John Stafford II is currently Associate Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities, and Co-Chair of the Music Department at Kansas City Kansas Community College. Professor Stafford was a 2015 recipient of the John & Suanne Roueche Excellence Award for outstanding teaching and leadership at the community college level. He has also received two teaching awards, within the past year, from KCKCC for Recruitment and Teaching Excellence. He was previously appointed at Millikin University, Eastern Illinois University, and Danville Area Community College teaching composition, theory, orchestration, history, and vocal jazz. He holds degrees from Millikin University (music business), Bowling Green State University (composition), and has done additional doctoral studies at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (choral conducting). Among his professional activities, Professor Stafford serves as the Jazz Chair of the Kansas Choral Directors Association; he is also a member of National Association for Music Educators, Jazz Educators Network, and American Choral Directors Association. Also, Stafford has served as Director of Choral Music at Community Christian Church in Kansas City, MO since 2014.

The primary objective of the Choral Music Program at KCKCC is to educate the students and the community about vocal ensemble music through stylistic variety and tonal diversity, based on historical precedent. This objective is achieved by exposing choir members to music of different nationalities and/or cultures and their commitment to recreate a unique tone quality that identifies with the cultural environment of each composition.

Arleen Widerman is a resident of Burlington, NC. She received a degree in Music Education from Elon College and a master’s in Vocal Pedagogy and Music Education from UNC-Greensboro. She worked for more than 30 years teaching music. Her choral experience includes service as Minister of Music at First Reformed UCC in Burlington. Arleen’s first experience with Alamance Chorale was as a college student, and she has been singing with the group since that time. She says that working with the Chorale as musical director is a wonderful way of continuing to learn and grow as a musician.

The Alamance Chorale, a member of Alamance Arts, was formed in 1974 and consists of about 60 members from throughout the community. Chorale members range in age from early twenties to retirees and come from all walks of life. Members come together every Monday evening for two hours of rehearsal and present three concerts per year: a Christmas Concert, two Dinner Show performances and a Spring Concert. The dedicated members, some of whom have been in the group for forty years, enjoy a variety of musical styles and never shy away from a challenge.

Founder & Director of SWPC, Marcus brings a unique style to music making in the U.K. The GWS has been the most challenging work the choir has taken on to date and are thrilled to have been invited to join Patrick on his journey. Marcus has strong links with musicians here in the USA so the opportunity to perform in such a fantastic venue is a welcome one. The SWPC team look forward to strengthening links with the states and look forward to a return visit in the not too distant future. The SWPC are currently preparing Dan Forrest's Lux for a Perform International UK visit in 2019.

The SWPC are one of the UK's largest musical ensemble to boast its own orchestra. Providing a platform for all musicians of any ability to perform. We have raised thousands of pounds for charity and continue to support local organisations. There is a true family feel within the ensemble and it is a privilege to be part of it. Although a relatively new entity SWPC have performed to a capacity audience over 800+ at every one of their main events. www.swpac.co.uk for more details