Arlene's  father, Harold Freeman, was a cantor and she grew up with all the music of the liturgy that he sang. She also studied with Cantor Ron Eichaker, formerly of Emanu-El B'nei Jeshurun. When she came to Emanu- El her goal was teach the congregation many of the more modern tunes being sung in synagogues. She feels she has succeeded in that endeavor. She also wanted to expose them to a wide variety of Jewish music ranging from Hasidic, to Sephardic, to Ashkenazi, and more.