Introductions, winners of Classical Singer Magazine Auditions, the Schmidt Youth Vocal Contest and the National Association of Teachers of Singing regional and Chicago Chapters. Among her students are broadway and classical performers, jazz singers, a YoungARTS winner, two GRAMMY Gibson-Baldwin HS Ensemble Vocal Jazz winners, student performers on WFMT Radio’s Introductions, winners of Classical Singer Magazine Auditions, the Schmidt Youth Vocal Contest and the National Association of Teachers of Singing regional and Chicago Chapters.
Gaye Klopack graduated with an M.A. in Vocal Pedagogy from Northeastern Illinois University in 1997 and has been a choral director and voice teacher in Chicago for over 25 years. In 2009 she was honored as a “Distinguished Teacher” by President Obama and the United States Department of Education for mentoring a Presidential Scholar in the Arts. In November of 2010 she was the featured cover story for Choral Director Magazine. She has taught choral methods and vocal music education at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago and has been a featured lecturer for “Jazzin’ Up Chicago Public Schools” for the Chicago Institute of Jazz. Ms. Klopack has also served on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Jazz Orchestra. She currently teaches vocal jazz ensemble for CAPE, a community education program through Northeastern Illinois University.
Among her students are broadway and classical performers, jazz singers, a YoungARTS winner, two GRAMMY Gibson-Baldwin HS Ensemble Vocal Jazz winners, student performers on WFMT Radio’s Introductions, winners of Classical Singer Magazine Auditions, the Schmidt Youth Vocal Contest and the National Association of Teachers of Singing regional and Chicago Chapters. Among her students are broadway and classical performers, jazz singers, a YoungARTS winner, two GRAMMY Gibson-Baldwin HS Ensemble Vocal Jazz winners, student performers on WFMT Radio’s Introductions, winners of Classical Singer Magazine Auditions, the Schmidt Youth Vocal Contest and the National Association of Teachers of Singing regional and Chicago Chapters.
Brooke Schrager
Teaching Locations: Metro Chicago and Suburbs
Musical specialties: Classical, Musical Theater, Jazz
Age of student: Youth through Adult
Musical specialties: Classical, Musical Theater, Jazz
Age of student: Youth through Adult
Brooke Schrager holds a degree in Music Education with a certificate in Vocal Performance from Elmhurst College (now University) in Elmhurst, Illinois. At Elmhurst, she studied all styles of music, including but not limited to classical, musical theater, & jazz, under the direction of Jen Mather, Susan Moninger, Gayle Bisesi, Jeff Deutsch and Mark Streder.
She is a proud member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Director of Communications for the Chicago Chapter of the National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS), a Certified Online Music Teacher through Teach Music Online, and the Co-Founder and Treasurer of Cadence Music, NFP.
Brooke began her teaching career in 2010 at Suburban Music in Wheaton, Illinois, where she taught private piano, voice, and voice acting lessons. In 2014, she began her position in the public school setting, teaching 7th & 8th grade Chorus & General Music at Keller Junior High School in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
In January of 2016, her love of teaching in the private setting led her to start Lessons By Brooke & Company, and the rest is history! Brooke currently manages the studio, while continuing to teach her own piano and voice students of various ages and ability levels. Lessons By Brooke & Company has surpassed Brooke's wildest dreams. She is constantly motivated and inspired by the endless talent and passion for learning that exudes from the instructor team and all of their students.
She is a proud member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), Director of Communications for the Chicago Chapter of the National Association for Teachers of Singing (NATS), a Certified Online Music Teacher through Teach Music Online, and the Co-Founder and Treasurer of Cadence Music, NFP.
Brooke began her teaching career in 2010 at Suburban Music in Wheaton, Illinois, where she taught private piano, voice, and voice acting lessons. In 2014, she began her position in the public school setting, teaching 7th & 8th grade Chorus & General Music at Keller Junior High School in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.
In January of 2016, her love of teaching in the private setting led her to start Lessons By Brooke & Company, and the rest is history! Brooke currently manages the studio, while continuing to teach her own piano and voice students of various ages and ability levels. Lessons By Brooke & Company has surpassed Brooke's wildest dreams. She is constantly motivated and inspired by the endless talent and passion for learning that exudes from the instructor team and all of their students.
Josephine Stracek
Teaching Locations: Greater Chicago Area
Music Specialties: Classical, Pop, Musical Theatre
Age of Student: 13 to Adult
Music Specialties: Classical, Pop, Musical Theatre
Age of Student: 13 to Adult
Praised for the dark timbre and agile control of her voice, Minnesota born Josephine Stracek performs for audiences throughout the United States. She enjoys discovering unusual vocal repertoire, sharing new and undiscovered songs with her audiences. Her passion for poetry and language has brought her on a path in exploring art song new and old.
Josephine is favorite as a recitalist and chamber artist in northern Minnesota and the Chicagoland area. She has been featured in series at the Fairlawn Mansion, Glensheen Mansion, Kitchi Gammi Club, ICSJ’s Tunes on a Sunday Afternoon, and in various appearances with the Musician’s Club of Women. Josephine currently runs the vocal quartet The Liederspiel Society and performs regularly in recitals and concerts with various other ensembles.
Josephine’s rich mezzo-soprano voice often enhances sacred services, opera, and choral choruses in the Chicago area. She has appeared in several operas including Zerlina/Don Giovanni (Mozart), Helen/Three Sisters Who are Not Sisters (Rorem), le Bergère and le Rossignol/L’enfant et les sortilèges (Ravel), George de Planteville/Bagatelle (Offenbach), and The Mother/Hansel and Gretel (Humperdink).
Josephine has been a private music instructor throughout her educational and professional careers. She is a firm believer in the well-rounded musician and works with her students to establish technique while simultaneously focusing on what drives them, working to explore and acknowledge hidden passions and new understanding of the many different musical styles. She currently teaches with Lessons by Brooke & Company, runs her own teaching studio, accompanies two different ensembles, and teaches Language Skills at Roosevelt University.
Josephine is favorite as a recitalist and chamber artist in northern Minnesota and the Chicagoland area. She has been featured in series at the Fairlawn Mansion, Glensheen Mansion, Kitchi Gammi Club, ICSJ’s Tunes on a Sunday Afternoon, and in various appearances with the Musician’s Club of Women. Josephine currently runs the vocal quartet The Liederspiel Society and performs regularly in recitals and concerts with various other ensembles.
Josephine’s rich mezzo-soprano voice often enhances sacred services, opera, and choral choruses in the Chicago area. She has appeared in several operas including Zerlina/Don Giovanni (Mozart), Helen/Three Sisters Who are Not Sisters (Rorem), le Bergère and le Rossignol/L’enfant et les sortilèges (Ravel), George de Planteville/Bagatelle (Offenbach), and The Mother/Hansel and Gretel (Humperdink).
Josephine has been a private music instructor throughout her educational and professional careers. She is a firm believer in the well-rounded musician and works with her students to establish technique while simultaneously focusing on what drives them, working to explore and acknowledge hidden passions and new understanding of the many different musical styles. She currently teaches with Lessons by Brooke & Company, runs her own teaching studio, accompanies two different ensembles, and teaches Language Skills at Roosevelt University.
Rae-myra hilliard
Teaching Locations: St. Frances University, Solorio & Evanston Township High Schools, Music Institute of Chicago
Musical specialties: Musical Theater, Worship/Gospel, R&B, Classical
Age of student: High School through adult
Musical specialties: Musical Theater, Worship/Gospel, R&B, Classical
Age of student: High School through adult
Unapologetically, Rae-Myra
I love the Lord!
I love to sing!
I love to teach and…
I love, love, love to learn!
I cannot boast of the same level of accolades my fellow colleagues, newly elected to the Board of CCNATS have earned but what I do, I do with my whole heart. Hence my logo tagline: Sharing My Art, Giving My Heart. It is my love for learning that has fueled my quest of researching and performing works by composers of color, specifically Black-American composers, for nearly 30 years. Upon earning my Masters in Vocal Performance from the University of Northern Iowa and subsequently moving to Chicago, there were a number of people who played an important part early in my journey and stoked my desire to stay in learning mode. The two most influential were/are the late Dr. Edna Williams and Dr. Darryl Taylor who through the late William Warfield led me to study with Dr. Williams for a few years. Fast forward nearly 20 years and my research continues and has opened doors for me to share my lecture entitled: “Queens of Composition: Excellence in the Songs of Black-American Women”. I have always included songs and/or arias on all of my recitals composed by Black-Americans. Most CD: Lifescapes: One Woman’s Journey features music written by Black-American composers solely. Anticipated future recording projects will reflect my continued studies and research.
As newly-elected co-director of membership, I am excited to expand the reach of CCNATS in bringing in new voice teachers and choral directors as well as reaching out to the current membership to keep them engaged. I, by nature, am an introvert so this will be a challenge that will help me grow in my networking skills. I am excited about the workshops planned for this season both at our local level and at the national level. I must extend a shout-out to Rebecca Schorsch, past president and my voice teacher, and Sam Handley for recommending me to this position and I will strive to live beyond the expectations!! Laissez le bon temps rouler!
I love the Lord!
I love to sing!
I love to teach and…
I love, love, love to learn!
I cannot boast of the same level of accolades my fellow colleagues, newly elected to the Board of CCNATS have earned but what I do, I do with my whole heart. Hence my logo tagline: Sharing My Art, Giving My Heart. It is my love for learning that has fueled my quest of researching and performing works by composers of color, specifically Black-American composers, for nearly 30 years. Upon earning my Masters in Vocal Performance from the University of Northern Iowa and subsequently moving to Chicago, there were a number of people who played an important part early in my journey and stoked my desire to stay in learning mode. The two most influential were/are the late Dr. Edna Williams and Dr. Darryl Taylor who through the late William Warfield led me to study with Dr. Williams for a few years. Fast forward nearly 20 years and my research continues and has opened doors for me to share my lecture entitled: “Queens of Composition: Excellence in the Songs of Black-American Women”. I have always included songs and/or arias on all of my recitals composed by Black-Americans. Most CD: Lifescapes: One Woman’s Journey features music written by Black-American composers solely. Anticipated future recording projects will reflect my continued studies and research.
As newly-elected co-director of membership, I am excited to expand the reach of CCNATS in bringing in new voice teachers and choral directors as well as reaching out to the current membership to keep them engaged. I, by nature, am an introvert so this will be a challenge that will help me grow in my networking skills. I am excited about the workshops planned for this season both at our local level and at the national level. I must extend a shout-out to Rebecca Schorsch, past president and my voice teacher, and Sam Handley for recommending me to this position and I will strive to live beyond the expectations!! Laissez le bon temps rouler!
Amanda Cabán
Teaching Locations: Greater Chicago Area
Musical specialties: Classical
Age of student: Junior/senior high school, college and adult
Musical specialties: Classical
Age of student: Junior/senior high school, college and adult
Amanda Cabán is an accomplished performer with an array of experience in both opera and concert repertoire. Her most recent performances are Ma Moss (The Tenderland) with Chicago Summer Opera, and Ericlea (Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria), Old Lady (Candide), & Meg (Falstaff) with DePaul Opera Theatre. Previously, she has performed the title role of Carmen with Peach State Opera in Atlanta, GA. With Central Florida Lyric Opera, Cabán performed the roles of Mercedes (Carmen), Carmen cover (Carmen), Third Lady (The Magic Flute), and Cherubino (Marriage of Figaro). In 2017, Cabán was featured in Capitol City Opera’s Rising Stars concert.
Cabán performed the role of Dorabella in Così fan Tutte with both with Connecticut Lyric Opera’s Greve Opera Festival in Tuscany, and with Capitol City Opera’s Dinner and a Diva. She was selected to perform on New York Opera Workshop’s master class with Robert McFarland, Singing at the International Level. Cabán has appeared as the soloist for works such as: the Ellingboe Requiem, Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and the Mozart Requiem.
At the Stephen Foster Vocal Competition, Cabán earned first place, and has placed in the NATS southeastern division. She earned her master’s degree from DePaul University and her undergraduate degree in vocal performance from Stetson University.
Cabán maintains a private studio in Chicago, IL and has been a vocal adjudicator for Atlanta Music Project and Florida Federation of Music Clubs. Cabán is currently performing with Zarzuela USA for their 2023 festival in Los Angeles.
Cabán performed the role of Dorabella in Così fan Tutte with both with Connecticut Lyric Opera’s Greve Opera Festival in Tuscany, and with Capitol City Opera’s Dinner and a Diva. She was selected to perform on New York Opera Workshop’s master class with Robert McFarland, Singing at the International Level. Cabán has appeared as the soloist for works such as: the Ellingboe Requiem, Saint-Saëns’ Christmas Oratorio, Vivaldi’s Gloria, and the Mozart Requiem.
At the Stephen Foster Vocal Competition, Cabán earned first place, and has placed in the NATS southeastern division. She earned her master’s degree from DePaul University and her undergraduate degree in vocal performance from Stetson University.
Cabán maintains a private studio in Chicago, IL and has been a vocal adjudicator for Atlanta Music Project and Florida Federation of Music Clubs. Cabán is currently performing with Zarzuela USA for their 2023 festival in Los Angeles.
Susan dennis
Teaching Locations: Elmhurst University and Harper College
Musical specialties: Classical and musical theater
Age of student: High School and College
Musical specialties: Classical and musical theater
Age of student: High School and College
Susan Dennis- soprano, is an active soloist equally at home with Broadway and Classical repertoire. Susan is a member of CCNATS, and enjoys preparing students for College auditions, Vocal competitions and Adjudicating aspiring singers. She is also a member of Chicago Cabaret Professionals and enjoys performing in the area.She has been a soloist with New Millennium Orchestra, Symphonic Pops Orchestra of Chicago, Navy Pier Pops Orchestra, Harper College Symphony Orchestra, Northwest Festival Orchestra, Sanfilippo Foundation Christmas Concert series, Anthony Kawalkowski Orchestra, Festival Arts of Antioch, Opening Night Broadway Troupe to name a few.
Operatic roles include Despina in Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, Monica in Menotti’s The Medium, Lauretta in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Gretel in Humperdinck’s Hansel und Gretel, Adele in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus and understudy for Giannetta in Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore.
Musical Theatre roles include Heidi Schiller in FOLLIES, Mrs. Nordstrom in A Little Night Music, Mary Sunshine in Chicago, Rosebud in Mystery of Edwin Drood, Mabel in Pirates of Penzance and Irina in Lost in the Stars.
Lawrence Johnson, writing in the Chicago Tribune, noted that “Dennis was delightful from the get go, her high-soprano singing and charming
stage presence is hard to resist.”
Dennis was the Music/Artistic director of Elgin OPERA Training/Performing Ensemble and performed in Love and Fairy Tales, A Taste of Italy, and L’Elisir d’Amore, Summer Music Festival’s 2009 Comedy Tonight, the 2010 Baroque and Beyond and Broadway/Patriotic Night, 2011 Ole! La Fuerza la Music! and Opera Fools, 2012 April in Austria and 2013 Savoir Flaire where she sang “Lakme in Act II of the Opera LAKME.
Susan holds a Bachelor of Music from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Music in Vocal performance from Northwestern University. Susan Dennis is a Professor of Voice at Elmhurst University where she teaches Vocal Techniques, Diction & Applied Private lessons, and Harper College where she teaches Class Voice, Applied Private lessons & Bringing the Song to Life.
Operatic roles include Despina in Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, Monica in Menotti’s The Medium, Lauretta in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, Gretel in Humperdinck’s Hansel und Gretel, Adele in Strauss’ Die Fledermaus and understudy for Giannetta in Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore.
Musical Theatre roles include Heidi Schiller in FOLLIES, Mrs. Nordstrom in A Little Night Music, Mary Sunshine in Chicago, Rosebud in Mystery of Edwin Drood, Mabel in Pirates of Penzance and Irina in Lost in the Stars.
Lawrence Johnson, writing in the Chicago Tribune, noted that “Dennis was delightful from the get go, her high-soprano singing and charming
stage presence is hard to resist.”
Dennis was the Music/Artistic director of Elgin OPERA Training/Performing Ensemble and performed in Love and Fairy Tales, A Taste of Italy, and L’Elisir d’Amore, Summer Music Festival’s 2009 Comedy Tonight, the 2010 Baroque and Beyond and Broadway/Patriotic Night, 2011 Ole! La Fuerza la Music! and Opera Fools, 2012 April in Austria and 2013 Savoir Flaire where she sang “Lakme in Act II of the Opera LAKME.
Susan holds a Bachelor of Music from Eastern Illinois University and a Master of Music in Vocal performance from Northwestern University. Susan Dennis is a Professor of Voice at Elmhurst University where she teaches Vocal Techniques, Diction & Applied Private lessons, and Harper College where she teaches Class Voice, Applied Private lessons & Bringing the Song to Life.
Kim Woycke
Teaching Locations: Hawthorn Woods and Lake Zurich, Illinois
Musical specialties: Classical and musical theater
Age of student: Elementary through High School
Musical specialties: Classical and musical theater
Age of student: Elementary through High School
Kim Woycke is a voice teacher and owner of Woycke Voice Studio in Hawthorn Woods, IL as well as at Lake Zurich High School. She teaches students grades 5-12 focusing on vocal technique for classical and musical theater singing. In addition she offers a CCM music recording course each summer.
Kim graduated from New York University with a BFA in Drama where she studied musical theater. She has been teaching voice and theater for over 15 years. She also serves as the Spencer Loomis Elementary School chorus director.
Kim graduated from New York University with a BFA in Drama where she studied musical theater. She has been teaching voice and theater for over 15 years. She also serves as the Spencer Loomis Elementary School chorus director.
