Westchester Children's Chorus Welcomes New Board Members

Larchmont, New York (May 18, 2021) — The Westchester Children’s Chorus (WCChorus), a non-profit organization empowering children through choral education, is pleased to announce the election of two Members-at-Large to its Board of Directors: Justin O’Leary and Cara Bernard.

Mr. Justin O’Leary is a real estate investor and developer at PILOT Real Estate Group in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he invests in debt and equity opportunities across the US. He earned a Master’s in Real Estate Finance from New York University’s Shack Real Estate Institute and holds a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Skidmore College. Justin is also a singer who recognizes the incredible impact music teachers can have on their students, communities, and the arts.

Dr. Cara Bernard is Assistant Clinical Professor of Music Education at the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education, where she teaches courses in choral and elementary methods, curriculum, and supervises student teaching. She currently serves on the editorial committees of Music Educators Journal, Arts Education Policy Review, and Visions of Research in Music Education. She is co-author of the book Navigating Teacher Evaluation: A Guide for Music Teachers, published by Oxford University Press.

Justin and Cara join a Board of Directors composed of the following members: Audrey Decker, President of the Board and co-founder of Street Art for Mankind, Nikki Hahn, Vice-president of the Board and Director of Development at the Women’s Enterprise Development Center, Amanda O’Neill, Treasurer of the Board and Management Consultant and Erin Gajda, Secretary of the Board and teacher in Mamaroneck Public Schools. Learn more https://www.wcchorus.org/bod

Amanda Gundling, WCChorus Artistic and Executive Director, stated, "I am thrilled to welcome both Justin and Cara to the WCChorus family. Justin's background in singing and his enthusiasm for the choral arts is contagious. As a successful real estate investor and developer, his professional experience is sure to elevate our team. Cara has been a mentor to me throughout my entire teaching career. A gifted educator, pianist and singer, Cara's expertise will help the Westchester Children's Chorus grow and thrive. I think I speak on behalf of the Artistic Team when I say, we could not be happier with the addition of these two individuals."

About WCChorus

WCChorus is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that engages and empowers our diverse community of children through choral education and performance opportunities. Our commitment to artistry and performance creates a collaborative space with hands-on musical learning experiences, while bringing cultural events to the residents of Westchester and its surrounding areas. The organization was founded in 2015 and consists of three auditioned ensembles for students in grades 2-12.

For more information about The Westchester Children’s Chorus visit https://www.wcchorus.org/