The musical vision started in 1970 when I graduated from Montclair State College (now Montclair State University) in Upper Montclair, New Jersey with a B.A. degree in Music Education (K-12) with my sights set on Broadway.

My route was not to be without roadblocks. Following a year of study at the Carnegie Hall Dramatic Workshop, I taught a semester of reading to second graders, and then another semester of 5th grade Cuban refugees. After these two experiences, I was finally assigned a music teaching position in a Newark, New Jersey elementary school in 1971. On July 1st, 1972,  I married my Air Force husband, Edward and moved to Merced, California.

Well aware of my goals, and aspirations for the bright lights of the stage, Ed supported and encouraged my dream. When we got married, my husband told me he would take me to "Broadway." While it wasn't exactly what I had in mind, my husband nonetheless kept his word. When stationed at Vance AFB, Enid, Oklahoma we lived at 1228 E. Broadway Street!!

I was happy with my life as Edward's, however, I still longed for the theatre. One day Ed came home with an arm load of books and asked me to write a Black History play to educate the community.

I spent days pouring over those history books, and allowed God to evolutionilize this into a documentary thru fine arts.  Ed named it "Dimensions in Black." The play followed Black history from Africa through the 1970's. I enlisted adults and children from the base and community to fill the acting roles and before long a theatrical hit was born. We had more than 25 Black and White participants who knocked out many of the racial and ethnic myths that existed in Enid Oklahoma. 

In 1974, I gave birth to the first of three children, Christine. She was followed in 1977 by Dawn, and then David in 1979. Pregnancies and child-rearing duties didn't stop me from performing, although my delicate state made some folks nervous. When I was doing a ballet performance in 1977, and pregnant with my second daughter, they forced me to quit for fear of me hurting myself.  In New York, they encouraged that kind of exercise for pregnant women. 

The years went by. We moved to San Antonio, Texas and Minot, North Dakota and I continued my work with young people in every community.

In 1984 Bellevue, Nebraska became home to our family. Shortly thereafter came the birth of another successful endeavor, "The Elizabeth Witcher School of Performing Arts". It was named after my mother, who lived each day of her 96 years with a purpose in mind. She always wanted to open an orphanage and take care of lots of children. I have found that I can fulfill part of her dreams by giving back to the young people. The school of performing arts is based out of our Bellevue home. The lower level is transformed into a combination drama/dance/speech studio. Tall mirrors, plaques, awards of recognition and photos of my students fill the walls. My piano suite is on the first level.

During the past 25 years, I estimate that literally hundreds of young proteges have passed through my home, and my heart. Each one is referred to as "my babies" and each one has gotten the same piece of stern advise: If you're going to do it, do it well, don't waste your time and my time and your parent's money. Also, during this time, I have developed a great relationship with Ms. Thelma Stenlund who is now my mentor in the musical arts. She has taught piano for more than seventy years and has always made more than just a musical difference in her students' lives.

I also rekindled one of my dreams by performing in the Omaha Playhouse's "CROWNS" in 2007.

Many of my pupils have flourished in the arts of music, dance and drama. Each year my students compete and earn top awards at the annual Nebraska Summer Music Olympics held at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. We also enjoy participating in the Keyboard Karnival sponsored by the Bellevue/Papillion Music Teachers Association. Each Christmas we love to perform for our senior citizens at various eldercare centers/homes. Additionally, I serve the Home School community by offering music and theater classes.

I keep a balanced life by enjoying my family which includes my husband, three married children and one grandson. I love serving my business associates and customers in our profitable E-Commerce Amway business, which is growing daily. My relationship with my pastors and serving as the pianist at Bible Truth Ministries is a joy and blessing. Finally, inspiring my students at the "faith centered" Elizabeth Witcher School of Performing Arts is my passion. Everyday, I thank the Lord for the opportunities to serve and help others bring out their gifts and talents in the area of the arts.

Visit our school and see how we can serve you and help you reach your dreams and goals.