South Bay Singers
for Gilroy, Morgan Hill and Hollister
Sandi Lien - Accompanist Extraordiaire
Sandi Lien has over 60 years of experience as an accompanist, starting with playing for church and choirs and individuals in grade school through high school. She developed a passion for musical theatre and was involved in directing and assistant directing Community Theatre broadway musicals for 12 years.
She has accompanied many professional groups and individuals over the years, and while her children were in school, accompanied many musicals, jazz choirs, church choirs, contatas, etc. She has recorded music with her son and daughter, who are also musicians. Most recently this spring she was the accompanist for the South Bay Singers concert “Messiah”.
Her goal through the years has been to be the best accompanist she can be and believes that the goal of an accompanist is to support and showcase the artist in the best possible way you can.
After two years of masks, social distancing and vaccinations, the South Bay Singers were thrilled to return to the stage in June 2022 to perform live once again. Our ‘Spring Songfest 2022’ took place at Morgan Hill’s Grace Hill Church under the directorship of Interim Conductor Kathy Esteves-Bates. The concert was a rousing success and propelled great enthusiasm for the two concerts that followed: ‘Welcome, Christmas! 2022’ and ‘Spring Songfest 2023’. We are now delighted to begin preparation for our ‘HOLIDAY SONGFEST 2023’ slated for Dec. 2nd (Advent Lutheran, 3pm, Morgan Hill) and 3rd (Gilroy Presbyterian, 3pm), which is sure to be a wonderful, lyrical, nostalgic way to open the door for a special and memorable Holiday season.
Ms. Bates, a Magna Cum Laude graduate of San Jose State University in Theatre Arts and Music, is a true Renaissance woman. Following three decades working in southern California as a stage and TV actress, writer, teacher and musician, she returned to the Bay Area and happily settled in Morgan Hill. Having retired from conducting a 40-voice choral group based in Culver City, she missed the camaraderie and joy of music participation and was delighted to discover South Bay Singers when it was under the leadership of Brant Ruggles. When Brant set his sights on retiring and passing the baton, he looked to Ms. Bates who happily agreed to lead the group on an interim basis.
So now, as the choir cheerfully looks forward to sharing beloved holiday music with the community, Ms. Bates is thrilled to take the podium once again with plans for our joyous seasonal concert, ‘HOLIDAY SONGFEST 2023’. There will be something for everyone in our musical program – traditional, contemporary, poignant, fun and heartwarming. We hope you’ll join us then!Keep an eye on this website for updates and lots of exciting South Bay Singer news!