I have been a member of TWC since 2017 and joined the Board in 2021.

While growing up, I enjoyed singing in choirs at church and school (except for that disastrous solo of Elton John’s “Your Song” in 8th grade). For most of my adult life I only sang in the car and in the kitchen, where the audience was usually kind, if somewhat captive.

Since joining TWC, my confidence and vocal skills have expanded, and I have seen those changes spill over into the rest of my life. Each series I learn music from a variety of styles and cultures, all culminating in the joy of performing for an audience much larger than I could ever fit into my kitchen. 

My name is Rashel Olalde, and I have been a member of the Tucson Women's Chorus since August 2025. Music and singing have always been deeply meaningful to me and have provided a strong sense of healing and connection throughout my life. While I have participated in many choirs during my teenage and young adult years, Tucson Women’s Chorus is the first place where I truly felt part of a welcoming and supportive community brought together simply by a shared love of singing.As a board member, I want to help continue fostering that sense of belonging and create opportunities for even more singers to find confidence, joy, and connection through music. I am especially passionate about recruiting women of all ages to be part of something meaningful and uplifting.In addition to my enthusiasm for community-building, I bring nine years of public speaking experience, three years of nonprofit fundraising experience, and strong skills in graphic design and social media marketing. I am honored to contribute these skills in support of the chorus and it's mission. 

I was lucky enough to become a member of the Tucson Women's Chorus in 2022.  It is only in the last couple of years that I have begun to discover my voice.  TWC welcomed me with open arms. The joy I feel singing with these humble and dedicated women is immeasurable.  I am challenged by the music chosen by our Artistic Director both musically and personally.

Becoming a board member has allowed me to support this amazing group of women as we bring our collective positive energy forward into the world beyond ourselves.

I grew up being told I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket. As an adult, I fell in love with a spiritual practice of devotional singing in a group, and felt the support of others around me. As I deepened in that practice, I began leading, and needing to sing alone to teach others. My journey of learning to trust my voice was transformational.  Today, singing is one of the greatest joys of my life.

I joined TWC in 2023, as a way to find community after moving to Tucson.   It was a big stretch for me musically, to sing harmonies, and I found the atmosphere to be very encouraging. I appreciate all the opportunities to socialize outside of rehearsals and get to know this group of talented women.

I have always loved the arts. I sang in parochial school, took basic voice lessons, and in my later years, decided to sing with a chorus. I joined TWC in 2020 and became a member of the board in 2024. 

 

Singing with TWC brings me fulfillment. Each series we work hard and enjoy the process of learning new songs and music. We find satisfaction and reward sharing our hearts during performances for family, friends, and the Tucson community. With TWC, I've achieved a lifelong goal and could not be happier sharing time, energy, and the joy of harmonizing with this encouraging group of women.

Music has always been a part of my life. Interest in singing began at a very young age. In childhood and adolescence, I danced, played in the school band, and sang in the school choir. As an adult, singing was confined to either at home or in the car. But in 2024, I participated in a community choir that helped me to sing confidently in public again. It reminded me of how music brings such a great joy to my life. 

Singing is a gift to share!

As a former educator and former director in outreach, I have a deep belief that if you want to sing, you should be able to join a group regardless of level of experience. That is why I gravitated to the Tucson Woman’s Chorus and joined in 2026. The level of support and community is what I was looking for to really feel the depth and power of song, especially among women in all stages of life!

It is an honor to represent TWC in support of our members and new members to come.