Chelsea Foy, a Modesto native, has a deep passion for community and for the arts. After studying choral music with Polly Vasché during her high school years, Chelsea went on to earn her degree in Music Education from California State University, Stanislaus, and to lead the Downey High School Choirs for three years before moving to New York City. There, she pursued a career in musical theatre and performed onstage in regional productions and many national tours as a proud member of the Actors Equity Union.

In 2010 Chelsea founded a blog called Lovely Indeed, which today garners hundreds of thousands of readers annually. Chelsea has used her blog and social media platforms to amplify her Modesto community and work on local projects. Most recently, she was a Founding Board Member of the Modesto Children's Museum. A published author, she has been named one of Modesto Bee's 40 Under 40, as well as one of the Outstanding Women of 2023 by Stanislaus County Commission for Women. Chelsea believes in the power of the arts to bring people together, enrich communities, and give young people a solid foundation of humanity. You can most often find her engaging in her local community, or traveling with her three favorite people: her husband Ryan and her kids, Henry and Maggie.

Beth Holtan has been a music educator in the Central Valley for 28 years. She holds a degree from the University of the Pacific in Music Education and a Masters of Education Administration from California State University, Stanislaus. A multifacted educator, Beth has taught choir, band, orchestra, handbells, drama, musical theater, classroom music, and PE throughout her career. She finds joy in every minute of helping students discover their hidden talents and developing the skills needed to succeed in life through the performing arts. Beth is currently teaching elementary classroom music, choir, and strings in Turlock Unified School district.

Having been named the Stanislaus County Jr. High School Teacher of the Year in 2020-21, and served for many years as the Coordinator for the Stanislaus County Music Educators Association (SCMEA) Junior High School Honor Choir. Beth has a passion for teaching music to young people, and believes that a safe and nurturing classroom will foster academic achievement. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, camping, and hiking with her husband, Chuck, daughter, Anna, and yellow lab, Ranger.

Polly Vasché has been active in the Modesto area music scene since coming to Turlock in 1972 to major in Piano and Vocal Performance at CSU Stanislaus. She had earlier earned degrees in History and Counseling & Guidance at Stanford University, after which she worked in Tokyo, San Diego and Walla Walla, Washington.

In 1975 Polly followed Eleanor Haines’ legendary choral work at Downey High School, teaching five choirs, piano, guitar, and handbells over a 30-year career. The Downey Choirs were known throughout the state via annual choir tours and frequent performances at professional conferences.

Polly has long marveled at the beauty, joy, and potential of youth choirs, having heard exceptional ensembles both nationally and locally. Aside from the music itself, she feels that the inherent benefits of young people singing together are invaluable. Simply put, it makes the world a better place.

Awards include California Choral Educator of the Year (CMEA), Western Region Conference Honoree (ACDA), CSU Stanislaus Outstanding Alumna, and Thomas Downey High School Teacher of Excellence.

Retired since 2004, Polly judges choral festivals, conducts Centenary Methodist’s Handbell program, sings in the MSO Chorus, and remains active in ACDA. She is ever thankful for a multitude of music activities, time with family and friends, and travels with Burt, her husband and amazing support.

Artistic Director

Accompanist