About Our Directors

Twilla Duvall, Director

 

Twilla brings more than thirty years of a cappella experience to the Heart of Missouri Chorus.  Within a few short months of joining the Hearts in 1984, she became the assistant director. Being a musical leader for many years has allowed her to share her passion of barbershop music with others. Her objective is to continually learn about this musical art form and share that knowledge to build the skills of our members.

 

Twilla has served in just about every musical and administrative role known to the Hearts, including several terms as Team Leader. For many years, Twilla held a very active leadership role at the regional level; most recently is the Team Coordiantor for the Spirit of the Midwest Region 5.

 

Twilla serves as an organist for her church and accompanies the Adult Choir. Professionally, she is Vice President of Internet Services for Central Bancompany. Twilla and her husband, Sonny, enjoy spending time with their grandchildren, and teaching them to hunt and respect wildlife. Gardening is another passion, but camping is their ideal escape.

 

 

Marj Friedmeyer, Director Emeritus

 

After directing the Hearts for 30 years, Marj retired in 2016. We received many accolades under her direction and was blessed with much learning and fun!  We are very thankful that she will be singing with us on the risers.

 

In 1979, Marj joined Sweet Adelines International. She is a charter member of the Heart of Missouri Chorus and became assistant director and joined her first quartet within her first year of membership. In 1985, she became a Co-Director and received the Novice Director Award at regional competition. The following year, as Director of the Heart of Missouri Chorus, Marj began her work of love in bringing the chorus to many small chorus awards. One of her most thrilling experiences is to see the chorus win the "Most Improved" award at regional competition. It is confirmation that during the journey, all the hard work has paid off. 2002 and 2011 were years for that award! To top off the Most Improved award in 2011, the chorus scored enough points to be invited to Sweet Adelines International Harmony Classic Competition held in Denver. Only the top 5 scoring small choruses in the world receive such an invitation. The chorus was thrilled to receive the 3rd place award during this competition.

 

Other musical things Marj enjoys are singing with Earl, her barbershop husband, directing her church choir, teaching barbershop to young men and women in high school music, and attending as many educational events, offered by Sweet Adelines, as she can. Marj also acted as Director of Musical Activities for the former Midwest Gateway Region 5, for three years.