Artistic Direction
We are delighted that Dr Lee Steward will take the role of Interim Artistic Director for the Spring session. Lee was part of the choir as the tenor section leader at our recent Majesty and Magnificence concert, and now steps up as the leader for our community choirs.
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Lee is an accomplished musician and a singer in the San Francisco Opera Chorus. He is also a widely experienced conductor and leader of secondary, college, community, and professional choral organizations around the country, most notably with the Boys Choir of Harlem and San Francisco Girls Chorus.
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Along with this wonderful depth of experience, he brings a warm sense of humor, a calm presence, and a collaborative spirit that puts singers first.
Lee and his wife Jessica live in Oakland and have two artistic daughters, one majoring in voice at Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Boston and one majoring in Ballet at Indiana University.
"I believe that singing is a vital part of who we are; it is what makes us unique and kindles our humanity. Our bodies are created to sing - and my goal is to help us find our unique individual and collective voice with structured practice and vocal exercise.
Accompany is a wonderful community and I am excited to work with everyone again.”
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Lee Steward
Interim Artistic Director
Yes Music, Yes You!
​If music is something you’ve been curious about, Accompany is the perfect place to get started.
Accompany is a music program for people who “aren’t musicians.”
A choir for people who “don’t sing”
And a powerful time for people who “just don’t have time.”
It’s a place where not knowing something isn’t a fault,
But a feature that can help you unlock even more.
A place where performing isn’t terrifying, but liberating
And real, meaningful growth is available at every turn.
If you’ve been interested in music, but didn’t act on it – this is for you.
If you wanted to try something new, but didn’t know where to go – this is for you.
And if you think we’re not talking to you? Think again.
Yes, music. Yes, you.
Choir
Our community choirs sing in a variety of musical styles, both a cappella and accompanied. We rehearse regular choir weekly on Monday evenings from 6:00-8:00 pm and offer a social opportunity directly after most rehearsals.
Music is sung in four or eight parts (soprano, alto, tenor, bass). No prior experience of singing is needed - just a desire to be part of a community of singers. This adult choir is always welcoming to new members.
Chamber Choir
For more experienced singers who enjoy the challenge a smaller ensemble (maybe one or two singers per part only), chamber choir provides a musically challenging experience.
The ensemble requires a friendly informal audition and consists of singers who have sung in our choir for several previous sessions.
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Singing in a chamber choir builds skills in blending, balance, and subtle shifts in color, dynamics, and character.
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This ensemble rehearses on Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00.​
Board of Directors
Julia Dawson
Board Chair, Membership
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James Colgan
Heather Hawker
Treasurer & Development
Wendy Seltzer
Iwan Thomis
Marketing
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Julia Weil
Secretary, Advancement & Partnerships
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