We recently had the chance to connect with Janwin Overstreet-Goode and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Janwin, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ince breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
I think too often we are expected, as musicians, to share our talents (provide our services) free of charge. There are many volunteer musicians (church choirs and instrumentalists, for example), who sing or play for the love of music, and the joy it provides – and that’s great. There is a need for volunteers, of course, but those of us who chose a music career should be adequately compensated for our efforts. I have learned to value my time and expertise, and expect to receive appropriate payment for those services.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I currently serve as the Artistic Director of Casulana | Women’s Choir of Houston. In 2020, after 36 years as a high school choir director, I co-founded and co-directed the ensemble with a colleague, as Houston did not have an established, prominent women’s choir, and we desired to rectify that situation. Casulana’s mission statement reflects our brand: “Casulana celebrates the female voice and its power to inspire and culturally enrich the lives of audience and participants through artistic and educational programs that present high-quality choral music.” We emphasize music by women composers and librettists, and craft programs that reflect strong womanhood. One of our favorite selections is “What Happens When a Woman Takes Power” – it speaks to who we are. We also invite sopranos and altos from area high schools to rehearse and perform with us on our spring concerts, as music education is also an important part of our mission. We have been fortunate to secure outstanding collaborative artists from Houston on our programs, and have been featured with ROCO and the Houston Masterworks Chorus. Casulana was also the invited performing choir for the Texas Choral Directors Association 2022 Winter Conference, and, more recently, at the inaugural Houston Chamber Choir and Madrigal Festival for High School Choirs.
Our name comes from Maddelena Casulana, the first published woman composer (c. 1544-c. 1590). We found the dedication in her first book of madrigals to be particularly powerful: “[I] want to show the world, as much as I can in this profession of music, the vain error of men that they alone possess the gifts of intellect and artistry, and that such gifts are never given to women.”
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents demonstrated a strong work ethic and were my biggest influence and inspiration as a child. My father came of age during the depression and then served in the US Army during WW2. His goal in life was to ensure that his children could attend the college or university of their choice. To that end, he worked and saved so that we could realize his dream. For most of my childhood, my mother raised three children, cared for two elderly relatives, and managed a large garden (that provided all the vegetables we could ever need) without complaint. I seldom saw either of being idle when there was work to be done. I believe my desire to work effectively and efficiently comes from watching them and their desire to succeed and achieve the American dream.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Middle school was hard! If I had the chance to talk to my younger self during those critical years, I would tell her to “hang in there; you are going to be successful, and you will find your real friends – and they will like you for who you are.”
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends know that family is what really matters to me, not just my immediate family (husband and daughter), but my extended family. My daughter has several major life events happening in the next few months (recitals, operas, a wedding) and I have carefully crafted Casulana’s 2025-2026 season around her events.
Because we have no other family in Texas, I prioritize daily phone calls with my mother, weekly zoom meetings with my mother and siblings, and monthly meetings with extended family members. These keep me grounded.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid down my name, role, and possessions, my daughter would remain. She is smart, talented (an opera singer) and beautiful, and is a caring individual.
As a former choir director, I would hope that my legacy for a love of music – specifically choral music and singing – would remain with many of my students.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.casulana.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casulana
Image Credits
Jeff Grass, photos
