Staff and Board of Directors
STAFF
She is a passionate musician and arts advocate with a background in performance, education, and marketing. As a mezzo-soprano, Ruby has performed in operas, concerts, and new music premieres across the U.S. and Europe, with roles in Cendrillon, Hänsel und Gretel, Suor Angelica, and Mozart’s Requiem. Prior to joining Boston City Singers, she worked as the Marketing Manager for the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park and as Social Media Manager for the Department of Music at Rollins College.
In addition to her work in arts administration, Ruby is a creative professional who enjoys graphic design, photography, and helping artists and nonprofits tell their stories in authentic and engaging ways. A lifelong Beatles fan, she brings warmth, curiosity, and humor to all her work.
Ruby holds a Master of Music from the Longy School of Music of Bard College, where she was a Garth and Lindsay Greimann Equity Scholar, and a B.A. in Music from Rollins College.
J. Andrés Ballesteros is a composer, educator, and arts administrator whose work blends classical music with narrative, community, and social justice. Andrés’ educational work connects music to a community context and centers student voices, experiences, and cultures in music creation. He has made music with youth on the topics of immigration, the climate crisis, and the Latine experience. He has worked with young people through organizations and institutions including Harvard University, La Colaborativa, the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, and more, as well as with students at public schools in Boston and beyond. Previously, he taught as a faculty member in the music department at Boston Arts Academy for 7 years.
As a composer, his music showcases a “versatility of style and memorable hooks” (Boston Musical Intelligencer), with commissions and performances around the country and the world. He has been a leader on issues of representation and community work in classical music, with recognitions including being named a Boston Latino 30 Under 30 honoree, invitations to speak at the League of American Orchestras National Conference, and a profile in Ana Francisca Vega’s book Corazón de Mexicanos Como Yo, highlighting 50 Mexican Americans who broke boundaries. He is excited to continue his work with Boston City Singers!
Sepehr is a pianist, opera coach, and aspiring conductor, currently pursuing an opera coaching degree at the New England Conservatory of Music. He holds a master’s degree in Collaborative Piano from the University of Maryland and a bachelor’s degree in Piano Performance from the University of Tehran. Throughout his studies, he has studied with many renowned teachers in the field, such as Rita Sloan, Martin Katz, Kathleen Kelly, and Cameron Stowe. He has attended various summer programs, including the Aspen Music Festival and School, Dandelion Opera Institute, and Miami Music Festival, in order to learn new skills, further develop his craft and make music with a diverse group of people.
Sepehr has played for various choirs throughout his studies, the most recent of which would be the “Opera Chorus” and the “Men’s Chorus” at the University of Maryland. He has also taken advanced choral conducting classes with Edward Maclary in Maryland. Moreover, he has taught piano, harmony, and solfege at various music schools and institutions throughout his studies, teaching a very diverse group of students from very different age groups and levels. Most recently, he has served as a teaching assistant at the New England Conservatory, teaching piano lessons to non-major students.
Sharon Hamel is the Cantare Director and Music Educator for Boston City Singers’ Cambridge division, working with students in grades 6–9. With over 30 years of experience in music education, she specializes in vocal and choral development rooted in the Kodály philosophy. Sharon holds degrees in Music Education and Creative Arts in Learning, and is currently completing her PhD in Leadership at Andrews University, where her dissertation explores joyful learning in the Kodály classroom. In addition to her work with Boston City Singers, she directs school and community choirs, teaches general and choral music in Cambridge Public Schools, and leads workshops on music, mentorship, and artistic healing. Her work is grounded in the belief that music is a transformative force for connection, confidence, and community.
Ashlyn Hull is a first year MM vocal pedagogy student. She graduated summa cum laude from Stetson University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a vocal concentration. During her student teaching internship, she worked with elementary students, fostering a love of music and creativity through inclusive and joyful music-making. She also assistant directed Spruce Creek Elementary School’s production of Finding Nemo Jr. As a performer, Ashlyn has sung in operas, musicals, large ensembles, and chamber choirs, and has served as soprano/alto section leader, guest conductor, and guest music director at Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church in Ormond Beach, Florida. She is passionate about programming works from under-represented composers in her own performances, along with encouraging her students to do the same. Ashlyn is continuing her studies at The Boston Conservatory, where she seeks to expand her experience teaching voice across styles and to students from all walks of life. She is especially interested in researching the relationship between hormones and vocal production, with the goal of developing and sharing techniques that can benefit singers/teachers worldwide. Outside of her musical work, Ashlyn enjoys reading, analyzing film and television, and spending time with her white tabby cat, Freddie.
Alex Karau is a dynamic and engaging musician and educator who strives to create an encouraging musical and learning environment. Having background in musical theater, opera and choral literature, he is well versed in many forms of Western vocal music. He is currently attending the Longy School of Music pursuing his Master’s degree in Vocal Studies. You may see him as Father Lestant in Longy’s upcoming production of William Grant Still’s A Bayou Legend, as well as many future opera productions.
Kimani joined Boston City Singers in 2012 as World Rhythm Ensemble Director. He is a vibrant music educator who is passionate about the percussion and dance traditions of West Africa and the African diaspora. He performs with a variety of musical groups including the Haitian Drum and Dance Company, Fantezi Kreyol, the Art of Black Music and Dance, Silimbo African Dance Company and Lamine Toure with Group Saloum. Kimani grew up in Kingston, Jamaica, where he studied classical piano, and traditional Jamaican and Caribbean drumming at the Jamaica School of Music. Currently, Kimani teaches music and traditional percussion at the Lincoln School in Providence, Rhode Island, an independent, college preparatory school for girls in Grades 1 through 12.
Ruth Ross has been the staff accompanist for our Jamaica Plain division for many years. She holds a Bachelor’s and Master's Degree in Piano from Boston University and is an accompanist for the Newton Public Schools. She has a private teaching studio and is the pianist on Aline Shader’s CD “Singing to Benefit Children.” Ruth has performed as a soloist and also as accompanist for many instrumentalists and singers.
Jane E. Money is a native New Zealander who has lived in Dorchester for over 35 years. She co-founded Boston City Singers in 1995 as a division of Youth Pro Musica. Jane’s professional interest lies in crafting outstanding opportunities and outcomes far beyond the structure of a traditional community youth chorus. A frequent workshop presenter and adjudicator (Chorus America, American Choral Directors Association, American Guild of Organists). Jane holds master’s degrees in music from Auckland University, in music education from Trinity College of Music in London, and in engineering from Boston University. As a former engineer and project manager, she has brought a wide-range of skills to support the growth of Boston City Singers. She is a member of the Celebrity Series of Boston Community Engagement Committee, Boston City Singers Board of Directors, and American Choral Directors Association where as a former Repertoire and Standards chairperson for Children’s Choruses she co-founded “The Big Sing,” annual festivals for young choirs from around New England. She has been recognized for her work with urban youth from numerous civic, educational and arts organizations. (Dorchester).
Wendy Silverberg is an accomplished vocalist and pianist who joined the staff of Boston City Singers’ in 2011. In 2012, she co-founded the Cambridge Children’s Chorus division. Wendy retired from the Cambridge Public Schools after four decades of teaching music to young children. She earned a degree in music education from the University of Rhode Island, a Master’s Degree in Education from Antioch College and a Certificate from the Kodály Musical Training Institute, New England Conservatory of Music. Wendy has served on the board of the Boston Area Kodály Educators and has sung with The Boston Cecilia since 1972. Since 2013, Wendy has traveled to Argentina, China, Norway, South Africa and Puerto Rico with Boston City Singers. (Cambridge)
Conservatory: Longy School of Music at Bard College
Laura is a Colombian soprano from Valledupar-Cesar with a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from EAFIT University and a one-year graduate degree in cultural management from the University of Rosario. She is about to get her 2-year Master's in Cultural Management degree and is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Vocal Studies at Longy School of Music of Bard College. Laura has trained with renowned teachers, participated in masterclasses, and performed with various choirs and orchestras. As a soloist, she has sung with many artists and appeared in operas such as "The Magic Flute." She is also actively involved in several cultural projects, and besides opera, is passionate about the native music and expressions from her hometown.
Bella Zambrano is an actor, musician, and teacher from Houston, TX, with a passion for all things musical theater. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Southern Methodist University, and she is very excited to now be pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theater Vocal Pedagogy at Boston Conservatory. Before attending Boston Conservatory, Bella worked in Dallas, TX as a general music classroom teacher for elementary and middle school students, as well as a private instructor for voice, piano, and ukulele. Her favorite theater and opera credits include Natasha (Great Comet), Johanna (Sweeney Todd), Lucia (The Rape of Lucretia), and Betty Parris (The Crucible). In her free time, she enjoys biking, exploring new places with friends, and looking for really, really good cinnamon rolls.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Kara is passionate about serving the greater good and has found tremendous joy throughout her career in nonprofit work. With nearly 25 years of experience, Kara has been proud to hold leadership fundraising positions for organizations such as the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Chicago Foundation for Women, and Storycorps. Prior to returning to her Northeastern roots, Kara served as the first Executive Director for the Women’s Fund of Greater Chattanooga, a fund that began at a community foundation. Under her leadership, the fund was established as an independent nonprofit organization and is still serving the needs of women and girls in Chattanooga, TN today.
Kara has an undergraduate degree in Fiction Writing from Columbia College Chicago, and a Masters of Nonprofit Management from North Park University. She has served on the Board of Directors for the New York Shakespeare Exchange, Chicago Women in Philanthropy, and the Vestry of Thankful Memorial Church. She is currently serving on the Board of Directors for Commonwealth Kitchen in Boston.
Kara is enjoying her seventh year as the Senior Director of Annual Giving and Development Operations for Epiphany School in Dorchester. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing and teaching yoga, writing, reading, and spending time with her family and friends. She lives in Braintree with her wife and daughter and their two furry companions.
Jaap’s two children sang with Boston City Singers for many years. As an IT professional focused on Data and Analytics, he came from the Netherlands to the US in 1997. He has lived and worked in Boston ever since, and is currently the Director for Business Analytics for Road Scholar. Jaap is active in the school community of his children, having served as the registrar for the Boston Latin School crew team and treasurer for the Philbrick Parent Council. Through his church, Jaap is actively involved as a Summer Search mentor to college students. (Boston City Singers Alum)
Madie is the Senior Managing Director, Partner, and Co-Head of Technology for Wellington Management, Boston, a private, independent investment management firm with client assets under management totaling over US $1 trillion. As Co-Head of Technology, Madeleine jointly leads the global department responsible for all technology for the firm. Madeleine moved to the US from her native France to attend Columbia College, where she earned a BA in mathematics. Her bilingual education at an international school in France enabled her to develop fluency in both English and French. (Parent Representative, Winchester)
Community Representative
As a dedicated EMT with Boston EMS, Caleo has a strong commitment to his community’s well-being and progress. His passion extends beyond his career in emergency medical services, finding a remarkable outlet in his support for Boston City Singers. Caleo fervently believes in the transformative power of music and is deeply involved in creating opportunities for young talents in his community. Raised in the same community he now serves, he understands the challenges these students face and is driven to help them find their voices and confidence through music. Caleo is not just a healthcare worker but also a community builder, using his influence and resources to shape a better future for everyone around him.
Alex is the Senior Director, Regulatory Strategy, Global Regulatory Affairs at Sarepta Therapeutics in Cambridge. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from Tuft's University and Master of Science Degree in Chemical and Process Engineering and the Development of Electrochemical Biosensors from the Universitat Rovira I Virgili in Spain. Alex has pursued a career as a scientist at Shire Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, Adnexus and Bristol Myers Squibb of Waltham, and has served in numerous capacities at Sarepta since 2018. A resident of Boston's Brighton neighborhood, Alex is the father of a Boston City Singers' Tour Choir member. Parent Representative, 2023
Yasser, a Boston City Singers 2011 alumni, and Posse Scholar is an Execution Trader at WorldQuant in New York City. He was previously a member of the Global Markets team at State Street State Bank Corporation as a Trading and Algorithmic Strategist in Boston and a Quantitative Analyst within State Street’s Global Liquidity Risk Management team. Yasser is a graduate of Union College (NY) which he attended through a Posse Foundation Leadership Merit Scholarship with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, and a minor in Economics. A native of Morocco, Yasser speaks Arabic and standard Moroccan Berber. He joined Boston City Singers as a young teen. (Community Representative and Boston City Singers Alum, Quincy and Somerville, 2019)
Isabelle is a program coordinator II at the Boston Area Health Education Center (BAHEC) within the Boston Public Health Commission. She is a recent graduate of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Health and Society with a minor in Women's and Gender Studies with a magna cum laude distinction. At her time in college, she was a highly devoted and engaged student leader participating in various organizations from being a resident assistant to co-founding an organization called STEMming While Black. She was recognized for her efforts within her University community having been presented with awards for her efforts. Isabelle is an alumnus of the Boston City Singers having been a member of Cantare and the Tour Choir for several years. She performed at several locations including an international tour in South Africa. Isabelle has always wanted to give back to BCS, a community that has had a great impact on her growing up. She is finally able to do this as the secretary on the Board of Directors. (Boston City Singers Alum, Dorchester, 2017)Jane Money (Founding Artistic Director, Tour Choir and Dorchester Training Chorus Director) is a native New Zealander and has lived in Dorchester for nearly three decades. She co-founded Boston City Singers in 1995 as a division of Youth Pro Musica. Jane’s professional interest lies in crafting outstanding opportunities and outcomes far beyond the structure of a traditional community youth chorus. A frequent workshop presenter and adjudicator (Chorus America, American Choral Directors Association, American Guild of Organists). Jane holds master’s degrees in music from Auckland University, in music education from Trinity College of Music in London, and in engineering from Boston University. As a former engineer and project manager, she has brought a wide range of skills to support the growth of Boston City Singers. She is a member of the Celebrity Series of Boston Community Engagement Committee, Boston City Singers Board of Directors, and American Choral Directors Association where as a former Repertoire and Standards chairperson for Children’s Choruses she co-founded “The Big Sing,” annual festivals for young choirs from around New England. She has been recognized for her work with urban youth from numerous civic, educational and arts organizations. (1995, Faculty/Dorchester)
Mira (she/hers) sang for eight years with what is now Boston City Singers, then the Dorchester Division of Youth pro Musica. The sense of community and joy in singing she found in YpM/BCS was foundational and continues to shape her values today. A graduate of Simmons University with a BA in History, Mira works as a portrait photographer and lives in Arlington with her husband, three children, and their cat. When she’s not working, she enjoys knitting, cooking,
dancing, and going on adventures with her kids. Mira currently serves on the boards of Lesley Ellis School and Youth Traditional Song Weekend, as well as serving as Secretary/President of Muddy River Morris. She previously served on the boards of Boston Babywearers, Babywearing International, and the Boston Association of Childbirth Educators/Nursing Mothers’ Council.
Rose (she/hers) has been a Jamaica Plain Training Chorus and Cantare parent for a number of years. She’s a graduate of UMASS with a BA in Accounting and Finance, and holds a Masters degree in Higher Education Administration for Northeastern University. She works as a Treasury/Investor Relations Manager at CDM Smith, and has been with the company for 17 years. Prior to working at CDM Smith, she held positions with the Harvard University Employees Credit Union. Rose is bilingual, speaking English and Haitian Creole.
Jack is an experienced finance administrator with public and private sector perspectives and an eye for detail who as an entrepreneur is a general partner at Homestead Bakery & Café and can advise on business creation and management.
He currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Boston Uncornered, a non-profit that equips young people with the attitude, skills, and experience to graduate from college, focusing on engaging gang-involved youth to become positive leaders in their community.
At the same time, Jack is the principal of Jack Wu & Associates, a minority-owned small consulting firm specializing in restoring, maintaining, and improving nonprofit and government clients’ financial health.
Previously Jack was the Director of Finance at the Pawtucket Housing Authority, a public agency dedicated to providing affordable rental and homeownership opportunities to low- and moderate-income families in Pawtucket, RI. While at City Year, a non-profit organization that unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service, with the goal of ultimately boosting graduation rates and furnishing the youth with skills and opportunities to change the world, he served as the Senior Grant Accountant/Senior Financial Analyst. He served in a similar role at the District of Columbia Housing Authority.
Parent and Community Representative
David is an infectious disease specialist who lives in Jamaica Plain. He completed his residency and MPH in Boston and now has practice locations at Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Dimock Health in Roxbury. He is also the Medical Director for infectious disease and infection control at Atrius Health. In his professional life and work, David works to treat and prevent infectious conditions. He is interested in and focuses on conditions that disproportionately affect under-resourced and marginalized persons. In his work, he addresses the structural and societal underpinnings of many infectious conditions and strives to reduce the societal stigma associated with infectious conditions. David has worked with schools and community-based organizations to ensure that connection and community building for children continue in a safe and inclusive environment. From an early age, David experienced firsthand the tremendous power of community building through music. Few things make him happier than seeing his daughter joyfully singing with the Boston City Singers.