Every Thursday night, you can be certain of where you’ll find Heather Watson. An original member of Voces Angelorum, she joins her 20 chorus-mates in song for two hours every week — a diverse choir varying in age and experience, and composed of everyone from state workers and legislators to local musicians or former music students. These rehearsals are vital as they near their annual spring concert, “The Poet Sings,” which will premiere at Goodwood Museum & Gardens’ Carriage House Sunday, May 21.

Founded in 2000 by Charlie Witmer, Voces Angelorum has served the Tallahassee community as one of the only women’s choirs for nearly two decades. Watson clearly recalls Witmer pitching his vision to several church and community groups, inspiring her to audition. She’s been with Voces ever since and has seen its transition from Witmer, who unfortunately passed away in 2012, to current director Scott Leaman.

“We appreciate both directors for their differences,” Watson said.

“With Charlie, this was his vision, so he put a lot of effort into the group and made nice repertoire choices. Scott is fun and energetic and has a lot of knowledge, so he brings a lot of experience to the table. I think what we really enjoyed about both of them is they bring different things to the table.”

Watson’s own interests and experience with music grew from the time she was a middle school student under instructor Wanda Rivera.

Watson went on to attend Leon High School and was part of Judy Arthur’s choral programs. While she participated in all the choral programs, her highlights from that time included being a part of All-State choirs, the Capital Singers, and serving as the student director for the Madrigals.

Watson earned her bachelor’s degree in voice from Florida State University’s College of Music, and was able to work with legendary visiting artists like Robert Shaw. Her passion for singing flourished as she continued to be coached and inspired by local and international artists.

Opera singer, Renée Fleming, serves as a source of admiration as Watson aims to emulate her timeless technique and style. Among her most influential teachers from the past decade, however, is Tallahasseebased instructor Carla Connors.

“I really look up to Carla because she’s an amazing singer and teacher,” says Watson.

“It’s hard to explain, but there’s something that’s really magical about her when she gets onstage.

She’s a really good interpreter and she’s got such a voice and sound that is a combination of fire, sparks and storytelling.”

Continually honing her craft, Watson has traveled all over the state with the Festival Singers of Florida, a professional level choir directed by Kevin Fenton, on what she calls the “choir marathon” of intense rehearsals and concerts. As for her own style, she considers her voice and music to be the ultimate communication tool, and always aspires to come across as candid and sincere.

“It is something that touches everybody in different ways,” Watson said. “It can be very uplifting in difficult times and I think music is always a positive influence in the world. It feeds not only my soul, but a lot of souls, and gives you a peace and comfort.”

Watson’s involvement in Voces Angelorum has served as home base for the past 17 years. Currently, she serves as president of the group, handling administrative tasks such as setting concert dates and curating promotional materials, all while singing soprano in the collective.

Voces performs twice a year, collaborating with local venues such as Westminster Oaks, the Lighthouse Children’s Home, and the First Presbyterian downtown.

They’ve also branched out over the years and have performed in Perry, Apalachicola, and Quincy. Out of all their performances, Watson most enjoys the community outreach they

do with the older adult populations.

“There’s an educational and communal aspect of music that’s lifelong,” Watson said. “A lot of the seniors we perform for have musical backgrounds, so I think it’s nice for them to have the opportunity to reach back a little bit and they’re always so appreciative. The most rewarding part is seeing how our audience is affected by our concerts, and being able to share our art and what we love to do with our supporters.”

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