Cantor Barbara R. Finn
Cantor Finn served at Congregation Albert in Albuquerque, New Mexico (2004-2024). Previously she served as primary soloist and music director of Congregation Beth Torah in Overland Park, Kansas (1990-2004). She also taught elementary school music in the Olathe School District (1979-2004).
Cantor Finn and her husband David, a retired Teacher of English, have a son, daughter, and son-in-law of whom they are very proud, and an amazing grandson.
Her degrees include a Bachelor of Music from the University of Texas at Austin in Music Education and Voice with Minors in History, Yiddish Language and Literature, a Masters Degree from the University of Missouri at Kansas City in Educational Administration and Cantorial Ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion School of Sacred Music. She also holds the prestigious title of R. J. E. Reform Jewish Educator.
Cantor Finn founded and coordinated the Kansas City Cantor’s Council from its inception until moving to Albuquerque. She is a founding member, current and Past President of RACAA, the Rabbinical and Cantorial Association of Albuquerque.
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Nationally, Cantor Finn is a member of the American Conference of Cantors where she has served as chair of the Membership relations committee and several convention committees. She is also a member of Zamir Choral Foundation, Music Educators National Conference and American Choral Directors Association. She participated as a Leadership Team Member of the Synagogue 2000 National Reform Cohort. She is a trained facilitator of Dr. Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.
Cantor Finn has led worship services at the American Conference of Cantors national convention on several occasions as well as at the North American Jewish Choral Festival, and the Union for Reform Judaism’s Pacific Coast Regional Biennial. She has served on faculty for URJ Camps Newman and Goldman Union Camp Institute. She has led workshops as well as sung in the CAJE (Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education) Cantor’s Choir at National CAJE Conferences. She has been a concert soloist for community events in Kansas City and Albuquerque as well as for the national convention of the American Conference of Cantors.