Music has always been the heart of Carol Arrucci’s life. After spending more than three decades as a public school choral director, Arrucci turned her lifelong passion into something new for the community, the Westchester Women’s Chorus.
Founded in 2019, through the Cortlandt School of Performing Arts in Croton-on-Hudson, the chorus brings together about 40 women from across the region who share a love of singing and performing. The group includes singers of all ages and backgrounds, from enthusiastic amateurs to experienced music teachers and performers.
“Following the expansion of my music school, the Cortlandt School of Performing Arts, to three satellite locations, I established the women’s chorus in 2019 as a natural progression of our successful offerings,” Arrucci said. “This allowed us to welcome talented individuals from the musical theatre community into our musical family.”
Since its founding, the chorus has performed throughout the community at holiday concerts, public events, veterans’ ceremonies and charitable fundraisers. Now, the group is preparing for a new program that highlights the stories of women throughout American history.
Its upcoming production, “Echoes of Liberty: Women’s HERstory in Song,” blends music and storytelling to celebrate the contributions of women across generations. The program features a mix of patriotic music, contemporary compositions and selections from American musical theater.
“We are confident this new program will resonate deeply with communities across the state, celebrating not only the historical milestone but also the spirit of unity and diversity throughout music,” Arrucci said.
The idea for the program grew from a collaborative process among chorus members. A six-person committee spent hours researching women’s stories throughout American history and selecting music that would reflect different eras and achievements. The result is a one-hour performance that combines historical narratives with music meant to educate as well as entertain.
Behind the scenes, Chorus Manager Annette Vaccaro plays a key role in helping the group run smoothly. A retired music teacher from the Lakeland School District, Vaccaro helps organize rehearsals, prepare for performances and support the chorus in countless ways.
“My main job is to support Carol and the chorus in any way I can, whenever I’m needed,” Vaccaro said. “I handle everything from organizing rehearsals and preparing for concerts to tracking attendance, leading sectionals, and helping coordinate performances.”
Rehearsals take place each Thursday evening at Arrucci’s studio in Croton, where singers gather to practice, collaborate, and share their love of music.
Vaccaro says the chorus stands out not just for its musical talent, but for the sense of connection among its members.
“What makes this group stand out is the genuine sense of camaraderie that Carol nurtures at every rehearsal and performance,” she said. “Our members come from all sorts of musical backgrounds, but what unites us is a deep, shared passion for music that truly touches our hearts.”
The chorus plans to begin touring “Echoes of Liberty” this summer, with performances expected throughout New York and potentially beyond. The current schedule includes a performance at the Ossining Waterfront on June 14 and the Cortlandt Waterfront on September 3. Both are open to the public.
For Arrucci and the singers of the Westchester Women’s Chorus, the goal is simple: to bring people together through music while honoring the women who helped shape the nation’s history.
“As we embark on this tour, it is our heartfelt mission to shine a spotlight on the countless achievements, struggles, and triumphs of women from all walks of life,” Arrucci said.
Through harmony, storytelling, and shared voices, the chorus hopes audiences leave with a deeper appreciation for the power of women’s stories, and the music that brings them to life.
