Mission:
The Tallahassee Girls Choir of C.H.O.I.C.E. exists to develop girls, ages eight to eighteen, into young women who have the passion to become classy, active and responsible citizens of this community, exemplifying a heightened sense of self esteem and excellence as well as an enhanced appreciation for social and cultural graces, various musical styles and the arts.

Schedule:
Meet Tuesday and Thursday weekly at 5:30 p.m.
Bethel A.M.E. Church
501 W. Orange Ave.
Tallahassee, Florida
(850) 576-7501

Background:
Since the inception of the Girls’ Choir in 2002 the vision has been to establish a girl’s choir with all of the condiments that will empower and enable girls to grow socially, emotionally, culturally and musically. This mission was driven to side tract the social ills that are pervasive throughout our daily environment.

The Director:
Dr. Rosalie Hill is the executive director and founder of the Girls’ Choir. She serves as a liaison to the parents, the Advisory Board and the Bethel By The Lake, Inc. Primary duties of the director are selecting and teaching music to the choir and directing the choir. While doing these things she also develops and schedules rehearsals and performance with assistance from the musician and planning coordinator. She additionally coordinates with musicians, choreographer and choir assistants about logistics for performance.

The Staff:
Tamera Reese, a native of Rochester New York is a music major at Florida A&M University, one of the accompanists for the FAMU Concert Choir and organist for Bethel AME Church, Monticello. An extremely talented gospel musician, she serves as assistant director, accompanist and teaches gospel music. She has been with the choir for three years.

Devonna Johnson, a native of Miami, FL has conducted workshops throughout Miami Dade County, taught at several local dance studios, and served as Dance Director for St. Paul’s Praise Dance Ministry. While pursuing her studies at FAMU she has performed in numerous faculty and student choreographic works. She serves as Dance & Movement Coordinator for the choir unifying song with dance.

Gerri Respass, a native of New York, New York is a professionally trained contralto with an extraordinary voice range. A retired social worker, she has played the role of “Lilly” in the Broadway production of Porgy and Bess Opera for a number of years, traveling five continents and throughout the United States. Mrs. Respass assists with teaching voice parts and well serve as the Enrichment Coordinator by obtaining and contacting guest speakers and coordinating developmental programs for the choir.

Yuka Fujioka, a native of Osaka, Japan is a student in the master’s program studying organ performance at Florida State University. A member of the Organist Guild, she frequently performs on programs and recitals. An excellent classical musician, she serves as accompanist and assistant director.

Neysa Hill, a native of Gainesville, Florida is a student in the doctoral program studying public administration at Florida State University. She assists Dr. Hill as the office manager by creating and maintaining computerized data, documents, and arranges for space and supplies.

Lillie Tinsley, a native of Perry, FL was a student of Dr. Rose Hill at Jerkins High School where she was a beautiful lyric Soprano. Upon moving to Tallahassee she received a certificate in Public Administration from FSU. Lillie’s the wife of Rev. Walter Tinsley and the mother of two children. She loves music ands kids states that “it is a privilege to be involved again in music.” As assistant Director, she mentors and helps in vocal coaching and character building activities.

Thelma Hannon, a native of Pensacola, FL is a retired Educator. She serves as the Academic Coordinator by overseeing homework activities, collecting progress reports, and acting as a liaison between the choir and the girls’ schools.