Andrea Jill Higgins, nee Gersten, is Kehillah’s Composer in Residence/Director of Music. A native of New York City, Jill served in a similar position for 28+ years, both founding and conducting the adult and junior choirs at Temple Solel. Jill received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Composition from Mills College in Oakland, California, where she was a protegee of the late renowned French Jewish composer, Darius Milhaud.  Jill also earned a Master of Music degree in Music Theatre Direction from Arizona State University and has been involved as composer, conductor, music director or accompanist in more than 120 stage productions. In May 2008, she conducted the world premiere concert reading of her musical, "Babe: An Olympic Musical", written with playwright Carolyn Gage.  Since 1983, Jill has been an active member of the Guild of Temple Musicians, an affiliate of the American Conference of Cantors, and presently serves on the Executive Board of Directors of the Guild.  Jill holds both composer and publisher memberships in the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.  Her 70+ liturgical compositions are published by Transcontinental Music and Shirei Chana and are performed in Jewish sacred services and concerts throughout North America and in Israel. 

Jill resides in Scottsdale, Arizona with her husband Harry. She has two sons, four cats, and a new granddaughter, Emma Lynda.

Jill invites you to sing along with us at Kabbalat Shabbat and let Kehillah’s beautiful music touch your soul. If you sing or play an instrument, she’d love to speak with you about Kol Kehillah. Please contact Jill through the Kehillah office.