Staff

Artistic Director: Jim Alexander

Artistic Director for Valley Women’s Ensemble, Jim is a graduate of Grand Canyon University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in vocal performance. He then taught voice at the university in addition to conducting The New Life Singers, a contemporary vocal ensemble. He obtained an elementary education certificate and worked in the Isaac School District. An ordained minister, he has served a number of faith communities over the last 35 years, providing musical and pastoral leadership. He is currently serving as one of the pastors of The Church of the Palms United Church of Christ in Sun City, Arizona. In these varied roles, he has worked in the community to provide quality musical opportunities and learning opportunities. Jim believes people of all ages should have access to the arts in order to live well-rounded lives.

Pianist: Jennifer Hoppe

Jen joined Valley Women’s Ensemble in September of 2023 as Collaborative Pianist. She holds Masters degrees in both vocal performance and collaborative piano and has over 25 years of teaching and vocal coaching experience. Originally from New York, Jen spent over 15 years working and collaborating with many of the major opera and musical theater companies in the US and abroad, including the Metropolitan Opera, Santa Fe Opera, the Dallas Opera and the Seattle Opera. She was on the faculty of NYU and is currently teaching at Grand Canyon University. She operates Jennifer Hoppe Studios, teaching voice and piano in Phoenix, Arizona.

Secretary: Margaret Wright

Margaret is a retired lawyer and investment banker who, after growing up in the Midwest and living for 20 years on the East Coast, has lived in Arizona for over 20 years. She is a photographer and digital artist and volunteers with several non-profit organizations. Although she hasn’t sung with an all-women’s group since college, Margaret has been singing with choral groups most of her adult life.

Treasurer: Autumn Wright

Autumn has been working in property and office management for over fifteen years. Her expertise spans a multitude of areas including accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, inventory, audits, and collections. She currently works for Ocotillo Bay Apartments in Chandler, AZ. Autumn’s leadership skills include training and mentoring others in the industry.

Social Media Manager: Anya Morrison

Anya  is currently living it up in the Phoenix area, working at a local charter school. She loves to sing and has been singing since she was a little girl. She’s very excited to have found Valley WE. This is her seventh year and she hopes to continue for many more!

Webmaster: Sarah Maschoff

Sarah is a digital marketer located in Phoenix, Arizona. An active member of Valley Women’s Ensemble, Sarah is proud to be working and singing with such a wonderful group of ladies (and Jim). Sarah is a graduate of Arizona State University and Barrett, the Honors College.