President, Cindy Lou Beherns
Cindy Lou started her love of singing in high school and continued on as an adult. While she was living in Minnesota for 32 years, she was a member of the Sisters of Song and sang at her church. She has been with The Chorale of Southwest Florida for seven years and also sings with Christus Victor Lutheran church and with The Lyrical Ladies of Estero. Cindy Lou worked in education for 25 years in Minnesota and was a drama advisor, director, and producer of many shows at the High School level. She has also used her talents to design posters, manage ticket sales, and create the programs for the largest school in Minnesota.
What brings her joy?
while singing, of course!
Vice President, Bob Ritchie
Bob has been a singer for decades, having been a member of the Huntington Chorale Society (NY) under the direction of Andrew Householder, who directed at NYU in addition to the HCS. He also sang with the Fairfield County Chorale (CT) under the direction of David Rosenmeyer, who also serves as the Associate Conductor of the prestigious Oratorio Society of New York. Both chorales offer a broad range of classical and contemporary choral music. Bob also brings a sound financial background as a senior executive with several large global financial institutions. Holding a BS degree in Business Administration and Economics, an MBA degree in Finance, and an MS degree in Accounting and Taxation, and with over 30 years of experience in operations, audit, and compliance, he brings a solid business perspective to the board.
Ruth Lindmeyer, Director of Music
Ruth studied Music Education at the University of Minnesota, completing both undergraduate and graduate work with an emphasis on vocal music, and has over 40 years of experience. She is certified to teach orchestra and band for grades K–12 and has presented numerous workshops for music textbook companies and elementary classroom educators. Ruth’s vibrant energy inspires and uplifts our members, creating a joyful and engaging musical environment.
As a child, I can remember always singing. My dad always sang mostly musical tunes to the children, and my mother played classical piano. When my sister and I were very young, we would sing harmony to popular songs for small audiences. In third grade, my music teacher would ask me to sing the part that we were learning to the class. These experiences gave me the confidence to continue singing in glee clubs and Chorale groups for the remainder of my life! Before joining The Chorale of South West Florida, I sang with Seaglass Chorale of Kennebunkport, performing a range of music that included classical, Gershwin, Opera, Broadway, and other popular pieces.
Rita Korn, Director at Large
Mike Ruland, Treasurer
Mona Kotchmar, Secretary