Our Adult Leaders
Kendra Balmer
Kendra Balmer is a conductor from Dallas, Pennsylvania. She received her degree in Music Education in 2011 and her Masters in Choral Conducting in 2017 from Temple University. Kendra is a founding Teaching Artist with Sister Cities Girlchoir and has served as Director of Music at schools in Philadelphia and South Africa.
Balmer has lectured and performed in North America, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Currently, Kendra serves as Adjunct Professor and Artist-In-Residence at Temple University and conducts the Vagina Chorus.
Shahara Benson
A graduate of Millersville University, Shahara Benson is a passionate educator who has taught in both Chester and Philadelphia classrooms for over 10 years. She has also been a staple of the local choral singing community as both soloist and member, having sung with ensembles including Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia, Lancaster City Choir, Music for Everyone Choir, Temple University’s Singing Owls Choir, and Choral Arts Philadelphia. She is a student of Cory O'Neill Walker Vocal Studio.
Anne Agresta Dugan
Anne Agresta Dugan is a professional singer, choral conductor, voice teacher and a passionate educator who holds a B.M. in Music Education & Elementary Education from the Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam and an MA in Theatre from SUNY Albany.
She has extensive experience teaching music in grades K-12 and has performed in opera, oratorio and art song nationally. Anne is a Founding Teaching Artist with Sister Cities Girlchoir where she is also the Manager of Community Partnerships.
JACKIE FOX
Eights years with Sister Cities Girlchoir with over 20 years in administration. I have an affinity for music, an always be positive attitude, and I welcome change and possibilities with open arms. I have a passion for helping others and feeding people. I work with many non-profit organizations and wear many hats... mother, admin, cook, counseling and more. My love for SCG is limitless and I will continue to support all that WE stand for.
Alysia Lee, Founder
Kennedy Center Citizen Artist, Alysia Lee has a full-circle role as an artist, arts educator, teaching artist, and policymaker.
Alysia receives national recognition for advancing access, equity, and decolonization with artists, organizations, and communities. Her methods center on anti-racism, creativity, and justice.
She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Sister Cities Girlchoir (SCG), the El Sistema-inspired, girl empowerment choral academy in Philadelphia, Camden, and Baltimore in its twelth season. Lee was selected from an international pool of applicants to the third cohort of the Sistema Fellowship at New England Conservatory in 2011.
Lee recently concluded her tenure as the education program supervisor for Fine Arts Education for the Maryland State Department of Education across five arts disciplines: music, dance, visual art, theatre, and media arts. She is the President-Elect of the State Education Agency Directors of Arts Education (SEADAE).
Alysia is the series editor of Hal Leonard’s Exigence for Young Voices, the new choral series uplifting Black and Latino composers for young choir ensembles. Her piece ‘Say Her Name’ is published by Hal Leonard.
Lee is a faculty member of the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. Additionally, she is a Board member of Chorus America. Alysia Lee is an experienced performer and pedagogue with a passion for community building and girl empowerment. alysialee.com
Accompanying Staff
Irina Bakis
Irina Bakis is a proud accompanist for the Travel choir o and Partnership Schools choirs of Sister Cities Girlchoir since 2017. Irina is also an accompanist for Commonwealth Youthchoirs, Pennsylvania Youth Chorale, and Find Your Instrument! organization. She is a Music Director and Organist at Holy Nativity Episcopal Church, and a busy piano teacher.
Irina completed her Master's degree in Piano Performance and Teaching at Prokofiev Conservatoire in Donetsk, Ukraine.