We are all former members of the University of New Hampshire Notables, thus the name The Afternotes! Group members range from recent graduates all the way back to the earliest days of Notables (yes, the 80’s!).

Sonja Ahlberg

Primary Voice Part: Alto 2

Occupation: Vet tech

Coolest a cappella gig you’ve had: I really enjoyed opening for the Notables. The audience was so jazzed and appreciative. Made me really feel kick-ass.

Weirdest job you’ve ever had: Was hired to serve Christmas dinner to the vice president of the United States (at that time). I also decorated his family Christmas tree. 

Favorite musical movie: My Fair Lady

When you’re not rehearsing or working, what do you like to spend your time doing? Hang with my hubby, walk the dog, and go birding! 

Favorite place you’ve traveled to: Alaska. Lived there for many years. 

Hidden talent(s)? My Pee Wee Herman impression

Favorite part of Afternotes rehearsal? Singing, chatting, eating birthday cake. Pretty much all of it!

Lauren Barrett

Primary Voice Part: Soprano

Occupation:  Musician and Mom

Coolest a cappella gig you’ve had: A retirement ceremony onboard the USS Constitution.

Weirdest job you’ve ever had: My first job was working in a craft shop making wreath bases.

Favorite musical movie: Mary Poppins

When you’re not rehearsing or working, what do you like to spend your time doing? Yoga, reading, movies, and spending time with my family

Favorite place you’ve traveled to: Charleston, SC

Hidden talent(s)? I can nap anywhere

Favorite part of Afternotes rehearsal? I love when we first arrive and get to hear what is new in everyone’s lives.

How would you describe your personal style? She made an effort, but she really values comfort.

Michelle Berke

Primary Voice Part: Soprano 2

Occupation: Math Teacher and Co-Owner of River City Software

Coolest acapella gig you’ve had: The Hampton Seafood Festival!  It was so neat to be there and being able to perform at that.

Weirdest job you’ve ever had: As a cook at the Ragu test kitchen. I made lots and lots of sauce from recipe cards that people sent in from all over the country.

Favorite musical movie: Mary Poppins.

When you’re not rehearsing or working, what do you like to spend your time doing? I love to cook, knit and walk with friends. 

Favorite place you’ve traveled to: Rafting in the Grand Canyon was super fun and interesting.

Hidden talent(s)? I can almost always figure out how to talk to a real person in a phone tree.

Favorite part of Afternotes rehearsal? Singing and learning new music.

Lee Anne Dodge

Primary Voice Part: Alto 1

Occupation: Coalition Director for SoPo Unite (South Portland, Maine) – substance use prevention

Coolest a cappella gig you’ve had: We sang at the restaurant “On the Marsh” in Kennebunkport as part of the Holiday Prelude celebration- we got to sing “Happy Birthday” to a man for his 90th birthday! He shared that he had been in a singing group back in the 1940’s!!

Weirdest job you’ve ever had: I worked second shift in Bellows Fall, VT at a telephone book company – we had to edit names and addresses using pencil and paper- no computers back then!!

Favorite musical movie: Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with Gene Wilder!

When you’re not rehearsing or working, what do you like to spend your time doing? Baking desserts and skiing with my yellow Lab: Minnie Pearl!

Favorite place you’ve traveled to: The Ojo Caliente Hot Springs outside of Santa Fe New Mexico!

Hidden talent(s)? As a raving extrovert – I have the ability to talk to just about ANYONE!!!

Favorite part of Afternotes rehearsal? Closing my eyes and REALLY listening to the rest of the group!!!

Jean Dumais

Primary Voice Part: Alto 1

Occupation: Senior IT Analyst, Website Manager

Coolest a cappella gig you’ve had: In college, we performed at the Citadel Military College of South Carolina to a gymnasium full of appreciative cadets.

Weirdest job you’ve ever had: I’ve had a few, but the one that comes to mind is creating and updating websites for gun companies. 

Favorite musical movie:  West Side Story – the original! Haven’t seen the new one yet.

When you’re not rehearsing or working, what do you like to spend your time doing?  Lately, reading, HIIT/weight training, and watching movies.  On days where it gets above 30 degrees, love to get outside to hike or walk local trails.  

Favorite place you’ve traveled to:  I’ve traveled all around the country (13 states left to go) and a few other countries, but Acadia National Park holds a special place in my heart.

Hidden talent(s)?  Hmmmm…well, I can ice skate backwards!

Favorite part of Afternotes rehearsal?  When a new song we’re learning comes together and really starts to gel for the first time.

Erica Hoar

Primary Voice Part: Soprano II, Vocal Percussion

Occupation: Cafe Manager

Coolest a cappella gig you’ve had:  Certainly singing the National Anthem at a Red Sox game was the coolest

Weirdest job you’ve ever had: Being a booth operator at an elite and skanky carnival themed night club in NYC. We hosted bar mitzvahs by day and B list celebrity parties by night.

Favorite musical movie:  Moulin Rouge is one of my all time favorite movies.

When you’re not rehearsing or working, what do you like to spend your time doing?  One of my favorite things to do is dance in the kitchen with my kids

Hidden talent(s)?  Tap dancing. I’ve got a mean time step.

Favorite part of Afternotes rehearsal?  When a new song we’ve learned gels for the first time and we can hear it come together.

Martha Pepek

Primary Voice Part: Alto 2

Occupation: Mom/Teacher/Writer

Coolest a cappella gig you’ve had: There are so many! One of my favorites was at the Firehouse Center in Newburyport, MA with two Harmony Sweepstakes national champions Five O’Clock Shadow and Doo Wa Zoo. 

Weirdest/coolest job: One of my favorite jobs was working for Nashua Corporation in the 1980s. I created and published their employee newsletter. Technology was new and it was fun interviewing, writing and putting together the modest publication.

Favorite musical movie: Toss up between “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “The Greatest Showman”. I guess I like over-the-top performances and characters who live outside the box.

When you’re not rehearsing or working, what do you like to spend your time doing?  I love watching Netflix or other streaming services. I also love to read, both fiction and non-fiction, and when the spirit moves me, I love getting out in nature and walking – on trails, or on the beach.

Favorite place you’ve traveled to: It is hard to pick a favorite travel spot. There are still so many places I want to see. I think Vietnam was the most interesting. The people are lovely, the food delicious, and the landscape beautiful. Singing in the caves of Halong Bay with the New Hampshire Friendship Chorus is something I will never forget – awe-inspiring.

Hidden talent(s)? I don’t have any hidden talents. I think I am a good writer, though sometimes too verbose. I used to be a good cross-stitcher and plan to get into that again. (You should see my basket teeming with projects!)

Favorite part of Afternotes rehearsal? I truly love everything about Afternotes rehearsals! But, especially now that we are able to sing together again, I really appreciate that part. And, after being apart for so long, it is wonderful to have the camaraderie and support that the group tirelessly provides.

Samantha Torrice

Primary Voice Part: Soprano 1

Occupation: Communications and Insurance Specialist

What was your audition song for the NH Notables? Broken Wing by Martina McBride and Come Rain or Come Shine

What would you have for your last meal on earth? Grilled cheese and tomato soup with Ritz crackers

What famous singer would you love to sing a duet with? Lady Gaga

Who was your celebrity crush when you were 13 years old? Justin Timberlake

Who is your celebrity crush now? Thats hard!  Leonardo DiCaprio, Chris Evans, Julian Edelman, Chris Hemsworth…

What is your favorite part of being an Afternote? Having fun singing with friends who support and love each other