Faculty and Administration

As Chief Operating Officer of Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir), Amy Alvarado Tinucci has demonstrated exceptional nonprofit leadership through a dynamic and compassionate approach. Previously serving as Chief Development Officer for more than four years, Amy successfully led the development team to secure the largest contribution in the organization’s nearly 70-year history.

With 15 years of experience in philanthropy, Amy excels in systematizing and driving efficiency in fundraising with a data-centric approach. Prior to Uniting Voices, Amy spent a decade working in development at Lyric Opera of Chicago. She is renowned for her ability to build genuine and deep relationships with the community, fostering a supportive and engaged network of donors.

Amy’s professional journey is marked by her poise, emotional intelligence, and cultural competence, much of which she attributes to 10+ years of rigorous music education and performance experience. Over the past decade, she has developed and nurtured a vast network of connections within the arts and culture space, solidifying her reputation as a fierce advocate for the arts. Amy is a member of the Board of Directors for the Association of Fundraising Professionals Chicago. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Elmhurst University and is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). Amy is a deeply invested mom, wife, daughter, sister, and friend, as committed to her loved ones as she is to her profession. A sincere proponent of philanthropy, she became a kidney donor in 2022. She has a genuine love for travel, food, and culture, finding joy in the company of her family and pets, a good book, or attending live concerts/performances.

Amy wholeheartedly believes in the power of music education to build critical skills, positive community, and transform young lives. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for the arts, Amy continues to inspire and lead, making a significant impact in both the philanthropic and cultural sectors.

Kelly Fekety is honored to serve as Chief Financial Officer for Uniting Voices. Prior to serving in this role, Kelly worked in public accounting where she focused primarily on nonprofit clients. She transitioned out of client service and joined Uniting Voices in August 2018. Kelly grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and attended the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign where she earned both a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Accounting Science. When she isn’t working, Kelly enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.

In her 27th year on staff with Uniting Voices Chicago, Judy Hanson collaborates with the President to create the artistic vision for the overall organization. She co-directs the world-renowned, top performing group, Voice of Chicago as well as the select ensemble, Encore, Ms. Hanson also serves as stage director and is a choreographer for the organization. She directs the ensemble Groove, which she developed to perform more advanced and specialized choreography. In 2006, Ms. Hanson received a Jeff Award nomination (Choral Choreography) for Uniting Voices Chicago's original world musical, Sita Ram. In addition to her work with Voice of Chicago and the organization’s artistic initiatives, Ms. Hanson works her magic with singers across all Uniting Voices Chicago programs in special projects and concerts such as Winter Glow, Get Amp’d and Paint the Town Red.

With 40 years of experience working with middle school singers, Ms. Hanson is a master teacher at this level. At Uniting Voices Chicago, she formulated the model for the ensemble Dimension, which is a group that specifically guides singers with voices that are transitioning to the lower register. Due to Ms. Hanson’s expertise in this area, she has presented many sessions at colleges and universities on the topic of middle school choral music.

A nationally known clinician, adjudicator and conductor, Ms. Hanson has conducted middle school and high school honor choirs throughout the United States at American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) individual chapters and division conventions, choral festivals and at Illinois Summer Youth Music (ISYM). She has judged many national show choir competitions and has been a clinician at Show Choir Camps of America for 32 years.

Ms. Hanson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois and a Master of Music degree in Music Education from Northwestern University. In 1993, Ms. Hanson received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching—an award given each year to 10 outstanding Chicago area teachers. From 1985 through 2001, Ms. Hanson was the Director of Vocal Music at Eisenhower Junior High School in Darien, IL, where she was the conductor for six choirs and produced eight musicals. Eisenhower choirs performed at the 1996 Illinois ACDA Fall Convention, at Walt Disney World Resort, and were selected on three separate occasions for the Chicago production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, starring Donny Osmond.

Chelsea Lauing serves as Chief Development Officer, joining Uniting Voices Chicago with a decade of experience as a strategic, enthusiastic, and compassionate frontline fundraiser. Before joining the Uniting Voices team, Chelsea led the corporate, foundation, and government fundraising at Columbia College Chicago and Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Originally from rural northern Wisconsin, Chelsea found music at an early age, singing in choirs and musical theatre productions, and playing a number of instruments including piano, trombone, bassoon, French horn, and cello. Vocal performance and choral music instruction became her primary focus as she earned her Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Chelsea began her career as a music teacher in the Madison area before transitioning to a career in nonprofit fundraising. Her early fundraising roles focused primarily on individual giving, including leadership and major giving, at the Morgridge Institute for Research and the University of Wisconsin Foundation. Additionally, until she relocated to Chicago in 2021, Chelsea served as the Director of Children’s Choirs at Bethel Lutheran for 15 years, teaching several volunteer choirs of K-5 kids each year.

Chelsea is a classically-trained musician, a dedicated music practitioner, and a devoted supporter of the arts and arts education. She believes deeply that kids need to have varied, relevant, and joyful musical experiences in their lives, and she’s proud to be part of a team and organization committed to providing these experiences to the youth of Chicago and beyond.

“What we nurture in our young people today defines the world we will awaken to tomorrow.” — Josephine Lee

Josephine Lee is an Emmy Award–winning, Grammy-nominated conductor, pianist, singer, producer, and cultural architect redefining music's role in society. At the intersection of artistry, education, and civic life, she wields music as a force for connection, identity, and transformation, and has spent her career proving that the two are inseparable.

As President and Artistic Director of Uniting Voices Chicago, Lee leads one of the world's most influential youth music organizations, serving nearly 4,000 young people annually. Under her leadership, the organization has doubled its reach and tripled its budget, emerging as a defining civic and cultural institution. Her model is uncommon: artistic excellence in genuine service of human development, with young people not merely performing culture but actively creating it.

That vision has placed young voices at the center of some of the most celebrated stages and collaborations worldwide. Her ensembles have performed with Karol G on Saturday Night Live and at Lollapalooza; collaborated with Chance the Rapper on Coloring Book and The Big Day; appeared on PBS Great Performances; and performed Carmina Burana at the Kennedy Center. The roster of artists who have shared the stage with Lee's singers reads like a living map of contemporary music: John Legend, Common, Questlove and The Roots, Jennifer Hudson, Yo-Yo Ma, Luciano Pavarotti, Queen Latifah, Herbie Hancock, Jacob Collier, Solange, Andrea Bocelli, Al Green, Eddie Vedder, Wyclef Jean, Buddy Guy, and Kurt Elling, each collaboration a testament to the power young voices carry when given a world-class platform.

Her vision extends far beyond any single performance. Lee has led cultural exchanges and tours across five continents, including India, Egypt, and South Africa, where young people engage across cultures, histories, and borders. In 2007, she conducted the first Chicago public talks featuring His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a signal moment underscoring her belief in music as a platform for peace. Uniting Voices later became the first non-Korean civilian group invited to perform at the Yeolsei Observation Platform in the Korean Demilitarized Zone, one of the world's most geopolitically charged landscapes, a singular act of artistic diplomacy.

As a composer and interdisciplinary creator, Lee's original works, including Multiverse, Ascension, and The Good Goodbyes, bridge classical tradition and contemporary voice. Her productions include Sita Ram with Lookingglass Theatre, the hip-hop adaptation Long Way Home with the Q Brothers Collective, and the original work Rainbow Beach, expanding what choral storytelling can be and who it can reach.

Her honors reflect the breadth of her impact: the Kennedy Center's National Committee for the Performing Arts Award for Arts Advocacy, a Harvard Business School fellowship in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management, the Jesse L. Rosenberger Medal from the University of Chicago, and the 3Arts Award.

Through her leadership, her artistry, and her unwavering belief in young people, she is helping build a more connected, more empathetic, and more harmonious world, one voice at a time.

Jocelyn Smith has dedicated her career to Uniting Voices Chicago since the year 2000. Originally a music educator, Jocelyn began her journey at Uniting Voices (formerly Chicago Children's Choir) as a conductor at several School Programs and the Beverly Neighborhood Choir. She quickly was inspired to have a greater part in supporting this work. As she completed her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, she transitioned to an administrative role, and has continued to oversee the programs at Uniting Voices ever since.

Jocelyn is proud to work with such an amazing team of talented individuals at this mission-driven organization.

Elisabeth Baker (Uniting Voices Chicago alumna) was born and raised in Chicago and is currently the conductor of the Rogers Park Neighborhood Choir and various In-School Choirs of Uniting Voices Chicago. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from New York University and a Masters of Music in Music Education from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey.

Ms. Baker taught in the New York City public schools for several years as an elementary and middle school choral and general music teacher. Her choirs received Gold ratings at the New York State School Music Association Festival, and for three consecutive years placed first at Hershey Park’s Music in the Parks competition, where her choir received superior and excellent ratings.

While at Westminster Choir College, Ms. Baker was the conducting assistant for Williamson Voices, under the direction of Dr. James Jordan. The choir has performed numerous concerts in New York City, as well as abroad at the Conducting Institute at Oxford, and is featured on several critically acclaimed albums.

Ms. Baker is an avid choral performer, and has performed with world-renowned orchestras and choirs including the Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, and Berlin Philharmonic.

Elisabeth is a proud alumna of the Uniting Voices Chicago and enjoys exploring the city with friends and family.

Born and raised in St. Charles, IL, Dewey Bolz is excited to share his background in Voice, Percussion, Jazz, Drama, and Arranging with the Uniting Voices Chicago community.

During his participation with musical ensembles in St. Charles, Dewey was presented with incredible musical opportunities such as performing at Carnegie Hall, Jazz Education Network (JEN) in Louisville, KY, and singing overseas in Ireland. Throughout many theater productions and other performances, Dewey developed a deep love for music and passion for education.

Dewey received a Bachelor of Music Education from Western Michigan University. There, he was a member of the internationally acclaimed vocal jazz ensemble, “Gold Company”, and several other vocal ensembles. After graduating, he briefly taught Choir and Drama in Michigan.

Dewey strongly believes that music is an essential part of a student’s social and emotional development, and enjoys collaborating with students and parents to facilitate a safe and nurturing learning environment.

Choral conductor, baritone, and producer Alex Bravos draws from their instrumental and vocal experience to discover new ways of teaching in an ever-evolving landscape. Alex is a small business owner, co-operating the Bravostudio with dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive musical environment for all types of learners.

Along with being a recording artist with original music on platforms including Spotify and Apple Music, Alex has made frequent appearances at Carnegie Hall, Chicago Symphony Center and Lincoln Hall. They have also performed in revolutionary spaces such as Santiago, Chile, and Prague, Czech Republic. Alex believes that artistic integrity, coupled with a commitment to excellence and continued learning, creates champions in the vocal space.

Being the youngest in a musical Greek-American family, Alex was immersed in music education from a young age through lessons and rehearsal but also through cultural education. Between dancing traditional Greek dance, singing Byzantine hymn and chant, and leading dialogue around the value of arts and music in Ancient Greek societies, Alex has found themself at a unique approach to music education.

Alex received a Bachelor of Music from Millikin University in Decatur, IL. There, Alex was instrumental in founding student-lead vocal ensembles, college chapters of professional organizations and organizing peers before graduating and teaching in Park Ridge, IL, having worked to secure National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence status at St Paul of the Cross.

Alex believes strongly in the power of diversity as a driving force for our youth, with music and the arts as the ultimate vehicle. They know that music has the power to spark joy, innovation and curiosity and that through music, we find a deeper embrace toward humanity and to our shared world.

George “Geo” Cooper is a world-class pianist and composer who has recorded for both the Polygram and Capitol Records labels. His professional credits include Little Richard, the Isley Brothers, Peabo Bryson, Natalie Cole, Chaka Khan and the S.O.S. Band. He has performed in venues around the globe including Tokyo, Singapore, Milan, Monte Carlo and Cannes. He studied at the Chicago Conservatory with Faygon Teverbaugh and at Fisk University with Matthew Kennedy, where he was a member of the world-renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers. Since returning to his native Chicago, Cooper has served as music chairperson for Marshall Metro High School, as Assistant Minister of Music for his home church St. Mark A.M.E. Zion and founded the Ella Sheppard School of Music. He is presently the Minister of Music at The Congregational Church of Park Manor and a conductor/accompanist for Uniting Voices Chicago, formerly Chicago Children’s Choir.

Choral conductor, music educator, composer, and baritone Jimmy Deignan is from Cedar Rapids, Iowa and currently serves as the conductor of the Beverly Neighborhood Choir and In-School Programs for Uniting Voices Chicago.

Prior to moving to Chicago, Jimmy and his wife Christine taught for two years at Boston International School in Wuxi, China where Jimmy helped develop the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Music Program at the school, emphasizing community through weekly "open mics" and bolstering musicianship through guitar and digital music production. While in China, Jimmy and Christine co-wrote Motley & Spark, their first in a planned series of musicals written specifically for middle school students. Motley & Spark will have its Midwest premier in spring of 2026. Jimmy spent seven years starting in 2016 teaching high school choir in Iowa and Minnesota, where he explored his desire to bring communities of kids together through a love for music excellence and one another.

Jimmy is an active composer and arranger of choral music and musical theater, with choral pieces published by Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Hal Leonard, and Walton Music. He holds a BA in music education from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and an MA in music education from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Choral conductor, singer and music educator from the Dominican Republic, Magdalena Delgado currently serves as the conductor of the Hyde Park Neighborhood Choir as well as an In-School Choir.

Prior to her move to Chicago, Magdalena served as Artistic Director of the children and youth choir, Voces del Mar, based in Veracruz, Mexico, and was the Founder and Artistic Director of Audimus, a professional chamber ensemble based in Xalapa, Mexico. While in Mexico, she also worked as an adjunct faculty member on the choral and voice faculties of Instituto Superior de Música Esperanza Azteca and the Centro de Estudios de Jazz of the Universidad Veracruzana (JazzUV), where she taught voice and voice techniques classes, courses in choral literature and conducted the preparatory vocal jazz ensemble.

In 2014, Magdalena earned her Master of Music in Choral Conducting, with distinction, from Westminster Choir College where she studied with Drs. Joe Miller, James Jordan and Amanda Quist. During her master’s studies, she served as Assistant Conductor of the Westminster Chapel Choir, was an integral member of the Westminster Symphonic Choir and served as a section leader for the world-renown Westminster Choir. While at Westminster, she performed on tours throughout the U.S., and alongside some of the greatest orchestras in the world under the direction of conductors of the highest stature. Prior to her master’s studies, Magdalena studied vocal performance at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico and has served as a guest conductor for choirs of all ages throughout the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Magdalena received her bachelor’s degree in music education from the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo where she graduated magna cum laude.

As a native of Santo Domingo, Magdalena began her musical study at age five where she studied piano, recorder and most importantly was a member of the children’s choir at her area music school, which served as her initial inspiration for her career path. Magdalena’s unique background and experiences inspires Uniting Voices Chicago singers.

Diya Ghayal has been immersed and passionate about all types of music from a young age. After attending Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, TX, Diya pursued her Bachelors of Music Education (Choral Concentration) at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. There, she was given the opportunity to be teaching assistant for the “University Chorus” and section-leader for several ensembles. She was also music director for the premiere South Asian co-ed a cappella group: “Illini Awaaz”. Diya worked to integrate various South Asian cultures and musical styles with Western genres through her arrangements and teaching; she has received several awards for her arrangements, and has helped her team compete and place at the national level. Throughout her college years, Diya was also a mentee in the “Future Music Educators” program, which allowed her to be active in the Uniting Voices workshops, programs, and events. She looks forward to teaching Prelude (Lincoln Park), Austin Neighborhood Choir Program, and in-school programs.

Known for his versatile, knowledgeable, and above all musical approach to all styles of piano playing, American pianist John Goodwin has performed throughout the world to great acclaim. He was a featured performer in six productions of the highly respected multimedia series Beyond the Score with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, demonstrating the evolution of great orchestral works. He has also collaborated with such diverse artists as William Warfield, Joshua Bell, Kurt Elling, and Bobby McFerrin. Goodwin can regularly be heard in performance both as a soloist and collaborator throughout Chicago and beyond. He has performed in Orchestra Hall (on piano, fortepiano, and organ), at the Ravinia Festival, the Kennedy Center, and Carnegie Hall, as well as in major concert halls across South America, Europe, and Asia. On most weeknights, he can also be heard on public radio stations across the country, playing the opening theme music for Bill McGlaughlin’s popular program Exploring Music.

Goodwin was a collaborative pianist for the Steans Institute Program for Singers at the Ravinia Festival, exploring the art of the art song with many world-renowned singers and pianists. He served on the faculty of Northwestern University, coaching and performing a wide variety of choral, instrumental, and vocal repertoire with students and faculty alike. He was also the choral pianist at Roosevelt University for twenty years. He has been a featured performer at national conventions of the American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America, the International Double Reed Society, and the National Flute Association, where he collaborated on the world premiere of Jean Françaix’s Flute Sonata. Goodwin is currently a pianist for the Chicago Symphony Chorus, Principal Pianist and Conductor-in-Residence of Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir), and pianist for the Music of the Baroque Chorus.

He has appeared as soloist with many orchestras in the Chicagoland area, including the Northbrook Symphony, conducted by Lawrence Rapchak, with whom he performed the world live premiere of The Christmas Piano Concertos, arranged by George Greeley, the celebrated Hollywood pianist, composer, and arranger of the 1950s and ’60s—a concert that was repeated two years later by overwhelmingly popular demand. Shortly thereafter, he performed a solo recital featured piano works by composers who blurred the lines between classical, popular, and jazz styles. Throughout lockdown he taught Music History and Theory virtually for Uniting Voices Chicago, and when lockdown was lifted, he was thrilled to return to live performance at the Midsummer’s Music Chamber Music Festival in Door County, Wisconsin. His latest solo recital consisted of pieces which have had special meaning to him throughout his life in music.

Goodwin continues to record a wide variety of music from home, including a reimagining of Bach’s complete Well-Tempered Clavier and an album of original solo piano music, Leap Year, now available on Spotify and other streaming platforms.

In her 27th year on staff with Uniting Voices Chicago, Judy Hanson collaborates with the President to create the artistic vision for the overall organization. She co-directs the world-renowned, top performing group, Voice of Chicago as well as the select ensemble, Encore, Ms. Hanson also serves as stage director and is a choreographer for the organization. She directs the ensemble Groove, which she developed to perform more advanced and specialized choreography. In 2006, Ms. Hanson received a Jeff Award nomination (Choral Choreography) for Uniting Voices Chicago's original world musical, Sita Ram. In addition to her work with Voice of Chicago and the organization’s artistic initiatives, Ms. Hanson works her magic with singers across all Uniting Voices Chicago programs in special projects and concerts such as Winter Glow, Get Amp’d and Paint the Town Red.

With 40 years of experience working with middle school singers, Ms. Hanson is a master teacher at this level. At Uniting Voices Chicago, she formulated the model for the ensemble Dimension, which is a group that specifically guides singers with voices that are transitioning to the lower register. Due to Ms. Hanson’s expertise in this area, she has presented many sessions at colleges and universities on the topic of middle school choral music.

A nationally known clinician, adjudicator and conductor, Ms. Hanson has conducted middle school and high school honor choirs throughout the United States at American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) individual chapters and division conventions, choral festivals and at Illinois Summer Youth Music (ISYM). She has judged many national show choir competitions and has been a clinician at Show Choir Camps of America for 32 years.

Ms. Hanson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois and a Master of Music degree in Music Education from Northwestern University. In 1993, Ms. Hanson received the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching—an award given each year to 10 outstanding Chicago area teachers. From 1985 through 2001, Ms. Hanson was the Director of Vocal Music at Eisenhower Junior High School in Darien, IL, where she was the conductor for six choirs and produced eight musicals. Eisenhower choirs performed at the 1996 Illinois ACDA Fall Convention, at Walt Disney World Resort, and were selected on three separate occasions for the Chicago production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, starring Donny Osmond.

Gavin Harper is thrilled to be a part of the Uniting Voices Chicago team! Gavin comes with over a decade of music directing and conducting experience. Gavin is an active musician, performer, and educator. Born and raised in Chesapeake, VA, Gavin recently made the big move to Chicago in 2022. Gavin holds a Bachelors of Arts in Vocal Music from the University of Valley Forge and a Masters in Music Education with a focus in conducting from Old Dominion University. Gavin was the Assistant Director for the ODU Choirs, organizing tours and managing daily operations, while also conducting and training the singers.

Gavin taught elementary music for four years producing and writing multiple original musicals for the students. He has a strong background in arts administration and worked as the Creative Director at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts in Suffolk, VA. He oversaw the theatrical productions, the educational programs, and the art gallery exhibits. He worked through the pandemic and pioneered the virtual programs throughout the shutdown creating a virtual performance season reaching over 20,000 people, and 120 arts educational videos for students in the community. He also founded and directed the Suffolk Children's Chorus before the pandemic and produced a virtual choir performance during the shut down.

Gavin is a professional vocalist who has performed in numerous places, including Carnegie Hall (NYC), Washington Cathedral (Washington, DC), St. Mark’s Basilica (Venice, Italy) and the Wells Cathedral (Wells, England). When not singing classical repertoire, Gavin enjoys being on stage and has over a dozen musical theater credits to his resume. He also enjoys being behind the scenes and has been the vocal director for multiple musicals. Gavin's goal in life is to present opportunities for everyone to experience the arts and believes that when people come together to sing, hearts are uplifted, connections are built, and lives are changed.

“What we nurture in our young people today defines the world we will awaken to tomorrow.” — Josephine Lee

Josephine Lee is an Emmy Award–winning, Grammy-nominated conductor, pianist, singer, producer, and cultural architect redefining music's role in society. At the intersection of artistry, education, and civic life, she wields music as a force for connection, identity, and transformation, and has spent her career proving that the two are inseparable.

As President and Artistic Director of Uniting Voices Chicago, Lee leads one of the world's most influential youth music organizations, serving nearly 4,000 young people annually. Under her leadership, the organization has doubled its reach and tripled its budget, emerging as a defining civic and cultural institution. Her model is uncommon: artistic excellence in genuine service of human development, with young people not merely performing culture but actively creating it.

That vision has placed young voices at the center of some of the most celebrated stages and collaborations worldwide. Her ensembles have performed with Karol G on Saturday Night Live and at Lollapalooza; collaborated with Chance the Rapper on Coloring Book and The Big Day; appeared on PBS Great Performances; and performed Carmina Burana at the Kennedy Center. The roster of artists who have shared the stage with Lee's singers reads like a living map of contemporary music: John Legend, Common, Questlove and The Roots, Jennifer Hudson, Yo-Yo Ma, Luciano Pavarotti, Queen Latifah, Herbie Hancock, Jacob Collier, Solange, Andrea Bocelli, Al Green, Eddie Vedder, Wyclef Jean, Buddy Guy, and Kurt Elling, each collaboration a testament to the power young voices carry when given a world-class platform.

Her vision extends far beyond any single performance. Lee has led cultural exchanges and tours across five continents, including India, Egypt, and South Africa, where young people engage across cultures, histories, and borders. In 2007, she conducted the first Chicago public talks featuring His Holiness the Dalai Lama, a signal moment underscoring her belief in music as a platform for peace. Uniting Voices later became the first non-Korean civilian group invited to perform at the Yeolsei Observation Platform in the Korean Demilitarized Zone, one of the world's most geopolitically charged landscapes, a singular act of artistic diplomacy.

As a composer and interdisciplinary creator, Lee's original works, including Multiverse, Ascension, and The Good Goodbyes, bridge classical tradition and contemporary voice. Her productions include Sita Ram with Lookingglass Theatre, the hip-hop adaptation Long Way Home with the Q Brothers Collective, and the original work Rainbow Beach, expanding what choral storytelling can be and who it can reach.

Her honors reflect the breadth of her impact: the Kennedy Center's National Committee for the Performing Arts Award for Arts Advocacy, a Harvard Business School fellowship in Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management, the Jesse L. Rosenberger Medal from the University of Chicago, and the 3Arts Award.

Through her leadership, her artistry, and her unwavering belief in young people, she is helping build a more connected, more empathetic, and more harmonious world, one voice at a time.

Lonnie Norwood, Jr., a native of Chicago’s South Side, has always been driven by a deep passion for music and community service—two pillars that continue to shape his life’s work. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music at Luther College under the mentorship of the late, world-renowned conductor Weston Noble, and later received a Master of Music in voice from Florida State University. After completing his studies, Lonnie taught K-12 music in both public and private schools throughout Leon County (Tallahassee) and the Chicago area. As a versatile performer and arranger, he has collaborated with acclaimed artists including Lizz Wright, Nona Hendryx, Keith Urban, Nadine McKinnor, Ricky Dillard, and Sweet Honey in the Rock. In 2012, Lonnie joined Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir), where he is the Director of Africana Studies and conducts the Lincoln Park and Englewood Neighborhood Choirs. Under his leadership, his ensembles have performed for live television and radio broadcasts and at major Chicago venues such as Symphony Center, Soldier Field, the United Center, and Ravinia. They have completed five national tours, including a memorable trip to Puerto Rico, where they learned and performed Bomba with the esteemed Ayala family of Loíza.

Lonnie is a sought-after Africana music clinician with emphasis in African American sacred music, igniting a deeper understanding among educators and ensembles of its rich historical roots, unrivaled African influences, expressive vocal techniques, and the spirit of Black liberation woven throughout its expansive repertoire. His dynamic workshops—frequented by high schools, colleges, universities, and community choirs—invite participants to experience the transformative power of this music firsthand. Lonnie has brought his expertise to ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) branches and prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Temple University, The University of Toronto, and Indiana University, inspiring generations with his insight.

As both clinician and singer, Lonnie regularly collaborates with the international choral organization Village Harmony, including two vibrant tours to South Africa. His passion for Africana music educational advocacy has sparked cross-cultural exchanges in Nassau, The Bahamas with the Bahamas National Youth Choir and local musicians, and a host of ensembles and tradition bearers in Trinidad and Tobago, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Jamaica, Peru, and Canada. Lonnie has contributed articles on these subjects, co-authoring a featured piece in the American Choral Directors Association’s Choral Journal (October 2018).

Lonnie's 1st EP entitled ROOTED, a collection of songs tracing the spiritual, musical, and emotional journey of Trans-Atlantic African ancestry, was released in August 2021. He was lauded by the Chicago Reader as Best Music Teacher in Chicago for 2023.​ In 2025, Lonnie was appointed choir director of the world-renowned Leo High School Choir on Chicago's South Side, which recently placed fourth in the nation on America’s Got Talent, recorded Norwood’s original song “Go Getta” for the Chicago Bulls’ 2025-26 season, and sang for President Barack Obama. For more information, visit www.lonnienorwood.com.

Mitchell Owens (Uniting Voices Chicago alum) is a composer, arranger, singer and instrumentalist. Beginning as a drummer at the age of two, his musical gifts were later nurtured by 10 years in Chicago Children’s Choir under the direction and mentorship of Josephine Lee. Owens studied percussion formally with Patricia Dash of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Douglas Waddell of the Lyric Opera Orchestra as part of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Percussion Scholarship Program and studied piano at DePaul University with Regina Serkin.

At the age of 16, Owens was commissioned by Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir) to compose a piece for its 50th Anniversary season, resulting in “We Need a Word,” inspired by Mitchell’s own life experiences and his understanding of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Owens went on to write and arrange for the organization as its Composer In Residence, including arranging the score for the original world musical Sita Ram, which saw three sell-out performances at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in 2012.

Over the past few years, Mitchell has assumed the roles of producer, composer, writer and conductor, and has worked with artists such as Chris Brown, Rockie Fresh, Jason DeRulo, Ciara, TGT (Tyrese, Ginuwine, Tank), Lil’ Dicky, Trevor Jackson, Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment feat. Chance The Rapper, and many more. He has also worked on two film scores and is a co-composer with Grammy Award-winning Justin Timberlake on “The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.”

Mitchell’s compositions embrace a variety of musical styles and mediums, with a passion for ensuring that musicians of all cultural backgrounds are free to express their own culture in their music. He wants his music to be universal. As Composer In Residence for Uniting Voices Chicago, Mitchell is excited and honored to contribute to the organization that has played such a pivotal role in his musical development.

Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Veronica has been passionately inspiring young middle school voices to step into their greatness through her energetic and compassionate principles of choral instruction. Veronica draws from her Puerto Rican and Mexican American heritage to guide her use of inclusive teaching strategies and the study and performance of music representing diverse cultures and identities.

Throughout Veronica’s fifteen year tenure in Indian Prairie School District 204, she had the opportunity to work in the communities of Aurora and Naperville as a middle school choral director at Still Middle School and Fischer Middle School. Veronica has contributed to many workshops and training sessions on topics including choral curriculum writing, equity in education and diversifying teaching strategies in education.

Kevin Rudzinski has 10 years of teaching experience in the show choir world as a director, clinician, choreographer, and even an instrumentalist! He has worked with numerous show choirs of all ages across the country and loves to celebrate joy and artistry through music and movement. He previously served as an Assistant Director of Bloomington Expressive Arts Training (BEAT) in Bloomington, IN. He has also served as a clinician and judge for various show choir festivals and competitions. With a background in theatre, he has also performed in various stage shows at the professional level and loves telling stories through art. As a lifelong learner, Kevin loves to work with students of all ages and life experiences and is inspired by others. When not in rehearsal, he loves binge-watching copious amounts of reality tv and hanging out with his dog, Mia.

Heather Stewart directs the Garfield Park/Off The Street Club Neighborhood Choir as well as School Program choirs for Uniting Voices Chicago. She also serves as the chair of Social-Emotional Learning for the organization, where she researches and designs curriculum that integrates SEL skills into Uniting Voices programming. Heather has provided professional development and has guest lectured on topics related to SEL in music for K-12 school districts and at colleges/universities, including Northwestern University. She was also a featured speaker at SXSW EDU in 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Education degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Masters of Music Education from Northwestern University.

Prior to joining UVC in 2018, Heather pursued many formative roles as an educator and musician in diverse schools and cities across the country. She taught general music, bands, choirs and gained extensive experience working as an autism therapist and teacher in special education classrooms. One of Heather’s most treasured roles was that of director of the Academy of Music and Arts for Special Education (“AMASE”) Community Choir during her time at Northwestern University.  

Throughout her many experiences, Heather found her distinct love for choral music education and became a decorated conductor, having coached her choirs to many highest-rated “Superior”-level performances at state and regional competitions across Texas. Heather has performed with esteemed ensembles such as the Isthmus Vocal Ensemble (WI), Madison Chamber Choir (WI), Alexandria Choral Society (VA), and Alexandria Symphony Chorus (VA). She studied choral conducting with Dr. Bruce Gladstone and Grammy Award-winning choral conductor Dr. Donald Nally.  

Heather believes that everyone has the potential to inspire and change lives through singing. Not only is Heather passionate about empowering singers through voice science education, but she is also passionate about teaching social justice through music with healing-centered and culturally responsive pedagogies.  

Conductor Daniel Wallenberg has been with Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir) since 1993 and has worked with the In-School Choir Program and the after school programs for the Humboldt Park Neighborhood Choir. Mr. Wallenberg has also worked with the Uniting Voices Chicago’s world-renowned Concert Choir (now Voice of Chicago) with whom he toured Ukraine and the United States.

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Mr. Wallenberg earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Choral Conducting from the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem and Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. In Israel, Mr. Wallenberg founded several adult and children’s choirs and sang with the Cameran Singers, a professional choir in Tel Aviv. He has extensive experience conducting collegiate, community, professional and children’s choral groups throughout the world and has many choral arrangements to his name. Mr. Wallenberg is also an amateur cellist and is an avid chamber music player.

Mr. Wallenberg is the conductor of the Music Institute Chorale, affiliated with the Music Institute of Chicago. Mr. Wallenberg is the director of the junior and adult choirs at the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation and was the founder and artistic director of “Zemer Am,” the Chicago Jewish Choral Festival.

Amanda is a proud native Chicagoan who grew up on the north side in the Mayfair neighborhood. She began her music career at a young age, starting with violin at age 7 followed quickly by piano. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL and went on to receive her Masters in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood.

Amanda began her work as a music educator in grad school, teaching private voice lessons for the VanderCook Community Music Program to students of all ages. In 2009, she joined the teaching staff at Merit School of Music where she has taught group piano and choir to children age 5-18, and several years of Merit’s Summer Voice Camp, leading musical theatre and pop music classes. In 2011, she was fortunate to also become part of the wonderful choral family at Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir), as a part-time conductor for the In-School Program, grades 3-8.

In addition to teaching, Amanda maintains a rigorous performance career. Between 2000 and 2005 she performed extensively in Chicago’s storefront musical theatre scene, and participated in three USO tours, singing and dancing for overseas troops throughout the Mediterranean. In 2006, Amanda became the female vocalist with the Alan Gresik Swing Shift Orchestra, a 14-piece big band with whom she performs weekly at Chicago’s famous jazz club, The Green Mill Lounge. Amanda also joined Chicago swing band, the Flat Cats, as lead vocalist in 2008, performing biweekly at downtown Chicago’s Drake Hotel. With both these groups and a host of others she has appeared at countless events and venues, including the Taste of Chicago, Chicago SummerDance, Chicago Humanities Fest, WGN TV & WGN Radio, Andy’s Jazz Club, the Jazz Showcase, and Lincoln Center’s Midsummer Night Swing in NY.

Outside of music, Amanda has a love of cooking, nature, and yoga. She received her Yoga Teacher certification in 2015 from Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, MA, which also led her to the study of kirtan, a musical tradition based on ancient chants, having roots in India. She has taught yoga to both adults and within school programs, and loves incorporating pranayama (yogic breathing) into her choir rehearsals. She is so happy and eternally grateful that she gets to share her greatest passions with the next generations of young people throughout this amazing city.