Texas Tradition Chorus Leadership
Texas Tradition Chorus thrives because of the energy and style of the people who have stepped up to lead. Here are a few of the people who make our chorus a success.
Lynda Gouker - Director
Lynda has been around barbershop music all of her life. Her dad had her singing in a quartet before she started school. An experienced director, she has "waved her hands" in front of choruses in Michigan, California, Georgia and Texas. In 2007 Lynda and three friends decided a performance quality women's chorus was needed in the Tarrant/Johnson County area. From these four voices developed the 55+ voice Texas Tradition Chorus. We are very fortunate to have such a truly talented, fun-loving director.
Lilly Hamner - President
Music has been a part of Lilly's life since she started out in children's theater way back in the day. She went on to earn her BA in music from Agnes Scott College focusing on the cello and voice. After living the life of a starving artist in Atlanta by performing in local theater, light opera, and waiting tables, she took a break to raise her amazing son and start a career in education. As soon as she became an empty nester she knew it was time to get back to music and is so extremely thankful for the Google search that led her to the Texas Tradition Chorus back in 2022. Since that time she has fallen in love with the art of barbershop, thanks to TCC's fabulous director and the amazing ladies that make up this chorus. During the day she continues her career in education as an Early Childhood Coordinator with Arlington ISD.
RaeLyn Menken - Vice President
RaeLyn found her way to Texas Tradition Chorus back in 2010 through the Burleson Now Magazine. She has been married for 36 years and has two married boys and three wonderful grandchildren. She has two small dogs that she loves dearly. Although she currently works as a math teacher, she would trade it all in if she could make money at doing others' scrapbooks. A little fun fact, RaeLyn as parachuted out of a plane and helped fly a friend's plane.
Julie Hummert - Secretary
Laurie grew up in a musical family. Summer road trips to visit aunts and uncles required suitcases and guitar cases. She sang in high school chorus and various church choirs over the years. Julie joined Texas Tradition Chorus in September of 2012. She has served several terms on the board, including the positions of president one year and secretary several years.
Theda Briggs - Treasurer
Would like to live in a world full of God’s Love and try to show His kindness in everything I do. I have recently had this phrase stuck in my mind constantly “Mind of Christ”. When I met my husband Donald it was love at first sight, we have been married 48 years. I am the mother of 2 beautiful daughters and have 6 wonderful grandchildren and 2 Great grandchildren. I was partially deaf up to the age of 8 when I had what my cousin refers to as a miracle operation. After the surgery I could hear and developed a passion for music, it touched my soul! My beloved mom and dad bought a piano for me and I learned to play by ear. When I was 13 years old, I played piano for our youth group. I also strummed the guitar on occasion. I was in a band called “Freedom Song” where we toured prisons and various churches in Texas and Arkansas. One of my most memorable gigs was playing for a motorcycle mission group called “Warriors for Christ”, we played in the great outdoors of Granbury TX playing and singing in the openness of Gods creations. My middle sister and I also sing together. I play the keyboard and sing with our Praise and Worship team at my home church Cross Timber Baptist of Burleson.
I am currently working from home for the Aerospace Industry as an MRO Buyer. Looking forward to retirement.
