In Nyack, a Motley Crew of Singers

What do you get when you put together a dentist, a credit analyst, a food industry regulatory affairs manager, an I.T. senior applications architect, two vocal coaches and a one-eyed Pug?

You get local group High 5 Vocalworks, a talented cast of musicians with years of experience.

The one-eyed pug belongs to Deborah Ivry, who started High 5 Vocalworks in 1996 when her children were eight and ten years old. Along with a few other parents from , Ivry and Judy Thomas—who was the music teacher at the school—put together musical fundraisers.

“It became so much fun; people couldn’t get in the door,” explained Ivry. “These were some very talented, accomplished people that were visible for five bucks.” After a few years, the fundraisers transformed into High 5 Vocalworks, and the current line-up of five talented, hard-working friends was born.

Early in her career, Ivry spent years on the road performing. Eventually yearning for something less nomadic, she settled in NYC and found a home working in television; she appeared in soaps and commercials for Schweppes. Now, Ivry teaches voice and musical theater in Nyack and is the vocal instructor for Nyack’s Playhouse’s On-Stage for Musical Theatre Children’s Program.

“[Irvy] has been my daughter Emilie’s voice teacher for the past three years,” said parent Karen Fruman. “She is a patient and caring teacher, a great listener and a talented musician and actress, as well. Along with her one-eyed dog, Muji, they are one of the sweetest families you can imagine.”

The group’s other members include baritone/dentist Ray Lagstein, also a painter; soprano Rebecca L. Beyler, who boasts years of musical theater experience—and a career in nutrition; tenor/credit analyst Michael Fleming, who graduated with a degree in music from Vassar College and drives four hours to attend rehearsals; and pianist Howard Sperling, who has played with Elmwood Playhouse performances in the past.

Then there is High 5 Vocalworks stage director . Simone is a singer/comedienne and vocal coach in Nyack, and her vocal students have appeared on Broadway in such shows as The Lion King, Chicago, Gypsy, Nine, and Wicked.

"It's a talented, hardworking and fun group," Simone said. "It's a total delight to be a part of their process."

“High 5 is more than just a vocal group,” added Ivry. “We are a show." The group has performed at home parties, starred in self-produced concerts and sang as an a capella group sans instruments.

"We have fun," Ivry continued. "We are looking forward to our future."