At CWA’s Lower School Holiday Concert on Sunday, December 14, Headmaster Rob Camner and Capital Campaign Co-Chair Nancy Powell announced that the very first naming decision for the new Language and Performing Arts Center.  The room where the choirs rehearse will be named the Judy Herrington Choral Music Room thanks to the generosity of Liz and Joe Williams and their extended family. 

Since 1975, Judy has patiently helped every Lower School student find his or her own voice.  She has taught more than 1,300 young Tarriers – including multiple generations of some local families – to love music and to perform with skill and confidence.  Her students have grown up to be opera singers and rock stars, doctors and lawyers, scholars and athletes, but whatever their path, they all carry with them into the world Judy’s passion for music.

We are so very fortunate to have Judy with us.  She is highly regarded as a guest conductor and as a workshop and choral clinician. In 1991, she founded the Tacoma Youth Chorus, a select, auditioned youth choir program. Well known through the Puget Sound area, TYC now serves over 240 musically gifted boys and girls.

She writes, edits publishes choral compositions and arrangements.  She has served as president of the Washington-American Choral Directors Association. She has conducted all-state honor choirs and festivals all over the world.  Last year she was selected as the guest conductor for the Western American Choral Directors Association Junior High Honor Choir, a prestigious national recognition.

The important role Judy plays in the life of this school has been recognized in many ways over the years.  She served as performing arts department chair for several years. In 1991 she received the Parent Association’s Distinguished Faculty Award, one of the greatest honors for any teacher at this school.

In recognition for her 34 years of service to Charles Wright and the impact she has made on so many students, the choral music room in the new Language and Performing Arts center will be named in honor of Judy Herrington.

As construction continues on the new building and we prepare for the grand opening next September, the school’s leaders look forward to announcing how other beloved teachers will be honored in the naming of Language and Performing Arts Center.  If you would like make a gift in honor of someone who has made a special impact in your life or the life of your children, we would be happy to help you make that recognition possible.  Completing the campaign to build this facility supports the outstanding music program available for all our children here at CWA.