If you’ve attended a concert in the last ten years, you’ve probably been welcomed by Ceri (pronounced like Kerry) Freedman, WomenSing’s versatile young House Front Manager. Maybe you’ve overheard one of these exchanges as well:

“The ushers can’t find the extra concert programs anywhere.” — “Just ask Ceri.”

“There’s a loose dog racing around out here and the concert-goers are arriving!” — “Ceri will take care of that.”

“Is there someone who can help unload the risers?” — “Ceri’s already on the way.”

Ceri’s service to WomenSing dates back ten years to when as a thirteen-year-old she came early to a concert with her “mum,” singer Andy Freedman, and was promptly recruited to stuff programs. From that day on, she attended every concert and took on more and more responsibilities until the front of the house couldn’t run without her. Fully in charge now, she still stuffs programs but also manages the box office, pours champagne, oversees guest children’s choruses, and takes charge of the entry areas during concerts. At other times, too, Ceri happily pitches in. She files music, serves food at WomenSing events, clears out storage units, and even retrieves stranded composers from BART stations. “I’m pretty much the WomenSing lackey,” she jokes. “No job is too obscure.”

Lend a Hand
If you can help, email us at volunteer@womensing.org.

Patrons and singers alike appreciate Ceri’s calm, good-natured manner, her ability to handle unexpected situations, and her common sense. Her mother Andy says, “If it weren’t for Ceri’s enthusiasm, good heart, competence, reliability and freely giving of her time and energy, life for me and for WomenSing would be far more difficult. Personally, I don’t know what I’d do without her. She is my rock. ” Ceri responds that she enjoys being a member of the volunteer group, a “fun team to be part of.”

In addition to her many hours of service to WomenSing, Ceri has spent time earning a B.S. in biology from St. Mary’s College and obtaining a teaching credential. Now she is poised to begin her professional career. Teaching high school biology is her dream job.

Meanwhile Ceri has embarked on a whole new Womensing project: heading up the auction for WomenSing’s 2011 Gala, the main fundraising event for the chorus. Co-chairing the job with her “mum,” Ceri has plunged in with her usual good humor and dedication. “It’s a fairly daunting task and I’m sure it’s going to take a lot of work, but it will be worth it,” she says. “After so many years, I’ve become invested in the people and the success of WomenSing. Volunteering my time is the best way I can contribute.”