Board member Spotlight: Barbara Tagg, President

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.