Empire State VESTival Voices Concert

Saturday, February 21, 2026

6pm

The Park Church, Elmira

Tickets sold in advance online and at the door prior to 6pm

Questions? E-mail info@vestny.org

Didn’t attend the first week? Just Show up!

It’s also your chance to bring a friend to extend our community to those you know and love!

They can just show up. No registration needed.

Questions? E-mail info@vestny.org

Registration extended!

It’s your last chance to register to audition for the Empire State VESTival Voices!

Join this premier adult auditioned ensemble as we experience the joy of collaborative singing with excellence and joy Feb. 2-21, 2026! 🎶

If auditioning isn’t your thing-check out the Intergenerational Gospel Chorus and/or BloomVEST-our next big community sing! May 22-23, 2026

Welcome to our newest member of the Board of Directors, Nancy Eraca, Esq.

Nancy Erace, Esq. is a retired attorney and lifelong advocate for justice, education, and the arts. Originally from Beacon, New York, she built a 35-year career in criminal defense and family law after earning her Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law and completing a Summer Law Program at Oxford University. She also taught at Corning Community College and served over two decades as President of the Chemung County Bail Project Board. A devoted supporter of music education, she raised three musically active children, including Dr. Gabrielle Cornish, a musicologist at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She now enjoys travel, family, and community service.

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!