Centering stories of marginalized communities through programming of underrepresented composers with a roster of underrepresented singers
Altos
Jennifer Barnett teaches choir at Philip and Sala Burton High School in San Francisco, and serves as the Director of Music Ministry at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany-San Carlos. A recent graduate of San Jose State University, Jennifer works throughout the greater Bay Area supporting musicians of all ages. During her undergraduate studies, she traveled through Ireland, Scandinavia, and the Baltic States as a member of the SJSU Choraliers, sharing choral music with international audiences. Jennifer is overjoyed to return to Choral Audacity for this latest project. She has been with the group since its inaugural project, and believes strongly in the role this organization plays in empowering communities of musicians and audiences through authentic and transformative choral performance.
Meghan Crebbin-Coates is thrilled to be back for her 5th project with Choral Audacity! Meghan is a recent graduate from UC Davis where she completed a triple BA in Theatre and Dance, Science and Technology Studies, and Art Studio. Meghan has sung with groups including the Chanticleer LAB Choir, the UC Davis Chamber Singers, the Davis Chamber Choir, the DVC Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Songs of the Soul, and studies voice with Darita Seth. Meghan has performed with theatre companies throughout the Bay Area including Alameda Civic Light Opera, Berkeley Opera, Contra Costa Civic Theater, Pinole Community Players, Orinda Starlight Village Players, Vallejo Music Theater, and The Greenwood Players. This fall, Meghan will completing a Fulbright grant in the Netherlands, and when not on stage, Meghan enjoys figure skating, learning about sea snails, and eating waffles.
Lindsey Mardona is a junior transfer at UCLA. Through many years of piano, Chinese zither, violin, musical theater, and voice lessons, music has always been a significant part of her life. It was no surprise when choir, her refuge since third grade, became her home during her time in high school. Over her four years in the CVHS choir program, she sang with the concert choir for three years and Madrigals for two. In her senior year, she served as a music director for the 2019 annual student-run CVHS POPS show. She has also participated in ACDA Regional, All-State, and National Honor Choirs, travelling to Kansas City to perform at the Kauffman Center. This quarter, Lindsey hopes to continue her passion for music through an a cappella group. She is thrilled to be returning for her third project with Choral Audacity!
Ash Stallard is a third year community college student at Las Positas College. They are currently studying classical vocal performance, music business, and music technology. They began performing with choirs at twelve years old, starting with middle school and working their way up to performing with the top choirs at Monte Vista High School by their senior year. Despite the challenges quarantine posed for musicians, Ash kept up with their studies through virtual choirs, learning the art of creating music with just a laptop and a microphone. They are currently working towards graduating with a vocal performance major and two associate degrees in business and technology.
Diana Calica is a Bay Area native, and second generation Filipino American. Growing up in a musical family background has fueled their passion for singing. They recently obtained a teaching credential in music from San Francisco State University and is currently conducting private lessons and children’s group classes for various instruments including voice, saxophone and piano through an after-school music studio. Their teaching and research are rooted in the intersection of music, race, gender, and sexuality. Diana has presented some of their research at academic conferences and queer media conventions including NWSA (National Women’s Studies Association), ClexaCon and TGIF/F. Performances include some notable events such as the 100th anniversary of the World’s Fair with the Bay Area Rainbow Symphony (BARS) and a SF Giant’s Pride Night celebration at AT&T Park with the Lesbian and Gay Chorus of San Francisco. Additionally, they are a member of the Saringhimig Singers, a Filipino American choir based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Diana hopes to create an equitable and decolonized music program that can be implemented in K-12 education.
Katy Darrow joins Choral Audacity for their fourth project. They are a junior at San Jose State University studying music education with a choral emphasis. When Inot singing in Choral Audacity they are singing at church, at school, and all around the Bay Area. They feel so lucky to still be a member of this fabulous organization and cannot wait to see where this group will go in the future!
JOSE BARBASA is a Hawaii native who has called San Francisco home for the last seven years. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Voice from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa and later attended San Francisco State University where he received his Master of Music Degree in Vocal Performance. It was during his time at State that he discovered his passion for early music. Moreover, with the guidance of his voice teacher, Nikolas Nackley, he successfully completed a graduate recital in his new fach - countertenor - with works that ranged from Bach to Debussy. He also performed the role of Pane from Cavalli’s La Calisto, after only having sung as a countertenor for 7 months. After a brief hiatus from singing, he was given this opportunity to sing with Choral Audacity. Jose is truly grateful to his friend, Darita Seth, for this amazing experience and is honored to sing with such talented and passionate singers. When not singing, he manages a luxury retail store in downtown San Francisco, and enjoys exploring the city for new eats with his husband.