Staff & Board
LISA HOLT
Artistic Director & Board Chair
Lisa Sunset Holt is an experienced and recognized musician, conductor, and leader in music education who has been the Artistic Director of SoCo Women’s Chorus since 2021 and has dedicated her career to helping Central Texans find connection through music. Under her leadership, the Chorus has more than doubled in size and has performed throughout the Central Texas community. She created the Sing Together ATX series, which gives everyone in the community a fun and easy way to be part of a treble chorus for one night and discover the joy that singing together brings. Lisa also oversaw the launch of the Bluebonnet Fund for New Music which is focused on commissioning contemporary choral works for treble choirs that amplify the SoCo Chorus mission to support gender equity, celebrate diversity, and build community.
Lisa holds many professional leadership roles with Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) and University Interscholastic League (UIL), and is charging a path for music education in America. She has taught high school choir across Texas and is currently the Head Choir Director at Cedar Park High School. Lisa has been named a quarter-finalist for the prestigious 2026 Grammy Music Educator Award, which recognizes music educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education. One of her most rewarding moments as an educator was commissioning a new John Mackey piece with her High School Varsity Mixed Choir at the 2021 ACDA Convention. Her high school choirs consistently receive Sweepstakes ratings at UIL competitions, and approximately 50 of her students have been selected to sing in the Texas All-State Choir.
Born into a family of gospel musicians, Lisa was raised not only playing and singing music but with an appreciation for the important role music plays in helping people build community. During her years at The University of Texas, she studied voice, music education, and conducting under James Morrow, Rose Taylor, and Suzanne Pence. She has performed vocally throughout the nation and across Europe, including roles for the Austrian American Mozart Academy in Salzburg and Broadway Workshops.
She now lives with her husband Jeff along with their two sons, Davis and Jackson, in Georgetown.
JULIANA SILVEIRA
Principal Accompanist
Juliana Silveira, a pianist from São Paulo, Brazil, now calls Austin, Texas home. After honing her skills in São Paulo's bustling music scene, Juliana pursued her Master's Degree in Jazz Piano Performance at the University of Texas in Austin, focusing on the work of women composers.
In Austin, Juliana has graced prestigious stages like the Elephant Room, Monks Jazz, Parker Jazz Club, and Moody Center. She's showcased her versatility in solo piano, trio, quartet, and big bands performances, where she had opportunity to also feature her original work as a composer.
Juliana’s passion extends to education. Teaching is a big part of her career and she runs a vibrant private piano studio in Austin. She is also adjunct faculty at Austin Community College as a jazz combo instructor and jazz piano lessons instructor. With her talent and dedication, she continues to captivate audiences, leaving her mark on Austin's vibrant music scene.
2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Abby Dings (Treasurer), Lora Menter, Liz Rivera, Lisa Holt (Board Chair & Artistic Director)
Julie Stiles (Secretary), Bernie Muegel (Member Liaison Director), Andri Richards, Cristina Cruz
Not Pictured: Meredith Roach