Our Singers

Kristin Abdill is a native New Mexican who grew up in Los Alamos, attended college in CO, then returned to receive her Bachelors in Business and Masters in Educational Psychology in the Land of Enchantment. Everyone’s a Lobo, woof, woof, woof! Some of her most treasured memories come from 12 years in marching bands and singing in church choirs, praise teams, school groups, and New Mexico ensembles including Sangre de Cristo Chorale and Schola Cantorum. For the last five years she took a break from singing (other than in the shower, her kitchen and car) to have two beautiful daughters, Raegan (5) and Charli (9 mos). In addition to her budding divas, she is blessed to have three bonus children Tyler, Nik and Kaedra who she helped raise to adulthood with her husband of 10 years, Jason. Together they run their lovingly dubbed, “Abdill Zoo,” a mess of happiness compiled of their children, four dogs, two gerbils, Senegal parrot and saltwater aquarium. Her day job as a Project Manager for Presbyterian Healthcare Services keeps her on her toes if ever the zoo leaves her bored!

Michael Adams looks forward to the collaboration and fun and personal growth opportunities of being with Coro Lux. He sang in the University Chorus at UNM in the 80’s and sang the National Anthem solo at the Isotopes twice. He performs lead vocals with a local classic-rock band regularly. Michael hitch-hiked from Philadelphia to Taos in 1979 with his dad, so he is almost a native New Mexican. He is an Engineer working at Intel Corporation for over 30 years.

Katy Anderson grew up with a UNM music alum as a mom, so singing made perfect sense. After graduating from Cibola High School, she earned a Vocal Performance degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. She also met her husband at Vanderbilt, a talented trumpet player and guitarist. After additional music and choral studies at the University of Georgia, she began a career in non-profit work and continues to this day. Three wonderful little girls joined the family starting in 2009, and yes, they also love to sing!

Anne Marie Borch recently moved back to her home state of New Mexico, after living for many years in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has held roles at non-profit organizations providing education, environmental advocacy, and social services, while remaining very involved with music as an amateur singer and French horn player. She sang in and served as the board chair for the Resound Ensemble chorus in San Francisco for many years. She grew up in Los Alamos and graduated from LAHS, holds a B.A. in Music, Literature and Culture from St. Olaf College, and graduate degrees in music history from Indiana University and the University of Michigan. She now works for an engineering firm headquartered in Albuquerque, and lives in Rio Rancho with her husband Evan. She is delighted to sing in Coro Lux particularly because it’s directed by another St. Olaf graduate.  In her free time, other than singing and playing horn, she loves cooking, going to musical performances, gardening, and being a rabid Golden State Warriors and WNBA Valkyries fan.

Jan Bowers — I was born into a musical family! My Mom was a very talented pianist and my Dad was a fine singer and loved listening to his extensive record collection!! I have inherited their love of music! For decades I have treasured the camaraderie and the pure joy which are undeniable while singing in a choir! Over the years I have been fortunate enough to have sung in numerous ensembles under the ever so capable, waving arms and tutelage of Brad Ellingboe. Being a member of Coro Lux is a privilege which I do not take lightly!

Bryan Butler has sung in church, school, community, and professional choirs since a very young age. He is a staff astronomer at the Very Large Array and has been in New Mexico for more than 20 years.  He has sung locally with Quodlibet, Polyphony, and Quintessence, and is happy to be singing with Coro Lux now.

Robert (Bob) Croft – My soul has been touched by music, in one way or another, I believe from even before I was born, because during pregnancy my mother was singing four part harmony in a gospel quartet. I suppose I was tapping my toe then, and I still am. I received training in the classical genre from the age of 9 until my second year of college at UTEP, majoring in violin performance, singing in choirs, and playing in the El Paso Symphony and UTEP orchestras. Two beautiful children, two teenage grandsons and a professional career in banking later, here I am retired, singing in the interim in the folk music genre, playing fiddle and singing close harmony in two local Western folk groups. All bands break up, as they say, and I am grateful for the opportunity to return to classical roots. I met Bradley Ellingboe some 35 or so years ago, after moving to Albuquerque and singing under his baton in the UNM Community Chorus. Shakespeare wrote…“ If music be the food of love, play on”. I am grateful for the opportunity to “sing on” with Coro Lux.

Karen Ellingboe wishes to abstain from listing anything here in a public way, as she is currently in the witness protection program, having served time in several of the conductor’s previous ensembles.

Ennio Fermo —I’m Ennio, I am Italian and started to sing in 1994 in Trieste, Italy. I traveled with my choir to several countries in Europe and Australia. These were very important experiences in my life. I have three children, who all live in Italy and am now also a grandfather! Above all, I found a great person. Donatella and I married here at ABQ several years ago. She is the light of my life. I’ve worked all my life. In earlier years I was a firefighter. Later I built a transport business. Now I restore furniture. I like to give new life to old furniture. In conclusion, I love to sing and am very glad to sing with Coro Lux!

Robert Finch is enjoying retirement after a long career in the construction industry. At the urging of Shari Aubrey, Choir Director at Monte Vista Christian Church, and under the guidance of vocal teacher Donna McRae, Bob found his voice at the age of 30 and hasn’t stopped singing. Through the years Bob has sung multiple tenor oratorio solos, performed locally in many opera roles with Opera Southwest and ACLOA, and sung in several choirs including 17 years with Quintessence. Bob enjoys the holidays each year performing with a quartet called Fanfare Victorian Carolers. When not singing, his days are filled with his favorite pastime, golf, and an occasional excursion to fly fish. He also enjoys traveling with his wife, Bonnie, and their 101-pound Labrador, Atticus, as often as possible. He looks forward to continuing his love of singing with Coro Lux.

Bill Foote – Since childhood Bill has sung in church choirs. He was a member of the UNM a capella choir in the 1960’s and sang with the men’s a capella group De Profundis for 17 years until its dissolution in 2022. He has been married to Cheryl since 1969, and they have two children, Jeremy and Jennifer, and a grandson, Andrew. Bill retired from a 40+ year career as a forensic psychologist, during which time he consulted with lawyers and judges and testified as an expert witness in civil and criminal cases in state, federal and Canadian courts. He is the co-author of 3 books and many chapters and articles in his field. He enjoys singing folk music and playing 12-string guitar and mandolin.

Angelynn Gomez is the director of choirs at James Monroe Middle School on the westside of Albuquerque. She earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree from UNM in 2014. She enjoys teaching 11 through 14-year olds during the week and singing with fellow professionals and music enthusiasts in Coro Lux.

Doug Hendry – My passion for music began while I was growing up in Minnesota. It continues to be a great source of joy and inspiration for me. Whether singing in choral groups or playing the trumpet or piano, it keeps me engaged and continually learning new things. I’m excited about singing with Coro Lux’s choral artists. Being able to create a beautiful sound with other musicians is one of my favorite things to do; and it’s cheaper than therapy!

Patricia (Trish) Henning has sung in various choirs in the US and the Netherlands, including the Wellesley College Choir, and Sangwijn. In New Mexico, she has sung with Quodlibet, UNM’s University Chorus, Las Cantantes, and Concert Choir, as well as with Polyphony, Quintessence, and The New Mexico Performing Arts Society. Over her career as a radio astronomer, professor, and administrator, she has needed the balance that music brings to her life. She is delighted to be making music with Coro Lux.

Bernadette Hinds – I am so very delighted to be able to bring my voice to the beautiful sound of Coro Lux. I was born and spent my childhood in France (Alsace) near my grandparents. I met my husband in college at George Washington University, and our family consists of 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren. We’ve lived in Albuquerque for over 30 years. My greatest passions include family, close friends and a small boutique landscaping business called Gifts from the Garden. Also important to me is our community, a love of travel, beautiful music, and our beloved dog, Scout.

Tania Hopkins is an elementary music teacher with Albuquerque Public Schools. Tania loves to sing and has enjoyed performing in community choirs and musicals. Her two boys keep her busy and she is grateful to be able to take some “me time” and sing with the beautiful voices of Coro Lux!

Ashley Jonkman began making music early in childhood, taking piano lessons, playing the clarinet and singing in choirs all the way through school. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Choral Music Education from Azusa Pacific University in the Los Angeles area, and came to New Mexico shortly after. She earned her Master’s in Secondary Education at the former College of Santa Fe, and taught middle school choir and elementary music for 6 years. Now, she has 3 kids (who are also musically inclined!) with her bass and piano-playing husband, works part-time in the children’s ministry at her church, and enjoys spending time outdoors. She has sung with Polyphony, and is thrilled to be a part of Coro Lux this year!

Marisol King, a native of New Mexico, is a new member of Coro Lux, where she feels fortunate to be singing again under the direction of Brad Ellingboe. Her journey with choral music began at the University of New Mexico, where she had the privilege of performing in the Concert Choir led by Ellingboe. During her time in college, Marisol’s musical journey included an unforgettable performance tour to Viterbo, Italy, with fellow choir members. When she isn’t singing, Marisol loves to travel and spend time with her husband, family, friends, and her two long-haired dachshunds. Marisol is thrilled to be reconnecting with her choral roots as a part of this talented community.

Sharlotte Kramer is a research mechanical engineer at Sandia National Laboratories and has been a musician her entire life. She studied classical piano as a child; has been in choirs since middle school; and studied voice with Desiree LaVertu in Pasadena while earning her Ph.D. in Aeronautics from the California Institute of Technology. She has been leading the worship music at High Desert Presbyterian Church in Albuquerque since 2012. She joined Coro Lux in September 2019. When she is not running experiments in a structural test lab at Sandia Labs or singing, she is baking and spending time with her husband, Richard, and daughters, Grace and Evelyn.

Rita Leard loves choral singing and is delighted to be a part of Coro Lux.  She has been singing with the NM Symphonic Chorus since 2011 — not long after moving to Albuquerque to head the Women’s Health Department at ABQ Health Partners (now Optum Medical Group).  Prior to that move, she had sung with the Symphony San Jose Chorale for many years — and, before that, with the Phoenix Symphony Chorus.  In the summer of 2022, she had a blast attending her first “choir camp” in Sonoma, California, with Berkshire Choral International.  Since retiring from her OB/GYN practice in late 2021, she has been relishing the additional time for music, spending time with friends and family, playing in the garden, and perfecting her baking/cooking skills.  She is grateful for the many opportunities there are in Albuquerque to hear wonderful music — especially Chatter on Sunday mornings.

Yasmeen Lookman received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of New Mexico. She continues her love of music and the performing arts at The Lensic Performing Arts Center where she works in Development. Yasmeen enjoys singing with various local choirs and is thrilled to be singing with friends, old and new, as a part of the wonderful Coro Lux.

Richard Macklin (Bass) has been singing and accompanying choirs ever since childhood in Kansas, adolescence in PA / NY, and many years now in his adopted homeland, New Mexico. For the past 3 decades, he has served as accompanist and director of the 11 AM choir at Risen Savior Catholic Church in Albuquerque.

David Milford, bass, started singing in the Albuquerque Boy’s Choir at the age of 10. He then sang in the choir, as well as a small madrigal group, at Highland High School. Following graduation, he sang at Oberlin with the College Choir, the Musical Union, and the Obertones (acapella). Upon returning to ABQ he sang for a short time with the UNM Choir, and then the NM Symphony Orchestra Chorus for many years. David studied solo voice with Paul Barrientos for 10 years, and had roles with MTS, OSW, and Teatro Nuevo Mexico (Zarzuela at the NHCC). Looking forward to more ‘making a joyful noise unto the world’!

Joe Mitchell started his musical career in Belen, New Mexico playing the trumpet in 6th grade. This led to high school marching band, choir, talent shows, and musicals. While pursuing his Bachelor of Music Education at UNM, he sang with the Men’s Chorus, Dolce Suono, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Opera Studio. He graduated in 2017 and is now the middle school Choir and Exploratory Music teacher at Tres Volcanes Community Collaborative School. Joe believes everyone’s lives should be filled with musical experiences, and is excited to share some of those experiences with Coro Lux!

Phil Minix has just recently relocated to Albuquerque from Columbus, OH.  He was in Ohio for almost 20 years and has also lived in Vermont, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and Kansas City.  Phil grew up in central Kansas.  He’s very happy to be in New Mexico and the southwest to enjoy the beauty and the great weather.  Prior to this group, Phil has sung in several symphony choruses including the Columbus Symphony Chorus, Dayton Symphony Chorus, Kansas City Symphony Chorus and also the Kansas City Fine Arts Chorale.  He’s looking forward to singing in a smaller group again and performing the wide variety of works that will be in the Coro Lux offering.

Brian Moffatt is an attorney who moved to Rio Rancho in 2023 from out of state.

I am currently employed as an Assistant Attorney General in the Special Prosecutions Division of the New Mexico Department of Justice.

I began singing choral music as a low bass in junior high school, and I love to sing great music with great groups.
Over the years, I have sung in a number of medium and large choruses, including the New Mexico Symphonic Chorus, Eugene Symphony Chorus (OR), Eugene Concert Choir, San Antonio Mastersingers/Symphony Chorus, Houston Symphony Chorus, Houston Masterworks Chorus, St. Luke’s UMC (Houston), Christ Church Cathedral (Houston), University UMC (Dallas), and Centenary College Choir. Also, way back in history, I sang for over 100,000 people at Radio City Music Hall.

I am very much looking forward to many seasons with Coro Lux.

Nicole Nova discovered a joy in singing at an early age, which was fostered by her very patient parents who never discouraged her from singing along (as loudly as possible) with every Disney soundtrack and 90’s pop tune she heard. She has a B.A. in Music from the University of New Mexico, and a strong passion for karaoke. When she isn’t singing, Nicole can often be found swimming, cliff jumping, playing video games, or hiking with her husband and their three very spoiled cats.

Arnel Oczon is nearly a NM native, having been in Albuquerque since the 4th grade. He started singing in choirs with the university chorus way back in the late 90’s. He’s been lucky to have sung big works with the NMSO Chorus, madrigals with Quodlibet and quirky things in Quintessence.  For non-singing activities, he worked on base at Sandia Labs in aerospace for about 30 years.  He’s married to an alto, and they have a daughter who went to Ann Arbor to be a wolverine!

Neal Ohle – this converted Tuba player found his voice at UNM. Being around music his whole life, he loves to be apart of any ensemble. He can’t wait to be a part of such a wonderful group this coming year!

Vinnessa Martinez Ohle – Well… I really started my musical career as a babe. My first words were “la la la”! In the real world, I started singing in the middle school choir in Belen. What an awkward time in our lives right??? Well good thing I had singing. I continued to be actively involved in choir and music throughout high school and into college. I attended UNM and sang in the Concert Choir since freshman year under Brad. I currently teach in Los Lunas Public Schools as an Elementary General Music Teacher. I now subject my students to the world of singing. It’s good for them! I am so excited to be singing in a choir again!

Bonnie Pachanian-Finch began her music adventures at age 6 with piano lessons. She later majored in music and holds a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Piano. She is a retired APS Elementary Music Teacher. Currently, she is teaching 15 private piano students, while she continues learning to play the piano herself. While in college, Bonnie discovered the joy of choral singing, and has since continued to enjoy participating in church choirs, choral groups, and opera choruses. Her music training allowed her to pursue another beloved occupation—travel. Bonnie has made music in all 50 states, 7 Canadian provinces, and 40 foreign countries. These days, she still loves to travel with her husband, Bob, and their 101-pound Labrador Retriever, Atticus, as often as possible. She is both honored and excited to be a part of Coro Lux.

Dawn Perez grew up in Ohio, where she studied music education and choral conducting at Bowling Green State University and Kent State University respectively. She has been a music teacher for 18 years and has lived in Albuquerque for 12 years. In addition to loving music, she enjoys traveling with her husband and two boys and writes books as an indie author. She is very happy to be singing with the Coro Lux family!

Mary Petrak has been singing in choirs since the age of eight. She grew up in Des Moines, Iowa and graduated from Luther College, where she sang under Weston Noble, one of her most significant mentors.

After enlisting in the Army at age 27, Mary served two tours in South Korea, with the 2nd Infantry Division and Eighth Army Bands. She sang the national anthems of both Korea and the United States at numerous ceremonies and official functions. She played auxiliary percussion in the concert band and played piano in the jazz combo. She served four years in the First Cavalry Division Band (Fort Hood) and from there was deployed to the conflict in the Persian Gulf.

Mary holds masters and doctoral degrees in voice performance from the University of Texas at Austin. She sang under Craig Hella Johnson at university and with Conspirare.

Mary has taught voice at Eastern New Mexico University and has directed choirs at West Las Vegas Schools. She now resides in Albuquerque and enjoys church choir, cycling, and spending time with her dog and cats. She is thrilled to be a new member of Coro Lux.

Sophia Rodriguez is a freshman at the University of New Mexico and has sung in choirs for seven years, gaining valuable experience in both top ensembles and leadership roles. Throughout high school, she served as both a section leader and president of her choir program and is currently a section leader and assistant director for an adult women’s barbershop choir, as well as an active member of UNM’s Concert Choir. In addition to performing, Sophia has taken on the roles of student teacher and director, experiences that have deepened her passion for music education and mentoring others. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with the goal of inspiring students, creating opportunities through music, and building safe, supportive environments where young musicians can thrive.

Thom J. Sloan is a native New Mexican from the Las Cruces area and attended UNM for both undergraduate and graduate degrees. He began studying music in Junior High School both singing and playing trombone. He later added piano studies. He was a Friends of Music scholar at UNM in voice and sang in choral groups at UNM as well as performing recitals. Even though his career is in healthcare management, he has sung with symphony choruses in Albuquerque and Houston and smaller choral groups in Los Angeles, Austin, and Portland, OR. Thom recently moved back to Albuquerque to enjoy the Land of Enchantment!

Mitzy Sotelo resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico, as a singer under the instruction of private voice teacher, Marilyn Bernard. In 2022, she graduated from the University of New Mexico with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Minor in Linguistics and performed a spring recital in 2022. She is a regular in the Opera Southwest Chorus since Fall of 2017, and has sung for the New Mexico Symphonic Chorus, as well. When she’s not singing, she’s baking for friends and family from cakes and pies to empanadas and conchas, and wandering around Albuquerque for the latest in local cuisine, art, and events like Summerfest and the International Balloon Fiesta.

Jody Spalding is a retired audiology professor. She plays flute and has sung in church choirs since childhood. She and Peter have been singing together for church choirs in Iowa City IA, Chapel Hill NC, New Orleans LA, Ann Arbor MI, Lincoln NE and are now very happily singing under Brad’s leadership at the United Church of Santa Fe. She is overjoyed to be part of the amazing group of Coro Luxsingers! “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” ― Plato

Peter Spalding is a retired orthodontic and pediatric dentistry professor who has sung in his church choirs since childhood when he was the only boy in the choir. Although most of his musical training was as a cellist, he has found his voice is much easier to tote around and is thrilled to experience Brad as conductor for both his church choir and Coro Lux!

Darryl Starkes is happy to be part of Coro Lux. Hailing from Virginia, he has been in New Mexico for 15 years. He has been a member of various groups in town to include the New Mexico Symphonic Chorus and Quintessence. Currently, he is an insurance agent and enjoys singing among other activities in his very little free time.

Susie Tallman graduated UCLA with a BA in voice performance. Susie followed her passion to work with musicians by working at A&M Studios with the producer Jimmy Iovine. She then left A&M with Jimmy Iovine and a few others to become a founding employee of Interscope Records. Susie was fortunate enough to work with world class musicians including NIN, Tom Jones, Dr. Dre, Ron Sexsmith, A Very Special Christmas albums, Tracy Chapman and so many others. One incredible experience after the next provided Susie with the knowledge to venture out on her own to start Rock Me Baby Records. Wanting to live and study abroad before recording, Susie further evolved her voice in France, singing with the Choeur International and the American Chorus in Paris. Upon her return to the states, Susie honed her classical training at the New England Conservatory Workshop in Boston and worked at the extraordinary indie label Q Division Records. She has sung backup for such acts as Ronnie Spector, Darlene Love and Cheap Trick, and has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Rose Bowl, the Los Angeles Forum and Pauley Pavilion as well as in commercials for Taco Bell, The Coca-Cola Reunion commercial and the movie Beaches. She is a former member of the San Francisco Symphony Chorus and The New Mexico Symphony Chorus. Susie is currently raising three children while teaching, singing & recording. Videos from her DVD can be seen on PBS between shows around the country.

Jamie Villanueva — I grew up as one of those “California Girls” when the Beach Boys were still performing in my local supermarket parking lot! I studied education and music at a UCLA and soon began singing “I Get Around” as I explored the Southwest making a career as a special educator. A few times the universe said “Woudn’t It Be Nice” to have “Fun Fun Fun” and I also found myself teaching music and theater to children. Loving the “Good Vibrations”, I continued singing here in Albuquerque with Westside Concert Chorale, Albuquerque Civic Chorus, Quintessence Summer Festival Chorus, and now, Coro Lux. “God Only Knows” how grateful I am to my incredible mother, a gifted pianist, accompanist and singer, for instilling in me the love of choral music!

Janet Vrudny – She recently relocated to Albuquerque after retiring from 41 years as the choral directors at Highland Hall Waldorf School and the First Presbyterian Church of Encino in Southern California.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Performance and a Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting. She is delighted to be here in New Mexico, working with Brad, and singing in Coro Lux! She looks forward to taking in all of the sites and golf courses of this fabulous area!

Tony Worsham is a physician by day and a chorister by night, singing with various groups including Quintessence and de Profundis. Like many other members, he is coming full circle, having sung with University Chorus nearly a decade ago, and is excited to perform with Coro Lux.

Tina Yarrington is a new arrival to Albuquerque in 2023. She came to New Mexico as a maternal-fetal medicine physician to provide high risk pregnancy care to women at UNM Hospital and sought out a musical home to parallel her clinical one. She grew up with a violinist mother who made sure she and her many siblings learned an instrument. A jazz pianist primarily, she also sang in choruses, a capella groups, and jazz choirs throughout high school and college. She returned briefly to vocals singing in a blues band during medical school and has found a place to marinate in music once again in Coro Lux.

LaVonne Yazzie – I am an Albuquerque transplant from Arizona and a member of the Navajo Nation. In my youth, I studied violin as my primary instrument while singing soprano in various choruses. While at UNM, I double-majored in English Pre-Law and Spanish, and for fun, I sang with the UNM Madrigal Singers. By day, I work as an Education Specialist for UNM at the Center for Development and Disability. In my free time, I serve at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church as a member of the School Consultative Council, a cantor for the Roman Rite of Mass, and as a soprano in the church choir under the direction of the esteemed Mark Adrian. I am excited to once again be singing with Coro Lux, and I am very blessed to be one voice in such a talented group of singers.

Not pictured:

Joseph Lubars
Spencer McCray
Andres Nova