Our director Gena Sommer has been a member of Sweet Adelines for over 30 years.. She's been successful in achieving regional quartet championships allowing her to compete Internationally six times. Gena taught English for 32 years, retiring in 2003. She is now the volunteer coordinator for 60 wonderful volunteers with a rural hospice program.

She comes from a long line of musicians...both parents still sing and both brothers sing and play in bands. She is married to Frank and between them there are 6 children, 6 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. 

Gena has been directing the Heart of Illinois Chorus since 2005, when the chorus won Regional Competition and was able to compete internationally in Calgary, Canada. The chorus enjoys performing at local fairs, festivals, and corporate events, as well as sharing their two annual shows with the greater Peoria area.