Sam Westley, Executive Director
Sam Westley has been with WHCS since the year of its founding, starting as a volunteer in 2011, joining the staff as piano teacher and accompanist in 2013, and becoming Executive Director in 2019. In addition to his work at WHCS, Sam is the Organist and Music Director of the Church of the Mediator in the Bronx, maintains an active piano studio, and works in the fundraising department of The Metropolitan Opera.
Amaranta Viera, Vocal Coordinator
Amaranta Viera is a sought-after ensemble singer frequently engaged by the Choir of Trinity Church Wall Street, the NY Philharmonic, Voices of Ascension, Musica Sacra, and the Choirs of St. John the Divine and St. Ignatius Loyola, among others, for their concert series’. Amaranta is also a deeply committed music educator. She has been WHCS’ voice instructor since 2013 and was Interim Director from 2016-2017; taught voice at Highbridge Voices from 2006 to 2017; provided voice instruction to the Boys at St. Thomas Choir School; and leads vocal clinics for children’s and adult choirs throughout New York City.
Thalia Ranjbar, Dance Instructor and Classroom Assistant
Thalia Ranjbar is a Persian-Salvadoran-Canadian multidisciplinary artist. Her focus is in theatre and film: She is a screenwriter, librettist, director, and choreographer with a passion for elevating voices of queer and BIPOC communities. Thalia is a graduate of New York University, where she earned the distinction of Master of Fine Art from the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. Thalia’s theatrical writing has been developed and presented by Feinstein’s 54 Below, Rattlestick Playwright’s Theatre, and Lincoln Centre. Her recent directing/choreography credits include Then She Ran at the New Studio on Broadway and Notes from Now with Prospect Theatre Company.
Louise Crowley, Piano Instructor
Louise Crowley graduated from Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and Yale School of Music with degrees in education and performance. She has worked as a professional musician for nearly five decades. Louise performed in the orchestras of ten Broadway shows, and many freelance orchestras in the New York area. She also worked as a teaching artist for six years in Connecticut public schools. Louise enjoys providing children with a foundation in music literacy and keyboard skills. A dedicated educator, she has shared her love of music with many devoted students and has served in the Washington Heights Choir School since 2013.
Luka Marinkovic, Piano Instructor and Accompanist
Luka Marinkovic, a native of France, is a pianist and composer active in classical music and musical theatre. He studied composition and piano at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Luka recently performed aboard Holland America’s cruise ship MS Zaandam and served as the Associate Music Director for the 2022 national double tour of An American in Paris and South Pacific.
Berta Moreno, S’Cool Sounds Instructor
Berta Moreno is an award-winning jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader from Spain most known for her original work blending Jazz, World and Afro-Latin music. Critics define her as “Driven and Determined” (Downbeat). She has performed internationally in leading jazz festivals, venues, and theatres; on TV and radio; and has shared the stage with some of the world’s most established jazz musicians. Berta’s album “Little Steps” won a Global Music Award in 2017. Her album “Tumaini” was in the TOP 20 Albums 2021 by NPR and was a Lennon Award winner. She performs weekly at Birdland with Grammy Award-winning Arturo O’Farrill’s Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra.
Ken Laboy, Classroom Assistant
Kenneth Laboy Vazquez came from Puerto Rico at 18 to study acting and theater. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Rutgers University and has performed in plays across the tri-state area. At present, he is working towards a Masters in Translation Studies at New York University.