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!

James Ammerman

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!

George Arthur — When George was an undergraduate at UNM he was an active member of the University Chorus. After 50 years living in Connecticut he has returned full circle to Albuquerque and singing under the direction of the former music director of that same group.

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!

Anne Marie Borch recently moved back to her home state of New Mexico to work for the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, 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 lives in Rio Rancho with her husband Evan and is delighted to sing in Coro Lux particularly because it’s directed by another St. Olaf graduate, and is looking forward to finding places to play her horn as well. In her free time, she loves cooking, going to musical performances, and being a rabid Golden State Warriors and WNBA fan.

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.

Christy Cook (Spring 2024 only) is an artist, musician and educator who has been writing songs since she was 6 years old. She’s performed locally as herself and with her bands Cactus Tractor, ABBAquerque, the ABQ Boys Choir, and other collaborations. She’s always been a fan of close harmonizing and began singing with choirs and barbershop groups in high school. When she isn’t singing or songwriting she can be found on stilts, on roller skates, or in her art classroom collaborating with students.

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.

Cheney Doane (Spring 2024 only) started playing piano when he was knee-high to a fly, and music has enriched and influenced his life ever since. He earned a piano performance degree from Whitman College and a masters degree in collaborative piano from the University of Utah. Following a stint directing the choirs and orchestras at Norfolk Academy in Virginia, Cheney transplanted to Albuquerque and currently serves as music director at Santa Fe Prep. He loves being outside with his partner Jenny, cooking, playing chess, and agonizing over the Utah Jazz’s most recent defeat.

Martin Doviak started singing and strumming publicly as a Peter Yarrow wannabe in his teenage years, which led directly into wailing Bob Dylan songs in college, while also singing and dancing as a Princeton Triangle Club chorister. In more recent years, he has been seen and heard singing with the University Chorus, Albuquerque Festival Singers, New Mexico Symphonic Chorus, Quintessence, and Coro Lux. When not singing and dressed all in black, he can be found more colorfully and casually attired on local tennis courts, ski slopes, or public parks with his two dogs trying to avoid Animal Control officers.

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!

N, 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!

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!

Nicholas Jones is an Albuquerque musician and educator. His passion for choir has given him the pleasure of singing in and conducting many different groups throughout his career so far. He plays piano and guitar for local groups, schools, and churches around the city. He is glad to be performing with Coro Lux and Luminare.

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!

Jen Jones comes from a long line of pianists, from a great grandma who played piano live for silent films, a grandpa who could improvise jazz music, and her mom & sisters who all played piano while she was growing up. She too played piano as a child, and had brief stints with the viola and flute as well, until finally her parents allowed her to focus on her true love, choir. She has sung locally with Quintessence and is so excited to be singing with Coro Lux this year. Outside of music, she is the Controller at Pegasus Legal Services for Children, a local nonprofit legal aid, and lives with her husband Neel and their two pups, Misty & Olive.

Garrett Keith is the choir director at both Cleveland Middle School and McKinley Middle School in Albuquerque. He’s a recent graduate from UNM with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Garrett says, “Singing is one of my true passions in life and getting to sing in this ensemble is a true honor.”

Steve Kerchoff – As Steve’s professional career with the Library of Congress and the Department of State has taken him to the round earth’s imagin’d corners, he has found opportunities to perform with the Sri Lanka Symphony Chorus, Coro Melodía (Mexico City), Delhi Chamber Choir, Choir of Christ Church Arcadia (Pretoria, South Africa), and numerous ensembles in Washington DC. Now he is happily retired in Santa Fe, where he sings as bass choral scholar at the United Church of Santa Fe. And yes, he really can sing a low B-flat.

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.

Spencer McCray

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’!

Alexandra Mininger – After living the first four decades of her life on the East Coast, Alex recently relocated to Albuquerque, and is admiring the sweeping mountain views and rekindling her love of choral music. A former executive advisor, Alex graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in English and has nearly finished her Masters in Counseling through The College of William & Mary.

When she’s not studying, Alex can be found reading aloud to her children, leading them – begrudgingly, at times – in a daily hymn-sing, doing ‘Yoga with Adriene,’ and dreaming about future hikes and fancy cocktails.

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!

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.

Mary Petrak

Breanne Potter

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.

Sarah Rulfs is a mezzo soprano and a new member of Coro Lux. Prior to moving to New Mexico, she sang with the Young New Yorkers Chorus and the Manhattan Choral Ensemble in New York City.  Sarah studied music at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Mitzy Sotelo

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 Lux singers! “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!

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.

Natalie Tiesi — I am so excited to be a part of Coro Lux. Originally from Georgia, I came to Albuquerque to study Spanish and Latin American Studies at UNM.  However, after a few years working, I decided to return to my first love of music.  I went back to school at UNM, got a music education degree, and now I spend my days singing, dancing, and teaching wonderful children at Ernest Stapleton Elementary School in Rio Rancho.  When I’m not singing (which must mean I’m asleep), I’m hanging out with my husband and our beautiful daughter, Annabelle (and we are probably singing too).

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!

Elizabeth (“Lizzie”) Wenrich — Lizzie has enjoyed being an Elementary Music Teacher with APS since 2007. One of her favorite kid quotes is, “Mrs. Wenrich, when you use your Opera Voice your earrings twinkle”. When she is not teaching, Lizzie is a mother of two smarty pants daughters and the wife of a silly husband who can still make her giggle.

Vicky Wood is an elementary music teacher with Albuquerque Public Schools. She originally hails from Maryland but has been living in Albuquerque for over ten years and has no plans to leave. She is Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator for Coro Lux as well as Treasurer for New Mexico AOSA, so it’s a good thing she has summers off to regain her sanity! During her free time, she prefers to either travel the world or hang out at home with her cats.

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.