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-worker 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 leadership skills.  She has served as Regional Education Coordinator, Chapter President, Assistant Director, and Baritone Specialist. In 2002 Judy received the high honor of being named a Master Director, directing her chorus to over 600 points in regional competition.  This puts Judy in an elite crowd of talented who’s  who in Sweet Adelines International. Judy is a charter member of the Emerald City Chorus and serves on the Midwest Plains Region 7 music faculty, where she is often asked to lend her vocal production expertise and skills to up and coming quartets and choruses.  When not directing the award winning Emerald City Chorus, Judy can be found hanging out with her rescued pound puppies Libby and Boomer adopted from the Kansas Humane Society, playing the organ and piano for Southwest Presbyterian Church, cross-stitching or partnering up with ECC Assistant director Vicki Means to play bridge in a city-wide Round Robin Bridge Club. A past three time regional championship baritone, Judy is now embarking on a new adventure - singing bass! Her new quartet, Aurora, will hit the stage running this spring vying for a spot among the top regional medalists.

DANA EVANS—Co-Director Dana is a 21 year member of Sweet Adelines International earning her Certified Directorship in 2002.  She is a charter member of the award winning Emerald City Chorus.  Originally from Haysville, Dana now resides in Wichita with her husband Richard and three beautiful and energetic American cocker spaniels.  Dana and her daughter Nicole generationally carry on the love of the barbershop art form as one of only two mother daughter duos in the chorus today.  Dana’s son Brenden will be attending Kansas State University this fall and will carry on the Evans’ family love of all things musical as he marches with the 300+ member Pride of Wildcat Land Marching Band. Dana now adds grandmother to her list of monikers as Nicole recently gave birth to Blaze Andrew this past June.  Blaze can be seen every Monday night at chorus rehearsal in the arms of any given ECC member practicing choreography moves, singing and performing.  Blaze is a real charmer to the ladies – as he only cries when the music stops!  Dana approaches her directing with a "can do attitude" and imparts that attitudinal spirit to the chorus.  “Dana inspires our chorus at every rehearsal and always has her eye on the goals and dreams that lay ahead” per Rachel Klein, Emerald City Chorus charter member, Public Relations Manager and Show Production Chair.   When not in front of the regional medalist Emerald City Chorus, Dana can be seen hanging out on the campus of Friends University here in Wichita earning dual degrees in the fields of Psychology and Sociology. Dana also serves on the Region 7 music faculty sharing her vocal production and motivational skills with quartets and choruses. In her spare time Dana loves to make quilts for her family and friends and of course SING!  “Singing, listening, playing music – it’s in my blood. In all actuality, it is a driving force in my life.”  Although barbershop is her first love, Dana listens to all musical genres.  At any given time, a visitor to the Evans household would be welcomed by mixed strains of  barbershop singing, polka music, light jazz, big band, new age and of course Ella Fitzgerald. “Lots of Ella makes life great!” Dana would tell you. After a little time away from the quartet scene, Dana is very excited to be singing lead in her new quartet, Aurora, alongside great friends, brilliant musicians and fellow barbershop aficionados, Judy Alterman (bass), Kim Kraut (baritone) and Melissa Morina (tenor).  “It’s all good!” is Dana’s motto.  “It’s truly a privilege and an honor to co-direct this fantastic and very talented group of ladies.  Working side by side with top notch leaders makes my directorship easy and fun.  Our brilliant, over-the-top music staff, the camaraderie experienced each week and the life-long friendships made - can’t be beat!”

Lisa Murry - Assistant Director Lisa Murry works as a Customer Service Representative for a Tax Software Company, but her passion lies with Emerald City Chorus where she is an assistant director and a charter member of the chorus. Lisa can be found cheering for her two sons, Ray and Tyler, at their football and basketball games. Her husband Ray shares Lisa’s musical passion and plays piano, organ and bass guitar. Lisa sings lead in Intensity Quartet. With her positive upbeat attitude, Lisa provides a well-rounded addition to the Emerald City directing staff.

Vicki Means - Assistant Director Vicki is a registered nurse with Harris Health Care.  She shares her home with her niece Kim, who is an avid Emerald City Chorus supporter and her dog Mollie, who rules the house and likes to play with Libby and Boomer.  Vicki is a charter member of the Emerald City Chorus.  When she’s not singing, Vicki is cross stitching, reading or playing bridge.  Her responsibilities in the chorus are vocal warm-ups and supervising the GEM program which is the musical qualifying program for the chorus members.Vicki is very excited about being on the directing team and hopes to bring some new ideas to the chorus.

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