Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Choir Director Lana Shagrin Oyer
On Friday, March 10, 2017, Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation will honor Lana Shagrin Oyer for 25 years of volunteering as music director at the Annual Music Service. The Annual Music Service will be held at The Sun Lakes All Faiths Chapel, which is open to all members of the community. The service begins at 7:30 p.m. The choir has been working very hard on the music for the annual music service. They are focusing on some of Lana’s favorite songs over the last 25 years.
Lana arrived in Arizona September 8, 1991, the same date as the arrival of her first grandson Jason Lane. She immediately joined the Sun Lakes Jewish Congregation Choir which, at that time, had seven members. Two months later, the then choir director moved away and Lana took over the choir because she had a background of music from the University of Michigan. Over the years, the choir grew to at least 36 members and is now in the 20s. We have been very fortunate to have many church members join us for special services. We are always open to new members. Knowledge of Hebrew is not necessary. Lana works closely with the rabbi and cantor on the services.
Lana has been involved in music all her life and spent six years singing with The Phoenix Symphony Chorus. Two years ago, Lana took charge of the 20th Annual Inter-Faith Choral Festival, which was started 20 years before by Grace Goldstein Roth. Bob Confare lead the festival for many years.
Lana believes that music is therapeutic and creates a sense of wonder. Music brings people from all walks of life together. It is a common language! Lana is dedicated to the choir and says she always feels uplifted after a good choir rehearsal.
Please join us as we celebrate Lana’s 25th year of love and devotion to her congregation.