With the start of the 2025-2026 school year in full swing, we are excited to introduce you to members of the incoming class of students. Click here to see all of the posts in this series.
Today we’re talking with incoming Cantorial student Mandy Monreal.
Q1) Where do you live?
Q2) How did you first hear of AJRCA?
My dear friend, Cantor Hallie Weiner, attended and graduated from AJRCA, so I got to watch her go through this program and hear all about how amazing it was!
Q3) What was it about AJRCA that drew you to enroll here?
The leadership and students were so welcoming, kind, and genuinely supportive when I sat in on a few classes, and throughout the application process. I also saw the amazing humans that were graduating and entering the clergy world and was so inspired by them.
Q4) What were you doing prior to enrolling?
I was and still am the Coordinator of Music/Composer-In-Residence at Temple Shalom in Dallas, Texas. I have also been teaching private voice lessons at a middle school to students in the choral program. Prior to that, I was a middle school choir director at a public school!
Q5) As you embark on this experience, what are you most excited about?
I am so excited to gain knowledge and learn what it takes to be a great cantor, to grow in my faith and spirituality so I can share that with others, to be present and able to help others, and to nurture lasting relationships and friendships with all those at AJRCA!
Welcome Mandy!