Board of Directors
2023-2024
Ginny Grant, President
Ginny joined the Board five years ago, after singing with Cantare for several years and jump-starting our auctions and other fundraising activities. She brings experience in running software development and operational teams, serving on regional sports organizations and the vestry at her church, and organizing outreach events. She loves singing with the group and continuing to learn from Dr. Benson, whom she met when he led the Chancel Choir at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in San Carlos. Ginny keeps herself out of trouble designing and delivering products and services in the not-for-profit world, and in coordinating Rebuilding Together projects.
Kira Dixon, Member
Kira Dixon is entering her 16th year of teaching in public schools at her alma mater, Abraham Lincoln High School in San Jose, CA. She earned her M.A. in Music from Kansas State University in 2013, and received her B.A. in Music Education with an emphasis in voice from San Jose State University in 2006. In addition to teaching, Miss Dixon currently serves on the Board of Directors for Peninsula Cantare, a semi-professional chorus based in Palo Alto. She is also the president of the Mu Phi Epsilon Foundation, a foundation which supports members of an international professional music fraternity. Kira is one of the Founders and Executive Directors of the non-profit organization California Summer Performing Arts Academy (CSPAA) which serves the South County youth in providing music education opportunities, the main of which is a weeklong engaging summer camp.
Hamilton Fong, Member
Hamilton recently retired from software developing for a southeast region financial advisor firm. For over 20 years he enjoyed singing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus. When relocating to the Bay Area in 2019, he joined the tenor section of Peninsula Cantare. He brings years of experience serving on the Vestry of St. Ambrose Episcopal Church. Hamilton is thrilled to serve on the Peninsula Cantare Board of Directors and currently resides in Foster City.
Ron Hodges, Treasurer
Ron joined Peninsula Cantare (then named Peninsula Master Chorale) in 1983. Along with choral singing, he has enjoyed studying piano, organ, and composition. For gainful employment he used his PhD in chemistry in a career in aerospace.
Emily Moore, Recording Secretary
Emily Moore has been teaching orchestra, choir, band, and AP music theory at Milpitas High School for the past ten years. She graduated from Sonoma State University with her B.A. in Music Education in 2011, as well as her teaching credential in 2012, and began her teaching career in Sonoma County. Emily’s primary instruments are flute and piccolo, and she has performed with various community bands and orchestras, including the San Francisco Wind Symphony. She also enjoys singing soprano in Peninsula Cantare. She has served as a board member of various other music education organizations, including CMEA Bay Section, Santa Clara County Band Directors Association, and California Summer Performing Arts Academy. Emily is currently an active member of the California Choral Directors Association and California Orchestra Directors Association.
Ruthie Wilkins, Corresponding Secretary
Ruthie has been a member of Peninsula Cantare almost since its inception in the 1970s. She has watched the choir grow, becoming ever more vigorous and exciting under the director of Dr. Benson. Ruthie has previously served on the Board and is thrilled to return to the role of Secretary as the organization moves into its next phase of development. She has a degree in musicology and in librarianship and taught music at several local colleges. In addition, Ruthie worked as a music and reference librarian. She absolutely loves music analysis and history. Originally an alto, Ruthie sings tenor now and is the happiest with her tenor section!
Nancy Winningham, Fundraising
During the Pandemic, we welcomed a former Cantare singer to the Board, proving that remote engagement is not limited to school and work life! Nancy brings many years of experience in employment and compensation, most notably at Stanford Hospital and Stanford’s School of Medicine. She will focus this year on identifying and applying for potential grants that will enable Cantare to extend its mission of transformation and community-building through music.
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
CONTACT
Peninsula Cantare is sponsored in part by
© 2023 Peninsula Cantare | All Rights Reserved | Powered by WordPress