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.

Organized in 1974, Alamance Chorale has just celebrated its 52nd season of singing and fellowship. The Chorale specializes in sacred and classical music, but its repertoire includes selections from Broadway musicals and popular composers. Membership is open to anyone who enjoys singing choral music and no auditions are required. Members of the chorale have performed at Duke Chapel in Durham NC, Meymandi Hall and the North Carolina Senate Chamber in Raleigh NC, and with other choirs in concerts at Lincoln Center (2015), Carnegie Hall (2018) and Southwark Cathedral, London (2023).

Arleen Widerman has been involved in the musical life of the Burlington, NC community for most of her life. Arleen’s first experience with Alamance Chorale was in 1975 as a college student and she has served as the artistic director for the past 9 years. She received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Elon University and her master’s in Vocal Pedagogy and Music Education from UNC-Greensboro. She has worked as Minister of Music at several churches and retired in 2017 from the Alamance Burlington School System after a 30-year career in elementary and high school music education.

The Highland Terrace Baptist Church Choir is made up of over 40 members that lead in weekly worship and prepare 3 major productions annually. The choir is multi-generational reflecting the congregation and enjoys singing a variety of sacred genre.

John McDaniel holds a Bachelor of Music in Church Music from Baylor University (1991), a Master of Arts in Church Music from Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary (Gateway Seminary, 2001), and is also a graduate of the Rene Clausen Choral School. John has served in churches in California, Minnesota, New Mexico and Texas. He is currently the Pastor of Music and Worship Arts at Highland Terrace Baptist Church where he conducts the adult choir, worship team, youth choir, kids choir, orchestra, and handbells.

The Westminster Presbyterian Church Sanctuary Choir is composed of volunteers preparing weekly anthems for worship services and two large events with full orchestra at Easter and Christmas. Worship services at Westminster are traditional in nature utilizing familiar hymns and new hymns by contemporary composers as well as standard choral numbers and newly composed selections.

David Hale is completing his 6th year as Music Director at Westminster Presbyterian Church and his 60th year in the Music Ministry serving churches in Florida, Texas, Kentucky and Tennessee. Mr. Hale holds a BM in Music Education from Carson-Newman University, an MCM from Southwestern Seminary and an MM from Eastern Kentucky University. He is past Chairman of the Music Department at Clear Creek Baptist College as well as a faculty member at Tusculum University, East Tennessee State University and Eastern Kentucky University. David and his wife enjoy traveling and have visited all seven continents.

Trinity United Methodist Church is grateful to be known as THE church for music on the Treasure Coast. The Trinity Choir praises God with an anthem each Sunday, Easter and Christmas cantatas every year, and an annual Composer Workshop that bring 60 to 90 voices together from several local churches. We have been honored to have Joel Raney with us for one such event.

It is an honor and privilege to serve as Music Director at Trinity United Methodist Church of Jensen Beach for the past two years. I was blessed to have grown up in a loving, musical, Christian family and attended church nearly every time the doors were open. Having sung in choirs, directed at another church, played in handbell choirs and performed handbell solos, and participated in numerous orchestras playing violin and cello, music is my passion. My vision is and always will be to praise God through music.

The Saltillo Methodist Church Choir is a volunteer vocal ensemble that leads worship in traditional sanctuary services. They perform two major works during the liturgical year and prepare anthems for every worship service. This will be their first time traveling as a performing ensemble, and they are thrilled to be sharing the Carnegie Hall stage with some of their favorite composers!

Meg has served as Minister of Music at SMC since 2023. She received her Bachelor's in Music Education from Delta State University in 2012, where she studied applied voice and choral conducting. After 11 years of teaching music in the public school system, Meg felt the call to serve in the church full time. At SMC, she leads the chancel choir, handbell ensemble, and children's choir. She is passionate about music as an avenue to worship and as an offering to God.

**Bay Area Choral Society (BACS)**, based on Florida's beautiful Forgotten Coast, is a nonprofit community chorus dedicated to enriching lives through artistic excellence and the transformative power of choral music. Since its founding in 1989, BACS has presented performances spanning classical masterworks, contemporary compositions, spirituals, Broadway favorites, and patriotic music. Under the direction of Dana Moore Langford since 2016, the chorus has expanded its artistic reach through collaborations with professional musicians, annual performances with the Panama City Symphony, appearances at Carnegie Hall, and an invitation to perform in London in June 2027. Through its Youth Chorale and educational outreach, BACS continues to inspire singers and audiences of all ages.

**Dana Moore Langford** is the Music Director and Conductor of the Bay Area Choral Society (BACS). A native of Oneonta, Alabama, she holds bachelor's and master's degrees from Auburn University, where she sang with the Auburn University Singers and served as Student Conductor of the Concert Choir. In 2022, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by performing Sir John Rutter's *Requiem* at Carnegie Hall under the composer's direction. She has since taken BACS to perform at Carnegie Hall under Joseph Martin and Joel Rainey, launched an annual holiday collaboration with the Panama City Florida Symphony, and will travel with the chorus to London in June 2027 to perform  Taylor Scott Davis' *Requiem* with an international festival choir.

The Lexington Avenue Baptist Church Choir was founded in 1929 and has a rich tradition of worship leadership in the central Kentucky region. The Choir sings weekly in services at Lexington Avenue, setting a high standard for theologically rich excellence in music. The Choir also presents special programs throughout the year, hosts the Austin Roberts Recital Series, and performs around Danville in various community events. Membership is open to all without audition or requirement. The LABC Music Department also houses a Handbell Choir, Children’s Choir, and various small ensembles with the purpose of glorifying God in Spirit and Truth.

Daniel Wesley is the Minister of Music at Lexington Avenue Baptist Church, Director of Fine Arts at Lexington Christian Academy, and Artistic Director of the Lexington Singers Children’s Choir. Ensembles under Mr. Wesley’s direction have toured throughout the United States and Europe, including recent tours to Sweden, France, Austria, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Wales, England, Germany, and Italy. Mr. Wesley has also conducted honor choirs, adjudicated choral festivals, and presented lectures at conferences across the United States. He holds degrees from the University of Kentucky and Campbellsville University. He and his wife, Kendra, reside in Lexington with their three children.

The Hermitage Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir is a small, committed group of singers, ages 14 to 85, with diverse musical backgrounds. Music holds a special place at Hermitage Presbyterian and is integral to the worship service. Our talented choir joyfully shares a wide range of songs, from beautiful traditional anthems to uplifting spirituals. The choir prepares a Christmas Cantata each year and leads a moving Tenebrae service on Good Friday. Many of the choir members have been active in the Chancel Choir for decades, reflecting their longstanding dedication.

Mrs. Bengtson holds a B.A. in Music/Theatre from Maryville College in East Tennessee. She has performed with Opera Southwest and Quintessence Choral Group in Albuquerque and has extensive stage experience in both ensemble and solo roles. Karen has been the Choir Director of Hermitage Presbyterian Church since 2005, having tried unsuccessfully to retire in 2022. She selects and rehearses music based on the core value that every choir member, regardless of training or experience, should have a meaningful choral experience and the opportunity to engage with music that is both challenging and rewarding.

The Peace Lutheran Church Choir has expertly and faithfully led worship at the church since its founding in 1970. Choir members rehearse weekly, and sing anthems every Sunday during the academic year. The Peace Choir excels in a broad range of musical styles, from classic to contemporary to urban gospel. On any given Sunday you may hear African, Steel Band, Bluegrass, or Irish musical styles. Peace Choir members are equally comfortable singing for family and friends, parishioners, residents of retirement facilities, or even Carnegie Hall!

Bradley Stirtz is Director of Music at Peace Lutheran Church in Lombard, IL. He holds Master’s degrees from the American Conservatory of Music and from Concordia University Chicago. Brad has served on the faculties of the American Conservatory of Music, Roosevelt University, Benedictine University, Northern Illinois University and North Central College, and has taught at the Birch Creek Music Center for over 40 years. During his career, Brad has conducted sacred choirs in Uganda, and performed with steel bands in Trinidad. He has performed with jazz artists Ed Thigpen, Patricia Barber and Jerry Goodman, and with contemporary artists Joe Walsh, Dennis DeYoung, and Charlie Pride.

The Uvalde Methodist Church Chancel Choir in Uvalde, TX has always been a part of UMC's music program and is currently under the direction of Paulo Viana. The group has 25 members and 8 of them were able to come to be a part of this performance. They first performed at Carnegie Hall in February 2016 as part of a Joseph M. Martin choral under the direction of Susan Lovelace Gerrish and some have returned numerous times since. To make music, especially music sung to God and for His glory, is the purpose of this group.

Paulo Viana, UMC Director of Music since 2023, was born in Brazil and began musical instruction at 14, learning classical guitar, and later, studying the cello. He played in secular orchestras in Brazil and for special events and was principal cello instructor at a Brazilian public music school. In 2017, Paulo moved to the US to study at Baptist University of the Americas in San Antonio, TX, earning a B.A. in Music. While in San Antonio, Paulo was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church orchestra. His wife, Maíra Viana, is an accomplished flautist, and they have a 14-year-old daughter.

The Sanctuary Choir of First Presbyterian Church consists of 50 – 80 singers who present diverse musical pieces for services each week and various works for the community throughout the year. Favorite works include Faure’s Requiem, Mendelssohn’s Christus, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Dubois’s Seven Last Words, and Handel’s Messiah. First Presbyterian Church commissioned Mark Hayes to compose International Carol Suites in 2017. This work was premiered at Carnegie Hall that same year and included the Sanctuary Choir in the performance chorus.

Chad Martin enjoys an active and varied career in choral conducting, sacred music, and organ performance. Chad holds degrees in organ performance from both Anderson University and Winthrop University. He has appeared as accompanist, conductor, or featured artist with various musical groups in the Southeastern U.S., including the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra of Hilton Head, SC. Favorite performed works include Saint-Saens Symphony No. 3 in C Minor, Op. 78, Mozart’s Requiem, Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living, Mark Hayes’s International Carol Suites, Joseph Martin’s A Weary World Rejoices, Menotti’s Amahl and the Night Visitors, and Handel’s Messiah.

Founded in 1994, the Singing Women of Texas is a statewide organization of women musicians dedicated to glorifying God through musical excellence, Christian fellowship, and Gospel ministry. The West Chapter proudly serves communities across West Texas, bringing together church musicians, choir members, and professional performers who share a passion for worship and service through music. Under the direction of Joanna Forbes, the chapter presents concerts, supports community service, and encourages excellence in sacred choral music. As part of the nine-chapter statewide organization, the West Chapter continues the mission of sharing the hope of Christ through inspiring performances and faithful service.

Joanna Forbes is a choral conductor, collaborative pianist, and music educator with more than 20 years of experience serving churches, schools, and musical organizations across Texas. She is Director of the West Chapter of the Singing Women of Texas, where she has led significant membership growth and artistic achievement. Her work with the organization has been featured on KLBK's Trends and Friends, highlighting her contributions to the West Texas music community. Joanna is the founder of Premiere Piano Accompaniment and has collaborated with choirs, vocalists, instrumentalists, and musical productions throughout the region. She teaches elementary music at Seagraves ISD and earned her Bachelor of Music Education from Texas Tech University. She is working on a Masters in Educational Administration.

Mount Tabor’s Chancel Choir consists of 25 dedicated singers, about half of whom are women and half are men. The choir, described as “small, but mighty,” leads weekly traditional service worship, offers weekly anthems, presents Christmas and Easter Cantatas, and joins other choirs for special events such as Rev. Martin Luther King community services. Music sung by the choir includes sacred, classical, contemporary, traditional hymn, and spiritual selections.

Our singers include members from Trinity Lutheran Church at Badger Ranch Chancel Choir in Woodway, Texas, Bethany Lutheran Church Chancel Choir in Austin, Texas, and St. Paul Lutheran Church Chancel Choir in Waco, Texas.

Kimberly Griesse Angerman has a BA in church music and her colloquy from Concordia University at Austin, TX. With more than 30 years of music ministry experience, she currently serves as Minister of Music at Trinity Lutheran Church at Badger Ranch in Woodway, Texas, where she oversees traditional and contemporary worship. Over the years, she has directed youth and adult choirs, orchestras and handbell choirs. She also has taught piano, led hospitality, set design and decorating teams and served in the LCC K-9 Comfort Dog Ministry.

The Second Baptist Church Choir of Little Rock, Arkansas, brings a rich tradition of choral excellence. Based at a historic downtown congregation, the choir has long been a vital voice in worship and community life, singing under the direction of Rev. Suzanne Cain.

Suzanne is the Associate Pastor of Worship Arts and Senior Adults. Born and raised in Arkansas, she has served on the staff of Second Baptist Church, Downtown Little Rock, in various roles for 26 years.

The Living Word Worship Choir, based in Wildwood, Missouri, is dedicated to elevating sacred music through artistic excellence and inspiring choral literature. Under the musical leadership of Donna Baker, the ensemble serves as a cornerstone of worship at Living Word UMC and frequently presents seasonal concerts for the church and community. The choir is thrilled to return to New York City to perform Sing We Noel with composer Joel Raney, marking their second prestigious performance on the Carnegie Hall stage.

Donna Baker has served in church music ministry in the St. Louis area for over twenty-five years and has been the Director of Traditional Music Ministries at Living Word UMC since 2017. A seasoned educator, Ms. Baker previously taught vocal music at the elementary and high school levels for thirty-three years. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Vocal and Instrumental Music Education from William Jewell College and a Master of Educational Processes from Maryville University. In addition to her ministry, Ms. Baker maintains an active private voice and piano studio. She is honored to perform alongside the Living Word Worship Choir for this prestigious DCINY performance.

For nearly six decades, the Chancel Choir of Christ Church has been a hallmark of worship and musical excellence in the Chicago area. Renowned for performances of sacred masterworks by composers including Bach, Handel, Mozart, Haydn, Mendelssohn, Fauré, and Rutter, the choir has collaborated with professional orchestras and acclaimed soloists. Its ministry extended beyond the sanctuary through Sunday worship broadcasts on WGN, sharing Christ Church's worship and the gospel with audiences across Chicagoland, and through multiple recordings. Today, the Chancel Choir continues to lead Worship with organ, orchestra, and congregational song, honoring its rich musical heritage.

Jamal Sarikoki is an accomplished conductor, baritone, organist, and church musician serving as Classic Worship Pastor at Christ Church in Oak Brook, Illinois. He previously led music ministries at First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs, Venice Presbyterian Church, West Point Cadet Chapel, and Calvary Baptist Church in Manhattan. A graduate of Nyack College with graduate conducting studies at Bard Conservatory, Sarikoki has conducted choirs and orchestras since age sixteen. As a sought-after soloist, he has performed leading operatic and oratorio roles, appears regularly with the Grammy-nominated St. Tikhon's Choir, and has been featured on recordings by composer Benedict Sheehan.

Rustburg United Methodist has a strong history of musical excellence. We are a small, hometown church located in southern central VA. Our choir strives to elevate worship through beautiful sound and balance. We are small but mighty and have a beautiful fellowship that grows with each rehearsal. We are blessed with wonderful singers, a highly skilled collaborative pianist and a spirit of cooperation.

Alice Watson is an active musician with a passion for teaching music on many levels. She teaches music at Leesville Road Elementary School, is Music Director at Rustburg UMC, rings in Bells of the Blue Ridge and is Music Director for Brookville High School Theater. Mrs. Watson has presented sessions for VA NAFME and local universities. She holds a BA in Music from Lynchburg College and has received several honors including Elementary Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Undergraduate Alumni and the prestigious McGlothin Award for Teaching Excellence. She loves working with singers and is thrilled to be part of DCINY.