About FAVA

Mission Statement

The mission of Foothill Academy of Vocal Arts is to develop the musical potential in children and youth, enabling them to read music intelligently, sing with healthy vocal habits and beautiful tone, to express themselves creatively through choral and solo singing and to instill in them a life-long love of music. Foothill Academy of Vocal Arts (FAVA) is a non-profit organization which serves the community by promoting the art of choral singing for children, teens and adults of the San Gabriel Valley. 

Dianne Harmel, Founder & Director

Dianne Harmel, Founder and Director of Foothill Academy of Vocal Arts, has extensive experience in working with voices of all ages, with a particular interest in vocal health and freedom.  In addition to her work with FAVA, she has been on faculty at Azusa Pacific University for over two decades an Adjunct Professor of Applied Voice and maintains a busy private voice studio at her home.  She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Pasadena Branch of MTAC, with students participating annually in MTAC’s Certificate of Merit program and competitions.  B.M. in Vocal Performance, University of Southern California.  M.A. in Music, emphasis Vocal Pedagogy, California State University, Los Angeles.

Debbie Isenberg, Assistant Director

Debbie Isenberg, FAVA’s principal accompanist and assistant director, has been with FAVA since our beginning in 2006.  In addition to her work with FAVA choirs, she serves as Conductor of Handbells at Lake Avenue Church in Pasadena, CA. where she also sings in the Sanctuary Choir. 

B.A. in Music, Lawrence University.  

Keith Harmel, Instructor & Editor

Keith Harmel grew up singing in FAVA’s choirs and now assists as a theory instructor, conductor and video editor.  

B.M. in Composition, Azusa Pacific University. M.M. in Choral Conducting, Georgia State University.