The Sophisticated Ladies is an ensemble at The Duke Ellington School of the Arts comprising all first-year women. The small ensemble performs a repertoire of traditional choral literature and singing styles ranging from spirituals and musical theater to classical and jazz.

Danielle McKay is a soprano, director of the Female Ensemble, and teaches Vocal Technique at The Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Danielle feels at home on the opera, concert, and musical theater stage. She holds a Doctor of Music degree in vocal performance from The Catholic University of America, where she studied under Sharon Christman. She teaches yoga at Georgetown Law and voice lessons at The Catholic University of America, while maintaining an active performance schedule. 

Kirsten Holmes is a current Duke Ellington School of The Arts senior and the 2022 Virginia William’s Opera Prize winner. She has sung for Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Jackson, the First Lady of France, and George Shirley, among many performances. Kirsten looks forward to studying music in college next year and recording her own music someday. 

Liz Mun, concert pianist, is the collaborative pianist coordinator at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. She holds an Artist diploma in piano performance from Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris in France and a master’s degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in the UK. Liz has given recitals in Switzerland, France, Italy, the United States, and South Korea. Her highlight performances include Beethoven's Piano Concerto No.1 with Moscow Symphony Orchestra and the winner recital at Carnegie Hall. Liz finds her purpose in utilizing her musical gifts to connect to the human soul. She serves as a Music Director at Peace Lutheran Church and teaches at the Mason Academy of George Mason University while actively performing and producing music.