Dr. Barbara M. Tagg,

President of the Board of Directors for Vocal Essence of the Southern Tier (VEST), is a nationally recognized leader in choral artistry and education—she quite literally wrote the book on how to start a children’s and youth choir in her influential book, Before the Singing (Oxford University Press). A lifelong advocate for choral excellence and access, Dr. Tagg served for 37 years on the faculty at Syracuse University, where she founded the acclaimed Syracuse Children’s Chorus and led the Syracuse University Women’s Choir for two decades. In addition to her book, her work has earned numerous honors from Chorus America, ACDA, and ASCAP, and continues to guide educators worldwide. Through her visionary leadership, Dr. Tagg brings a wealth of experience in community-building, creative programming, and empowering young voices—values that lie at the heart of VEST’s mission.

Anita Lewis

Chief Development Officer, Economic Opportunity Program (EOP) of Chemung & Schuyler Counties

Anita Lewis, a lifelong resident of Elmira, NY, is the newest member of the Board of Directors of VEST. She has dedicated her career to strengthening the community she calls home. For more than 25 years, she has served as Chief Development Officer for the Economic Opportunity Program (EOP) of Chemung and Schuyler Counties, overseeing program operations and funding development while staying deeply connected to community service. A passionate advocate for youth development and accessible services, Anita also serves on the Board of The Arc of Chemung Schuyler, inspired in part by her son’s lifelong journey with the agency.

Anita is proud of Elmira’s resilience, friendliness, and family-oriented spirit. She believes in helping others as she was once helped, striving always to “fix things and see them succeed.” Beyond her professional and civic commitments, she enjoys performing with her band, Top Shelf, and celebrating the beauty and culture of the Southern Tier. Anita encourages newcomers to explore the region’s lakes, wineries, events, and welcoming community life, which she feels too often goes underrated.

VEST is so proud to partner with Anita, and welcomes her expertise, generous spirit, love of music, and passion for her community’s success!

Register or just show up to meet Artistic Director Dr. Morgan Jolley, learn more about VEST’s upcoming ensembles, and find the perfect fit for your voice. Singers will have a short voicing (not an audition!) to be placed in the right choir, with opportunities to register on-site. Whether you’re a child, teen, or adult, this is your chance to discover where your voice belongs! 🎶

HarVEST Sing Weekend Intensive

October 24-25

7-9pm Friday, 9am-4pm Saturday

Rehearsals: 360 Aurora, Elmira Heights

Free Concert Saturday, October 25, 7pm

The Park Church, Elmira

Singer Registration- $25

Register Here: https://vest.choirgenius.com/store/front

HarVEST Sing is a joyful intergenerational community event created by Vocal Essence of the Southern Tier (VEST) to bring people together through the transformative power of singing. This weekend intensive is designed for anyone who loves to sing — children, teens, adults, and older adults alike — with no auditions required. By gathering voices across ages and backgrounds, HarVEST Sing celebrates inclusion, connection, and the simple joy of making music together. Rooted in VEST’s mission of access, wellness, and musical excellence, the event removes barriers so that everyone can experience the healing, unity, and fun that come from raising our voices as one community.

Twice each year, the VEST Community Sings bring together people of all ages for an intergenerational, open-to-all pop-up chorus.