What a wonderful organization for young people to be involved with! We are deeply grateful for the music educators that have led our student thus far. Tacoma Youth Chorus leads our son towards excellence but also creates a fun environment for him to learn in. We look forward to the years ahead! ”
TYC parent
Judith Herrington, Founder and Artistic Director | Director, Chamber Choir, Treble Choir and Chorale
Judith Herrington is the Founder and Artistic Director of Tacoma Youth Chorus and conductor of the Treble Choir, Chorale, and Chamber Choir. Mrs. Herrington is recently retired from 44 years of teaching and conducting at Charles Wright Academy where she was the recipient of the Inspirational Faculty Award and Murray Foundation Chair for Teaching Excellence. A graduate of the University of Oregon, Mrs. Herrington earned her Master of Education degree from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Having served in several leadership positions for the WA-American Choral Directors Association Board, she is the 2011 recipient of its Leadership and Service Award. She is an inaugural member of the School of Arts and Communication Advisory Board at Pacific Lutheran University. Mrs. Herrington is highly regarded internationally, nationally and regionally as a guest conductor, workshop and choral clinician. She has served as visiting faculty at VanderCook College of Music, University of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran University and was recently inducted into the Washington State Music Educators Association Hall of Fame. A noted composer and arranger, she has published through Pavane Publishing, Hal Leonard Publishing, and Colla Voce Publishing. She also edits two choral series for Pavane Publishing. Email Mrs. Herrington.
Alonso Brizuela | Director, Tenor-Bass Choir
Alonso Brizuela, director of the Tenor/Bass Choir, is currently the choir director at Lakes High School in Lakewood, WA. Mr. Brizuela holds a Masters of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington and a Bachelor of Music Education from Pacific Lutheran University. A native of Tacoma and alumnus of TYC, Alonso is an active participant in the local music community; he sings in PLU Choral Union and adjudicates at Solo & Ensemble Contests, and Large Group Festivals around the region. He also is the current Tenor/Bass Repertoire and Resources Chair for the Northwest Division of the American Choral Directors Association and participates in many ACDA and NAfME events in the area. Email Mr. Brizuela.
Katie Brizuela | Director, Concert Choir, Music Makers
Katie Brizuela has been teaching music in the Puget Sound Region for the last 12 years. She received a Bachelor of Music Education from Pacific Lutheran University and Master of Music Education from Eastern Washington University. Mrs. Brizuela also completed Orff Levels I, II, and III from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, is a recent participant in Cascade Conducting Choral Masterclass and is currently an adjunct professor at Pacific Lutheran University. Email Mrs. Brizuela.