In 1985 Rachel Alexander moved to Michigan from Missouri, where she had been the co-founder, assistant director, and accompanist of the St. Louis Woman’s Choir. After moving to Lansing, she decided to start a chorus here, and in January of 1986 the Lansing Women’s Chorus was born.

Rachel Alexander directed the chorus (renamed Sistrum in 1989) for the next 15½ years. Her vision for the chorus was one of musical excellence, rooted in feminism and her belief in the power of women singing together as a tool for social justice.

In 2001, Rachel passed the baton to Meredith Bowen, who continues the commitment to excellence, both in music and in message. Over the years the women of Sistrum have grown together, facing challenges, respecting differences and supporting each other.

Our name comes from a musical instrument, a rattle used in ancient Egypt. It was kept in constant motion as a symbol of Isis, the sacred and ever-changing Life Force. We draw upon the words, music, and energy of women composers, arrangers and poets to educate, entertain and inspire our audiences.

Artistic Director ~ Meredith Bowen
In 2005, Meredith received her Master’s of Music in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University. Before embarking on her master’s degree, Meredith taught for three years in public school, held directing and singing positions in local churches, and earned her B.S. in Music Education from West Chester University, PA.

Meredith was chosen by Sistrum to be the artistic director in the fall of 2001 and has lead them through the past six seasons including a Women’s History Month collaboration with Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus, performances at Sister Singer’s Convention in San Diego, a regional GALA convention in Cincinnati, four winter concerts with the Greater Lansing Gay Men’s Chorus, six spring concerts, and six performances at the Women in the Arts Festival. She was also instrumental in the conception and execution of Sistrum’s first CD, Sweet Women. In addition to Sistrum, Meredith teaches World Music History and conducts the Concert Choir at Lansing Community College as well as instructs private voice lessons at Olivet College and Haslett High School.
Contact: director@sistrum.org

Accompanist ~ Deena Agree
Deena first joined Sistrum in the summer of 1987 having seen a flyer posted at Motherwit (the local feminist bookstore of the time).  When Rachel Alexander was out of town for a month, Deena filled in as director, an experience she thoroughly enjoyed. 

Between then and now, Deena moved to NYC where she spent six years a pastry chef.  These days she lives with her partner, Fred Gifford, and their twins Rose Elizabeth and Jonathan Philip. 

ASL Interpreters ~ Dawn M. Carson and Ginger Martz

Miriam Danu	President
Shar Erbe	Vice-President
Terry Grant	Treasurer
Carolyn Cunningham	Secretary
Board Members at Large:  Pam Allen, Tonia Erlenbeck, Stephanie Halsey, Lynn Boomer Meredith Bowen- Artistic Director, is a non voting board member Contact board@sistrum.org