Welcome, Friends!

Before it can flourish, a forest tree is nourished from the time it was a seedling by rain, by fertile soil, by sunlight, and by other trees through a deep network at the roots. In turn, the tree nourishes others not only with its flowers, leaves, fruit, and seeds, but by transforming carbon dioxide into life-sustaining oxygen: a dance of kinship and reciprocity.

Recent cutting edge science reveals that trees don’t grow in isolation. The work of forest ecologist Dr. Suzanne Simard shows how a healthy forest ecosystem is a cooperative whole, greater than any individual plant. Trees grow in interconnected networks — sometimes called the “wood wide web” — that include different species of trees, other woodland plants, beneficial myecelial fungi (mushrooms), and the animals that live in, under, and among the trees. Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, botanist and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, describes these types of relationships as “kinship.” Humans and trees are kin to one another and to all other forms of life on Earth!

Trees’ essential role as the “lungs” of our planet is one the most astonishing processes in our environment. This cycle of reciprocity — the practice of exchange with others for mutual benefit — sustains our lives, and through our breathing, we sustain the trees. In addition to oxygen and nourishment, trees give shade to cool our communities in the heat of summer, shed leaves to restore the soil, and share their beautiful wood. Can we care for and sustain both individual trees and forest ecosystems for the benefit of all — not just the bottom line of human economies or convenience — and respect the wonderful gifts of trees that go far beyond the material into the realm of the spiritual?

Our concert songs explore these themes of kinship and reciprocity in our human lives and communities.

The first half of our concert celebrates the unity of a healthy forest: an ecosystem that is a living being, inclusive of many diverse individuals. Umoja and TaReKiTa speak to this unity, strength, and vibrant mutual generosity. Orchard Invisible, In the Wistful Heart of Night, and They May Tell You offer metaphors for us to see ourselves in the processes of nature: the seed in all its infinite potential, the tree that loses its leaves, just as we lose our “faiths,” and the strength we can gather by claiming kinship with the human and more-than-human world. After the Rain and Bird Song speak to the new life that grows after the rains of sorrow and winters of grief. Undivided demonstrates the daily choices each of us can make to be in reciprocal relationships with those around us, intentionally making bonds of unity by choosing kindness over rancor, banding together in sweet resistance to the violence and anger that breed division in our world.

The second half honors the gifts of trees — fruits, seeds, oxygen, even wood! — and what we give back to them and the world. We are pleased to present the first Midwest performance of Mothering Air by Malcolm Dalglish, an internationally known composer who was inspired to write this song during the pandemic while walking in Indiana’s beautiful forests. The kinship we experience when we recognize that we are truly not separate from nature can lead to outbursts of mystical exuberance. We hear this exultation in From Rivers, written by Pulitzer-prize winning composer Caroline Shaw for our own Indianapolis Children’s Choir to mark the opening of the Eskenazi Health Center. Lastly, we celebrate the gifts of healthy, interconnected, rooted and branching lives with Fruits of the Selfless Heart and This Joy — fruits of joy, strength, pride, peace, love. We end with Hamisha Asar, the Jewish “new year of the trees” (Tu Bishvat in Hebrew), in which the community of people and trees comes together in kinship, celebrating with fifteen kinds of fruit — and baklava and coffee and dancing and singing and blessing!

Reciprocity, by Indianapolis composer and former director of IWC Pam Blevins Hinkle, includes these lines:

Rooted in the moment and reaching for each other /
Rooted in the moment and reaching for the dream.

Thank you for being here, in this moment, for being in kinship with us and for dreaming with us of the world we want to live in.

In harmony and possibility,
Meagan Johnson, Artistic Director

Sara Allaei
Sarina Allison
Emma Anderson
Sami Ayres*
Reba Baker
Jodie Barnett
Drew Begley*
Sarah Bomberger*
Vanessa Bozzo
Alicia Drier Burier*
Vicki Bynum
Mary Beth Carlson
Rebecca Clark
Tara Cody*
Jennifer Collins
SJ Cottrell
Sarah Cowan*
Cheryl Croghan
Jo Davies
McKenzie Day*
Mary de Groot
Sherry DuBois
Cara Eastis
Elizabeth Enas
Erica Eugster
Stephanie Everett
Erika Fowler*
Julia Geschke*
Lannae Gordon
Margaret Gray
Andrea Groner
Andrea Grotenhuis
Hannah Hadley-Maxwell*
Abigail Hale
Tamsyn Hale
Meg Hart
Lisa Hartshorn
Christine Hawkins
Eva Hernandez
Mary Ryker Hernandez
Emily Hickman*
Kristen Hidding
Krista Hoevemeyer*
Robin Jones
Kris Kauffman
Rachel Kempin
Jayne Kercheval
Jane Lang
Niki Lyons
Melissa Madill
Kelsey Madill
Ana Mann
Marina Mann
Janet McCabe
Diana McClure
Sally McSpadden
Marty Miles
Janet Miller
Anne Murphy
Alicia Oskay
Lauren Peters*
Sara Peterson
Liz Piekarczyk
Donna Pittman*
Cara Berg Raunick
Sue Robinson*
Sarah Rowley
Bridget Sarris*
Rose Saurini
Claire Scheele
Yvette Schubert*
Ali Schumacher
Sarah Stentz
Marilyn Stutzman*
Bonnie Taylor*
Lonnie Teeple
Jen Schmits Thomas
Catie Thomas
Lily Turner*
Katherine Vellenga
Sarah Viktora
Cara Jean Wahlers*
Anna Ward*
Helen Weber-McReynolds
Maegan Wendt
Emily Wilhelm
Daniell Wilkins
Shirah Winicur
Larisa Woodruff
Cortnee Yarbrough
Jenn Zuckerman

*Leave of absence for this concert

Meagan Johnson is a dynamic, interdisciplinary artist-educator with more than 15 years experience leading choirs and teaching Alexander Technique and voice to individuals and groups. Meagan’s goal in all settings is to empower people with the skills and tools that support them in doing their best work and living their most whole lives — with ease, with freedom, and with joy. Building on a life-long interest in the intersection of artistry, education, and well-being, Meagan Johnson is a certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, experienced singer and voice educator, and choral conductor. In addition to her studio teaching in Indianapolis and online, she has served on the faculties of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Butler University, Marian University, and University of Indianapolis. In 2015, she was appointed Artistic Director of Indianapolis Women’s Chorus. Meagan is also a sought-after clinician for choirs, collegiate music departments, and conferences. She holds the Master of Music in Voice Performance and the Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance/Music Education from Ithaca College, and completed her Alexander Technique Teacher Certification (1600 hours, AmSAT) at Alexander Technique Urbana. More information at meaganjohnsonstudio.com.

Ross Dryer, collaborative pianist, received his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and his Master of Music in Collaborative Piano from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he studied with Dr. Peter Miyamoto. In addition to his work with IWC, he is currently employed as the choir accompanist at Fishers High School and as a staff collaborative pianist at Butler University, and has worked with several community theaters in Columbia.

Holly Garrett, violin
Holly J. Garrett graduated from Ball State University with a degree in Elementary Education/Music Education. Over the past 30 years she has lent her talents to several songwriters, musicians and recording studios, and she currently sings and plays fiddle with a wide variety of groups based in Indianapolis. Her most recent musical adventure includes joining the Indianapolis Ceili Band in 2021 and realizing she has a passion for traditional Irish folk music.
When she’s not making music, Holly works full time in the finance/banking industry, and enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband Rick and caring for their home full of rescued animals.

Marjorie Lange Hanna, cello
Marjorie Lange Hanna graduated from Indiana University, where she studied with Fritz Magg and János Starker. While completing her Master’s degree in performance, she was a graduate assistant to Mr. Starker. She is a charter member of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra (ICO), serving as principal cellist since its founding. She has appeared as soloist with various orchestras in the Midwest, played in the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra on its 1993 European tour, and was a featured performer along with harpist Jill Pitz at the World Harp Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Her 1996 performance with Margaret Jones in David Ott’s premiere of his Concerto for Violin, Cello and Orchestra earned the ICO a place on Indy star music critic’s Charles Staff’s top five concerts of the year. Hannah gave the American premiere of Vittorio Rietti's Concerto for Cello and 12 Woodwinds at the Palladium in Carmel, IN in a performance with the Indiana Wind Symphony.
In addition to her private teaching studio, she performs regularly with for chamber ensembles in the Indianapolis area.

Board of Directors

Beth Kloote, Co-Chair
Office Manager/Executive Assistant
Indiana Humanities

Marty Miles, Co-Chair
Retired, Corporation for a Skilled Workforce

Jim Hanna, Secretary
Writer, Editor, Designer

Margaret Gooley, Treasurer
CFP, CDFA
Worley Erhart-Graves Financial Advisors

Drew Begley, Chorus Representative
Transgender and Disability Advocate

Erika Fowler, Chorus Representative
Medical Assistant

Christine Hawkins, Chorus Leadership Council Chair
Teacher, The Orchard School

Autumn Roberts, Director
Realtor/Broker
Anthony Team Realty (F.C. Tucker Co.)

Kisha Walker, Director
Community Developer, FHL Community
Principal Consultant, Well Life Society Indy

Meagan Johnson, ex officio
Artistic Director, IWC

IWC’s Board of Directors and its committees are actively seeking new members with a variety of skills and experience. If you are interested—or know someone who might be—please contact Marty Miles at chair@indianapoliswomenschorus.org.

Chorus Leadership Council

Christine Hawkins, Chair
Robin Jones, Treasurer
Reba Baker
Drew Begley
Mary Beth Carlson
SJ Cottrell
Erica Eugster
Erika Fowler
Lannae Gordon
Sara Peterson
Maegan Wendt
Sherry DuBois, Artistic Administrative Assistant
Meagan Johnson, Artistic Director

Chorus Support

Section Leaders

Sally McSpadden, Soprano 1
Sherry DuBois, Soprano 2
Jane Lang, Alto 1
Vicki Bynum, Alto 2

Artistic Director Advisory Team

Emma Anderson
Jodie Barnett
Alicia Drier Burier
Sherry DuBois
Christine Hawkins
Jane Lang
Sally McSpadden
Sarah Rowley
Rose Saurini
Claire Scheele
Shirah Winicur

Marketing/Communications

Jen Thomas, Chair
Sami Ayres
Vanessa Bozzo
Alicia Drier Burier
Erika Fowler
Lisa Hartshorn
Ana Mann
Marty Miles
Rose Saurini
Sarah Viktora (concert program) Cara Jean Wahlers (concert program)

Revenue Development

Beth Kloote and Marty Miles, Co-Chairs
Drew Begley
Emily Hickman
Kaye McSpadden

ABIDE Leads (Accessibility, Belonging, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity)

Sara Allaei
Drew Begley
Andrea Grotenhuis
Cortnee Yarbrough

Additional Health & Safety Support

Kris Kauffman
Marilyn Stutzman
Bonnie Taylor

IYG Outreach Team

Vanessa Bozzo
Rebecca Clark
Meagan Johnson
Robin Jones
Marty Miles
Rose Saurini
Sarah Viktora

Mission/Strategies Planning Team

Vanessa Bozzo
Sara Allaei
Jodie Barnett
Drew Begley
Rebecca Clark
Sarahjane Cottrell
Lisa Hartshorn
Eva Hernandez
Meagan Johnson
Beth Kloote
Melissa Madill
Marty Miles
Sara Peterson
Daniell Wilkins
Cortnee Yarbrough

IWC remembers the following chorus members, leaders, and supporters who have passed away:

Joey Burt, stage manager & supporter
Pamela O'Haver Day, chorus member
Sharon Farley, chorus member
Esther Fuller, chorus leader & supporter
Kathleen “Kassie” George, chorus member
Pam Mueller, chorus member
Mary Ellen Reed, chorus member
Christy Lynn Stossmeister, chorus member

If a name has been omitted or listed incorrectly, please accept our apologies and contact us at info@indianapoliswomenschorus.org.

We gratefully acknowledge the Hildegard Circle gifts listed here (gifts of $50+) and other special gifts, reflecting donations between 7/1/2022–4/28/2023. If your name was omitted or listed incorrectly, please accept our apologies and contact us at giving@indianapoliswomenschorus.org.

$1000–$1500
Rod Collier & John Strachan
Jim & Helen Johnson

$500–$999
Jayne Kercheval
Janet McCabe & Jon Laramore
Marty Miles

$250–$499
Anonymous
Linda Daley & Paula Susemichel
Wilbur DuBois
Beth Kloote
Kaye & Bruce McSpadden

$150–$249
Anonymous
Nancy Elsner
Margaret Gray
Jeff Jones
Sally McSpadden & Jim Hanna

$50–$149
Kim Allman & Leisa Waggoner
Margaret Banning
Ruby Jo Barnett
Zach Blatz
Bob & Valerie Brennan
Joyce Coalson
Margaret & Ryan Gooley
Angela Cosentino & Phillis Green
LuEtta Culp
Indra & Mark Frank
Margaret Gooley
Margaret Gray
Pam Gray
Leslie & Stas Grishin
Robin & Debra Helmuth
Kate Johnson Keep
Robin Jones
Jerry King
Liz Lawson
Mike & Tammy Martin
Stephen Olin
Edyce B. Reizner
Charlie Richardson
Robin Sahner
Kim Schroerlucke & Jeanne Thompson
Ali Schumacher
Christine Schumacher & Hal Hess
Katherine Sinclair
Grace Starcke
Shelley Stewart
Marilyn Stutzman
Judith Thompson
Stephen & Marcia Treffman
Beatrice Wendt
Judy Wolf

MEMORIAL GIFTS
In Memory of John Jay Boyce
Kris Kauffman

ANGEL FUND (scholarship help for singers)
Sara Kurtz Allaei
Reba Baker
Judith Carson
Margaret Gray
Andrea Grotenhuis
Janet McCabe & Jon Laramore
Marty Miles
Micki Pursley
Claire Scheele
Dayne & Rachel Thomas
Shirah & Zev Winicur

SPECIAL OCCASION GIFTS
In Honor of Marty Miles
George Hanlin

In Honor of Jodie Barnett's Birthday
Kimberly Butrum

To the Angel Fund in appreciation of Reba Baker for her special help
Edith Millikan & Lynne Arrowsmith

In Honor of Sherry DuBois' Birthday
Wilbur DuBois

ONLINE FLEA MARKET
Thanks to all the participants of IWC's Friends and Family Online Flea Market! This special fundraiser will continue through June 2023. Check it out at: auctria.events/iwcfleamarket.