Judy Alterman and Dana Evans
Judy Alterman – Co-Director A second generation barbershopper, Judy learned the skills of fine tuning a chord at the knee of her Irish tenor father. “I learned barbershop harmony sitting on the piano bench beside my dad. Though I didn’t know it then, I now realize what a great gift he gave me, an ear for harmony and a passion for singing and performing.” Judy’s passion for music turned into a professional calling, and she earned her first of two college degrees at Friends University in Wichita. While acquiring her Bachelor of Music she also performed as a member of the nationally recognized and acclaimed Singing Quakers. Judy’s education continued at Wichita State University where she earned her Master of Music Education with an emphasis in music for children with special needs. After graduating she taught music in the Mulvane school district until her retirement in 2006.“Judy’s teaching and communications skills are amazing. As her friend and co-director, I have had the opportunity to watch her work for many years. She was born to teach,” says Dana Evans, Emerald City co-director and long-time friend. “No matter what age the learner, Judy’s natural ability to give knowledge and encourage discovery has made her invaluable as my friend and co-directing counterpart in Emerald City Chorus. I learn something new from her every Monday night.”
Judy joined Sweet Adelines in 1990 and in that time has honed her barbershop skills. In 2002 Judy was named as a Master Director, directing her chorus to over 600 points in regional competition. Judy is a charter member of the Emerald City Chorus and serves as a member of Heart of America Region 25 education faculty.
When not directing, Judy can be found hanging out with her adopted pound puppies. She is also an approved foster for Beauties and Beasts, a Wichita animal rescue organization, taking rescued dogs into her home and seeing to their needs while preparing them for adoption into a forever home. In her free time Judy plays bridge, works on numerous cross stitch projects, reads, and works jigsaw puzzles.
Dana Evans – Certified Co-Director Dana is a 32-year member of Sweet Adelines International earning her Certified Directorship in 2002 and a proud member of the Region 25 Heart of America education faculty. She is a charter member of the award-winning Emerald City Chorus. When not directing ECC Dana is an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Friends University, and also works for Wichita Public Schools as a special education paraeducator, focusing on helping children with special needs and developmental delays to reach their highest potential.
The Evans family consists of many talented musicians. Dana’s husband Richard is an accomplished tuba and low brass instrumentalist out of Wichita State. Their daughter Nicole is a second generation barbershopper, but her daytime gig is that of an elementary school educator for USD 259. Their son Brenden earned his psychology degree (following in Mom’s footsteps) from Kansas State University and while there spent his off hours playing trumpet with the 300+ member Kansas State University Marching Wildcats. Brenden works as a Division eCommerce Field Specialist for Dillons/Kroger based in Manhattan, Kansas, but travels over the tri-state area. Dana’s only grandson, Blaze, has recently decided his musical focus will be in the percussion section and has very quickly learned how to play the snare, marimba, bells, cymbals, bass drum and xylophone and recently received an A rating on the marimba at Festival.
When asked about her time as musical co-director/singer she said, “It’s truly a privilege and an honor to co-direct this fantastic and very talented group of ladies. What an amazing gift I’ve been given, to not only direct and hear their voices lifting those notes off the paper and making them real, but to also stand right in there amongst them and experience the joy and excitement of creating beautiful music together – it is extremely fun for me and very rewarding as a musician.”
Our brilliant, over the top music staff and dedicated administrative team make our job easy. The camaraderie we experience each week, and the lifelong friends we’ve made and continue to make with each new face that walks through our doors, keeps us singing and directing this wonderful chorus. Please visit the chorus and bring a friend, daughter, niece, sister or mom to experience singing with this amazing group of women.
