The First Lutheran Church Choir is a vibrant SATB ensemble of 25–30 musically strong, dedicated singers representing all ages. As the only active church choir in our community, the choir proudly upholds a rich choral tradition through the performance of diverse, high-quality sacred literature. First Lutheran Church, established in 1883, has a long history of music ministry. While groups sang for worship before then, the choir was officially organized in 1940, following its beginnings as a men’s choir in 1933. Led by just 11 directors throughout its history, the choir continues a legacy of musical excellence and faithful service.

Jennifer Weick is an accomplished choir director and music educator with more than 23 years of experience inspiring singers of all ages. She has served as a church choir director and elementary music teacher throughout her career, fostering a lifelong love of music in both children and adults. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance and a master’s degree in K–12 Instruction from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. In addition to her work in schools and churches, she has directed community choirs and numerous musical productions, bringing passion, artistry, and a collaborative spirit to every ensemble she leads.

The chancel choir of First Presbyterian, Springdale, Arkansas sings for services each Sunday and presents two concerts each year for Advent and Lent. This close knit group loves to learn challenging music and offers music by Craig Courtney, Dan Forrest, Elaine Hagenberg, Joseph Martin, and many others during our worship services. We are honored to be performing tonight in this venue with such an esteemed director.

Scarlett Morris is the Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church in Springdale, Arkansas where she directs the Chancel Choir and Crandell Ringers, a handbell group of eleven ringers. She occasionally plays piano and organ for services. Her musical career spans over forty years, including church work, public school, and college teaching. Scarlett and her husband, David have two grown children and five grandsons.

The Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church Chancel Choir is a welcoming community of volunteer singers dedicated to leading worship through meaningful and inspiring sacred music. Under the direction of Rebekah Thompson, Director of Music Ministries, the choir offers a diverse repertoire spanning traditional hymns, classical masterworks, spirituals, contemporary anthems, and seasonal cantatas. The ensemble sings regularly during Sunday worship and special services throughout the church year, striving to glorify God while enriching the congregation's worship experience. United by faith, fellowship, and a shared love of music, the choir welcomes singers of all experience levels to join its ministry.

Rebekah Thompson is a classically trained musician, conductor, educator, and soprano. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Vocal Performance and a Certificate in Ethnomusicology from Mount Holyoke College, where she was a Frances Perkins Scholar. Following graduation, she served as Assistant Choral Director while completing a two-year independent study in choral conducting under Lindsay Pope. Since 2022, Rebekah has served as Director of Music Ministries at Kitty Hawk United Methodist Church. She is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Choral Conducting at Georgia State University.

The Hilton Presbyterian Adult Choir is open to all singers high school and adult. Founded in 1919, they have more than 100 years of bringing beautiful music to worship and the community. They were invited to participate in DCINY "A Winter's Night" concert in 2024 and members have sung with John Rutter, Rene Clausen, Mack Wilberg, Andre Thomas and Mark Hayes. We are honored to be once again be singing under the baton of Joseph Martin.

Lois has been with Hilton Presbyterian for 20 years as Music Director. She is also the owner of High Notes Music School and High Notes Rhythm and Wellness; offering private lessons, children's music classes, drum circles for the whole community and senior fitness classes. In 2015 she was recognized by the Virginia Symphony as one of Hampton Roads' top music educators.

The FBC Waco Sanctuary Choir has a membership of 80 + singers varying from college age to senior adult. They sing a variety of choral music from classical, contemporary christian worship and sacred choral. Compiled with many retired choral conductors, professional singers and church musicians allows the choir to sing the various styles of music at a difficulty.

Andy Muskrat has been serving at FBC Waco, TX for 7 years as their Worship Pastor, previously serving other churches in Texas and Arkansas. Andy grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina as a missionary kid and has a B.M. in Church Music / Piano from Baylor University and Master of Arts & Worship from B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary. Andy has a published book of hymn arrangements for keyboard with Lillenas / Lorenz Publishing Co.

The Shepherd of the Valley Senior Choir has a widespread reputation for excellence in choral music and vocal tone. Besides performing regularly for worship services, the 120 voice choir has been a featured performer at the St. Olaf Choral Festival and has performed along side the internationally known St. Olaf Choir. The group has also sung major choral works within the community, and in 2001 performed Haydn’s Te Deum, Mozart’s Regina Coeli, and Finzi’s Magnificat at Carnegie Hall. The group has toured within the United States and in 2009 performed throughout Germany in a tour entitled, “Following in the Footsteps of Martin Luther.” In 2015 the choir toured in Italy and performed in Florence, Assisi, and for Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. In 2018 the choir toured Scandinavia, with performances in Bergen, Norway; Stockholm, Sweden; and Helsinki, Finland. Ireland was the tour destination for the choir in 2023, with performances at Kylemore Abbey and Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin. Most recently the choir toured and performed in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain. The choir looks forward to touring and performing in Montreal, Canada in 2027.

Mark Ertl studied choral and instrumental music at the University of Minnesota, with an emphasis in vocal performance and piano, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in music education. He also holds the Master of Sacred Music Degree, with an emphasis in organ performance and choral conducting, from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Mr. Ertl has been the Director of Music and Worship at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church since 1989, where he oversees all aspects of worship and music, conducts the 120 voice Senior Choir, and is the principal organist. He is a rostered Deacon in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. In addition, Mr. Ertl has served as Director of Schola Cantorum and Principal Organist at Luther Seminary, the largest seminary in the ELCA.

The Chancel Choir of the First United Methodist Church in Sachse, TX has a rich tradition of providing quality sacred choral music to the congregation. In 2025 the church celebrated their 40th anniversary and the Chancel Choir was a huge part of that celebration. Many members participate in other aspects of the music department such as playing in the Sachse Ringers (the handbell choir), singing with Crossfire (contemporary band), and various other musical offerings. The choir presents Christmas and Good Friday Cantatas each year along with other sacred celebrations held at the church. This is the second year that members of the Chancel Choir have been invited to sing in Carnegie Hall with Joseph Martin.

Verallen Kleinhenz has been a church musician for over 45 years. She began her career as a base chapel choir director for the US Air Force and Navy chapels from 1979 to 1998. In addition to serving as the Director of Music and Worship at FUMC in Sachse, TX, five years ago Vera became the Director of Choirs at Sellers MS in Garland, Texas. She is a published composer and arranger and has a degree in Gourmet Cooking and Catering. Vera was recently widowed but enjoys her time is a mom of 4, grandma of 6, and great grandma of 5.