The Wildflowers Story

In the fall of 2002, Mable Johnson, Emmaus Church Choir Director, sparked an idea. She asked choir members Martha Kubala and Ernie Clay, both seasoned Sweet Adelines, to form a singing group for the annual Fall Fest. Martha and Ernie recruited women from the choir, Sing Along, and the Lakeway Players, seeking those interested in barbershop harmony. And so, the Wildflowers were born. While they didn't quite make it for that first Fall Fest – barbershop takes time! – the seed had been planted.

The group blossomed, initially practicing at a music business where Angela Fleming worked, and later at Angela's home. They eventually found their haven at the Activity Center. Nine months later, in the spring of 2003, the Wildflowers made their debut as pre-show entertainment for the Lakeway Players' spring show. That spring also saw them performing at the DAR’s Flag Day event and the Women’s Club Installation Luncheon. The summer was filled with singing tags, quartetting, and visits to Austin’s Chord Rangers and San Antonio’s Alamo Metro Chorus. Finally, in the fall of 2003, a year after the initial invitation, the Wildflowers graced the Emmaus Fall Fest stage.

As the group grew, members stepped into leadership roles. Martha and Ernie shared directing duties. Vera Engert became the first costume chair, outfitting the group in white slacks and Wildflower t-shirts for summer, and black slacks, white tux shirts, and sequin vests (later red vests) for winter. Janice Zehrer served as the first Performance Liaison & Promoter, and Diana Hall became Treasurer, managing the $5 dues. Fostering sisterhood was a priority, with frequent gatherings and parties. Nancy Bain meticulously documented the Wildflowers' journey in a scrapbook, now housed in the Heritage Center.

By the summer of 2007, the Wildflowers boasted 35 members. Among this early group, several members still sing with the Wildflowers in 2025: Angela Fleming, Barbara Helmueller, Jeanne Ann Klein-Richter, Kathy Wilson, Karen Knaus, Pat Hydanus, and Diana Hall. Initially, the repertoire consisted of simple arrangements of old favorites, Christmas carols, and patriotic songs. Recognizing the need for professional guidance, the Wildflowers sought out two young directors, a decision that would shape the chorus's future.

First came David Beussman, former Lakeway Church choir director and then a middle school choir director, with barbershop experience. David helped the Wildflowers tackle more complex pieces and refine their barbershop sound. His kindness and patience fostered a strong sense of camaraderie. Under David's direction, the group expanded its performance venues, including local retirement communities like Vista Oaks, The Summit, and Longhorn Village, a brown bag luncheon at the Activity Center in 2008, and even appearances on 4th of July parade floats (singing even in the rain!). David led the Wildflowers for five years, elevating their performance level, before other commitments took him in a different direction.

In 2012, Adam Poynor auditioned and immediately captivated the group.  Adam's charm, humor, and compassion make rehearsals productive and fun. He continues to teach the Wildflowers to sing with finesse, conveying the emotion and story of each song.  Under Adam's leadership, the Wildflowers have produced five shows: "Sentimental Journey" (2013), "Four-Part Broadway" (2015), "Trippin’ Across the USA" (2016), "Rhythm of Life" (2018), and a brown bag lunch show in 2020.  Adam's showmanship shines through in his theme selection, song choices, set designs, costume approvals, and even choreography enhancements.  The pandemic forced the Wildflowers online in 2020, but upon returning to in-person rehearsals, they discovered a renewed appreciation for their shared love of singing, their friendships, and their director.Today, the Wildflowers are more popular than ever, regularly performing at patriotic events, Christmas programs, the Lake Travis Crisis Ministries benefit, and various community events. They even have to decline some requests due to scheduling constraints.

From their humble beginnings, the Wildflowers have come a long way, always staying true to their original mission: to have fun while growing in friendship, musical skill, and performance ability. As their signature song proclaims, they “laughed and loved and sang together today.”

Ernie Clay and Martha Kubala

updated February 2025