Our Board

Beth Schoenlein – President

Beth has been a proud member of Voca Lyrica since 2013 and has served on the board as both an at-large member and as music librarian. She believes that music is a part of our individual and collective souls, and that it sustains and unites those around us. She’s also been enthusiastic about teaching English at Ferris State University since 1999 and spending quality time with her husband and their children.

Emily Garlick – Vice-President

Emily has been a proud member of Voca Lyrica since 2010 and believes that music is a beautiful experience that connects us regardless of day-to-day differences. Voca Lyrica’s community has sustained her spirit throughout undergraduate and graduate work at Ferris State University. Whether it’s a P!nk concert or a children’s choir concert, music creates space where joy is always accessible for her. She also enjoys reading, kayaking and cuddling her dog, who like his mom, thoroughly enjoys vocalizing in a variety of notes!

Carol Hillman – Secretary

Carol has been a member of Voca Lyrica for three seasons and loves that her first teaching position was under Ginny Kerwin at the Big Rapids Cooperative Preschool many years ago. Carol served as an at-large Voca Lyrica board member until named secretary in 2022. She believes music is the universal language of our fragile world, with many beautiful works messaging to the world to take care of each other. Currently she is employed with the National Energy Foundation, teaching students about balancing the earth’s resources. She has three daughters and two sons-in-law, along with her husband of almost 45 years, who she makes her priority as they are her pride and joy.

Theresa Hansen – Treasurer

Born and raised in Big Rapids, Theresa was thrilled to join Voca Lyrica in 2013 when she returned to this community after living away for many years. She has served on the board for several years, first as a member at-large and then as Treasurer. Theresa is a special education teacher and a behavior and academic interventionist and has trained a therapy dog who accompanies her to work daily to support the emotional health of the middle school students at Chippewa Hills Public Schools.

Madyson Turner – At-Large

Madyson Turner is a senior at Big Rapids High School. She is involved in many extracurricular activities, including BRHS
drama and choir. Outside of school she performs in Voca Lyrica and Stage-M, the local theater group. She plans to
attend college and expand her musical talents when she graduates.

Susan Grant – At-Large

Susan joined Voca Lyrica two years ago, but had been an admirer of the group and its Artistic Director and Founder, Ginny Kerwin, since its inception. Having sung in choirs throughout her life, she feels blessed to be part of this talented group of singers. She retired from the District Court Bench in 2015 and returned to work as a Contract Attorney for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in 2020. She enjoys taking walks with her dog, Sophie, playing Mah Jongg, Bridge and Golf, and riding her bike when she can find the time.

Helen Brandt – At-Large

Helen moved to the Big Rapids area in the fall of 2022 and brought with her a lifelong love of singing. She was thrilled to
find the sisterhood and musical excellence of Voca Lyrica. Helen is a former church music director as well as founder and
director of SoulSong, a hospice choir based in Danvers, MA. She is excited about serving on the board of this important
organization.

Amanda McCarty – At-Large

Amanda has been a member of Voca Lyrica since 2020. She has served on the board as an at-large member and is the chair of the Education and Marketing committees. Amanda has been a music educator for 14 years and strives to instill in her students a life-long love and respect of music. She lives in Big Rapids and enjoys spending time with her family.

OUR BOARD