About Womansong

About Womansong

Womansong of Asheville is a community chorus and a village of women. Founded by Linda Metzner in 1986, Womansong's Mission is:

to promote musical expression and creativity among women in the Western North Carolina community through the operation of a women's choral group;
to educate the members about music and musical performance;
to educate the community about healing and diversity through music, musical performances and outreach;

to serve the community by promoting unity and social change; and

to promote a safe environment and nourishment for musical expression.

"I'm in awe at how my life has changed since I became a part of this beloved village."

We provide a place for women's emotional, creative, & spiritual nourishment, healing, and support, as we celebrate the unity, diversity, & empowerment of women through music.

For more information about volunteering or joining, email webmaster@womansong.org

"I love it when my family grows, and you are part of my family."

"...an only child, now I have 50+ sisters
and you are all very special to me."

Shiner Antiorio, music sign language interpreter, delightfully and creatively interprets our songs at most of our concerts.

"What a gift you all give with your voices, thank you for allowing me to sing with my hands." - S.A.

Womansong is open to all woman who love to sing. Reading music is not required - just sing in tune! We invite you to visit a rehearsal and experience our musical community!

We have three Sections and usually sing in three parts: Soprano, Middle, Alto.
Womansong has decided on a maximum capacity of 75 members to keep our feeling of community. There is now an audition process. To keep a balance between Sections, there may be a waiting list if your Section currently is "full."
We pay monthly dues to help defray operating expenses.
We are self-governed by our Wise Woman Council, consisting of a coordinator, our director, and representatives from each of our project teams. Meetings are open to all members.
You must attend rehearsal regularly for the two months before a "big concert" to sing in that concert. (And ALL music must be memorized.) (If you are not singing, there's always a support job you can do for that concert!)

Our singing and community efforts are founded in the common spirit of women working and singing together. Together we are powerful!

"I had no idea how much fun I would have and how blessed I would be to become a part of such a powerful group of women. Thanks for accepting me and being there."

Our music spans an almost infinite array of themes as we celebrate women's lives - our empowerment, our spirituality, our relationship with the Earth, our healing, and our humor. We proclaim our unity and honor cultural diversity in song.

Many of our songs are original pieces composed by members of our group. We accompany our songs with a delightful variety of instruments.

Your attendance and participation are always needed and appreciated!

"Womansong of Asheville" is incorporated as a non-profit organization, and you can help in other ways:

You or your business can donate materials or services (it's tax deductible).
Be a benefactor for a special project.
Become a "Special Friend" of Womansong with your donation large or small
Volunteer to help produce a major concert with your funds (as a "Sponsor") or by purchasing Program advertising.
Volunteer your time to help with publicity, poster placement, lobby/usher team, etc.
Donate merchandise or services when we have an Auction Fundraising Concert... and then come buy some of our great stuff!
Donate to Womansong's New Start Fund

Womansong has many talented instrumental accompanists... We accompany ourselves with piano and our percussion ensemble (hand drums, shakers, claves, frame drums, etc.) We may also use flute, guitar, fiddle, marimba, harmonium, bass, penny whistle, ukelele, clarinet, drumset, banjo, dulcimer, kazoo, or whatever else we have!

Althea Gonzalez, Debbie Nordeen

"Debbie and Althea set [the] kind and loving tone for the group, and we all follow their lead! They achieve the results they're looking for, but always with love in their hearts... this is leadership at its finest."

Artistic Director: Debbie Nordeen received her Music Education degree from Northern Illinois University. During her career she has directed & performed in professional musical theatre and has been a featured soloist performing in major cities across America and abroad. Debbie teaches voice both privately and at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. She began as Director of Womansong in 1994, where she combines her theatrical flair with a compassionate heart and exceptional community building.

"My heart is so full. Love does come in many forms, and one main form is music....you all are the instruments for the soul to express itself, through the magical, divine art of music and song. I feel so fortunate to be in this symphony of life together."- D.N.

Assistant Director: Althea Gonzalez, a native of Miami, joined Womansong in 1999. Althea earned a degree in Romance Languages from the University of Chicago where she sang in the choir. She has always loved song and the spoken word as artistic expression; she also plays piano and enjoys being a member of the creative & caring village of Womansong. Althea is a member of Toastmasters and was honored as an outstanding woman at Asheville's 2007 Women's Expo. She works throughout Asheville as an advocate focusing on issues faced by our African-American and Latino communities.

"Beautiful women, power in our unity, our love.
You are all an amazing joy!" - A.G.

Last modified: 2008-07-31 by Lyte

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