Accompanist, Helen Townsend

We chorale members know how lucky we are to have Helen Townsend as our accompanist. She has been playing the piano since she was a young child and studied with a number of different music teachers here in the valley.

Helen has always enjoyed being part of the group in her role as accompanist. Her first “job” was playing with a choral group at St. Mark’s Church. She went on to accompany the Santa Ynez Valley Union High School choir when she was a student there. In addition, she played the cello and tympani.

Helen earned a Bachelor’s degree from Pomona University in music. Although she was accepted at Julliard, she chose to attend the University of Michigan, where she received a Master’s degree in music.

Helen prefers classical music both for listening and playing. In addition to accompanying the chorale, she finds it “energizing” to play the piano for fun on a weekly basis with a long-term friend and fellow musician. She also likes to find time for gardening.

She has lived her entire life in the valley with the exception of college and ten years in which she and her family lived in the bay area. She taught school at Solvang Elementary for many years and also worked there with choral groups. She and her husband have raised two daughters, including Susan Krushaar, in our alto section.

No matter what kind of music or how challenging, Helen comes through with a smile and an ease that is a reflection of her humility about her talent.

Thanks Helen for over 25 years of great music!