Director & Accompanist

My love of music began at an early age, growing up in a family filled with musicians, storytellers, and performers. I sang with my Pop, in church and school choirs, with Sweet Adeline, and in the University of Washington choruses.

I retired as a U.S. Navy Captain after nearly 30 years of service. During those busy years, singing mostly took a back seat—except for the occasional karaoke!

My husband, (Santa) Rick, and I moved to St. Augustine in 2023. After meeting our director, Kerry, at an opera fundraiser in 2025, I was hooked! I’ve also sung with the St. Augustine Community Chorus and Chamber Singers.

I love choral music, but nothing beats the camaraderie of women making beautiful music together. Come join our family—or join us at our next concert!

 Although I loved teaching choral music at Sandalwood High School and serving as principal for both Alfred I. duPont and Duncan Fletcher Middle Schools, retirement is the most beautiful thing!! The privilege of singing and traveling with North Florida Women’s Chorale nourishes my soul and brings me great joy.

Prior to 34 years in education, musical opportunities included performances for Gilbert & Sullivan Theatre in Balboa Park, CA, featured soloist with the University of California at San Diego La Jolla Symphony Chorus, leading roles in college and community theatre productions in my hometown, Laurel,

Mississippi, and serving as Director of Music for military chapels and churches.

I earned two master's degrees. One in music from the University of Southern Mississippi and the other in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida. The award I am most proud of is the “Positive Polly Award” for being the most likely to Shine through any “Hitch in the giddy-up!”

 I am Linda Roeser, secretary for NFWC. My family tells me that I started singing at the age of 3, standing on a table at “Happy’s” bar in Sandusky, Ohio. But seriously, I started singing in chorale groups 25 years ago in Virginia Beach, VA. I enjoyed singing with Virginia Voices International, Bellissima, Symphonicity, and my church choirs. Moving from Virginia Beach 3 years ago I quickly connected with Saint Augustine Community Chorus, North Florida Women’s Chorale, Inspirarei, and the Saint Augustine Chamber Singers and continue to enjoy my love of singing here in Florida. I grew up in Ohio but spent most of my life in Virginia Beach where I had a successful career in the corporate world managing people and processes for many years. After retiring (the first time) I spent 8 years teaching Kindergarten and enjoyed every second. I am blessedwith 2 beautiful daughters and their husbands, and 3 amazing grandchildren. Along with my passion for singing, I also enjoy riding my bicycle, reading, yoga, and traveling. 

As the Treasurer, it’s no surprise that I have an affinity with numbers and a master’s degree in Finance. However, it’s my creative side that most describes me. I love DIY home projects, travel, dogs and reading, but it’s singing that fills my soul. It seems I’ve always been in some singing and/or dancing group, except for those busy years of raising kids. Singing and creating music with these fabulous women is a joyful privilege. 

  Hello,  My name is Jane Bastiansen and I am the concert coordinator for the North Florida Women’s Chorale.  I started singing in junior high and it continued into high school where I sang with the school choir and  also in a four part harmony acappella group.  I moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida in 2016 by way of Minnesconsin.
I joined the North Florida Women’s Chorale in 2017
and have thoroughly enjoyed singing with this group of talented women. My great grandfather was a piano and organ maker and his daughter my grandmother was an opera singer. I guess I have music in my blood. 

 I grew up in Jacksonville. After graduating from FSU, I joined the Navy. After 5 years in the Navy, I resigned and became a Navy wife. I followed him all over the U.S. and Europe. He retired and we lived in Ohio for 21 years. After his retirement in Ohio, we moved back to Jacksonville. I joined NFWC immediately and have been with them for 24 years. While I was traveling, I found a group to sing with wherever I was, but I have to say the Chorale has been the most rewarding and fun to be a part of. I sing with 2 other groups – Singers by the Sea and Palms Presbyterian Choir but the Chorale can’t be beat. 

Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I have always loved singing and especially love the way music can touch people and stir emotions. I have been a member of the North Florida Women’s Chorale since 2022, where I sing in the Alto section.

Over the years, I have sung with the Tuscaloosa County High School Girls Chorus, the St. Augustine High School A Cappella Choir, and the choir and praise team at University Church. Today, I continue to share my love of music as a member of the Praise Team at Christian Family Chapel.

Outside of music, my greatest joy is my family. I am the mother of five, grandmother of nine, and I share my home with Moses, my cat.

 Music has been a lifelong passion for me, starting with piano lessons in 1st grade and continuing through various teachers. I began singing in church and school choirs across Alaska and Colorado, eventually performing in multiple church choirs, solos, and kids' choirs. My husband and I raised four musically-inclined children, while he sang along with the radio. After my husband's passing nearly 10 years ago, I found solace in music again by joining the NFWC Chorale, which has filled the void in my life and led to wonderful friendships and experiences, including singing at Carnegie Hall. As the Chorale concert liaison for community services, I organize projects that benefit local charities like food banks and shelters, and I'm open to new service ideas from fellow singers. 

 Hi! I'm Laurie Keller, the NFWC wardrobe manager. After a 35-year career of teaching high school English in PA, I retired to St. Augustine and became a member of NFWC in 2013. I also sing in the St. Augustine Community Chorus and the Trinity Parish, St. Aug. choir. Singing has been a love of mine since I was a young girl. 

Reflecting on it now, it was truly a magnificent concert. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your great success. In addition to the superb vocals and instrumentals, the staging and performance completely captivated the Latvian audience.

Having preserved their ancient culture despite prolonged foreign rule throughout history, Latvians possess an extraordinary pride in their cultural heritage—especially in their rich choral tradition.

 For an audience with such deep roots, your performance was a stunning revelation. It beautifully demonstrated that while America is a relatively young nation, it possesses an incredibly rich, diverse, and powerful musical heritage—one that is sustained by dedicated artists like all of you who pursue artistic excellence with such meticulous care.

The performance by everyone from North Florida was incredibly beautiful, refined, and delightful. The ingenuity in the song selection and staging was remarkable, and I am certain the Latvian audience was completely overwhelmed by it all. 

Furthermore, the final joint chorus with the local choir was simply wonderful—not just in terms of choral quality, but as a whole experience, including the staging. And what a surprise that the final piece was that song! Every member of the audience must have felt as if the local Latvian choir was singing on behalf of everyone in the hall. Being easily moved to tears, I couldn't help but weep.

Above all, I was deeply moved and proud to see that Hiromi, a Japanese pianist, was the one supporting such a wonderful performance. I couldn't resist calling out to her, regardless of being underdressed or interrupting your time. It was a true honor to take a photo together. Please give my warmest regards to your husband, who kindly acted as our photographer.

I am enclosing the commemorative photo from my side as well.

I wish you all the very best. Thank you so much for traveling all the way to Latvia. I hope our paths will cross again somewhere in the future.

Sincerely,

Isono

 "On behalf of the Gainesville Brass Quintet, we want to express our appreciation for the honor of collaborating with the North Florida Women's Chorale. It was a pleasure to work with you, and we truly hope that we will work together again.

We were impressed with the quality of your musical selection and performance. Well Done!

(Reference to Christmas concerts 2018)"
Joe Jamerson 1/13/2019 10:55:52 AM 

 "What a delightful concert today. I loved your programming and the soloists were awesome. I was especially impressed with the cellist. Very fine! The Gate, Gate was excellent even though rhythmically challenging. Good job with the sacred harp singing - very effective.

The Mulholland and the Ellingboe pieces are two of my favorites for women's choirs and your choir did them so well! This is a top notch group - excellent diction and blend. Kudos to you Kerry! Thanks for a performance well done!
"
Judith Harmon, Choral Director, Cheyenne, Wyoming 8/19/2016 8:01:29 AM 

 ""Before the first downbeat of any performance, the audience knows it is in for a musical treat. The women look beautiful and have a sound to match! It has been a joy to watch this group mature into a superior performing group over the past years under the baton of director, Kerry Fradley. The North Florida Women's Chorus communicates the joy of singing to their audience and presents interesting music performed well. The NFWC is worthy of your support and attendance at their concerts." Kathleen Vande Berg, Director of St. Augustine Chamber Singers"
Kathleen Vande Berg 1/24/2016 12:53:42 PM 

 “The Women’s Chorale is an outstanding chorus. The repertoire was innovative, the artistry and blend were exceptional, and the energy of the singers made this an enjoyable concert.”

Robert S. Webb, Jr., director of the Northern Virginia Chorale. 9/29/2014 2:49:57 PM 

 "The chorale concerts are a joy to attend. They perform some very challenging music at a professional level."

Supporter: John Snyder 9/29/2014 2:47:43 PM