Camp Staff
Stephanie Charbonneau, Camp Conductor
Stephanie is the Artistic Director for Spectrum Choral Academy and Northwest Choir Camps. She has extensive experience and training as a choir director of children and youth ages 5 to 20. She is also a trained Music Together® instructor (early childhood music program for newborns through age 5). She has proven herself a creative and inspirational teacher and choral conductor, with her students frequently becoming section leaders of their school choirs, participating in honor choirs, holding lead roles in musicals, going on to major in Music Education, Music Performance and Theater Arts in college and becoming professional choir directors, music teachers and performers. Stephanie has a passion for both directing choirs and developing choir-related programs. Stephanie began studying piano and singing in choirs at the age of 3 and now has over 30 years teaching experience. She is a 2002 graduate of Pacific Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. She was the Founding Artistic Director of Cappella Choirs in Port Orchard, WA and served in that position for 10 years, from 1998 through 2008. Stephanie also served as Associate for Children's and Youth Choirs at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue from 2004-2012. In that position, she directed Good News Group (grades 4-7) and accompanied Bel Canto (grades 8-12), while planning tours for Bel Canto to California and Costa Rica. Stephanie also maintains an active studio of private piano students.
In 2007, Stephanie had thyroid surgery which inadvertently resulted in paralysis of her left vocal cord. An additional surgery was done to insert a prosthesis, allowing the paralyzed vocal cord to still function. While Stephanie's voice sounds different now, she is grateful to be able to sing and speak well enough to continue her work of inspiring youth through music.
Stephanie is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association. Her choirs have toured to The United Kingdom (Scotland & England in 2018), Italy (2016), PICCFEST (Eugene, OR), the Pacific Rim Children's Chorus Festival (Honolulu, HI), the Manhattan Concert Productions Festival (Carnegie Hall - New York, NW) and multiple trips to festivals in California.
Stephanie and her husband Donald have over 20 years experience planning successful choir camps, festivals and tours. Together, they coordinate the Fort Worden Children's Choir Festival, Youth Choir Festival Northwest and Northwest Choir Camps. They live in Port Orchard, WA with their two musically talented children (the youngest two of six).
Stephanie is the Artistic Director for Spectrum Choral Academy and Northwest Choir Camps. She has extensive experience and training as a choir director of children and youth ages 5 to 20. She is also a trained Music Together® instructor (early childhood music program for newborns through age 5). She has proven herself a creative and inspirational teacher and choral conductor, with her students frequently becoming section leaders of their school choirs, participating in honor choirs, holding lead roles in musicals, going on to major in Music Education, Music Performance and Theater Arts in college and becoming professional choir directors, music teachers and performers. Stephanie has a passion for both directing choirs and developing choir-related programs. Stephanie began studying piano and singing in choirs at the age of 3 and now has over 30 years teaching experience. She is a 2002 graduate of Pacific Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. She was the Founding Artistic Director of Cappella Choirs in Port Orchard, WA and served in that position for 10 years, from 1998 through 2008. Stephanie also served as Associate for Children's and Youth Choirs at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue from 2004-2012. In that position, she directed Good News Group (grades 4-7) and accompanied Bel Canto (grades 8-12), while planning tours for Bel Canto to California and Costa Rica. Stephanie also maintains an active studio of private piano students.
In 2007, Stephanie had thyroid surgery which inadvertently resulted in paralysis of her left vocal cord. An additional surgery was done to insert a prosthesis, allowing the paralyzed vocal cord to still function. While Stephanie's voice sounds different now, she is grateful to be able to sing and speak well enough to continue her work of inspiring youth through music.
Stephanie is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association. Her choirs have toured to The United Kingdom (Scotland & England in 2018), Italy (2016), PICCFEST (Eugene, OR), the Pacific Rim Children's Chorus Festival (Honolulu, HI), the Manhattan Concert Productions Festival (Carnegie Hall - New York, NW) and multiple trips to festivals in California.
Stephanie and her husband Donald have over 20 years experience planning successful choir camps, festivals and tours. Together, they coordinate the Fort Worden Children's Choir Festival, Youth Choir Festival Northwest and Northwest Choir Camps. They live in Port Orchard, WA with their two musically talented children (the youngest two of six).
Donald Stojack, Logistics Coordinator & Music Theory/Music History Instructor
Donald is an Accompanist and Music Theory/History Instructor for both Spectrum Choral Academy and Northwest Choir Camps. He has 40 years of experience as a professional musician, choir director, and music teacher. He was the founding director for Prestant Boys’ Choir and served as the director of the Port Orchard Community Chorale from 1997 to 2003. Donald graduated in 1982 from Pacific Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. He maintained a private teaching studio for piano and clarinet students from 1982-2012.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Donald is currently the Senior Marketing Consultant and Manager of the Client Services Division for Go Meta Media and Eben Pagan. Prior to his current position, Donald was Director of Client Services for Business Breakthroughs International with Chet Holmes and Tony Robbins. He also offers consulting for business start-ups and mid-level companies looking to improve their marketing, profitability and strategic positioning within their industry. Donald takes care of logistics for Spectrum, Youth Choir Festival Northwest and Northwest Choir Camps.
Donald is an Accompanist and Music Theory/History Instructor for both Spectrum Choral Academy and Northwest Choir Camps. He has 40 years of experience as a professional musician, choir director, and music teacher. He was the founding director for Prestant Boys’ Choir and served as the director of the Port Orchard Community Chorale from 1997 to 2003. Donald graduated in 1982 from Pacific Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. He maintained a private teaching studio for piano and clarinet students from 1982-2012.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Donald is currently the Senior Marketing Consultant and Manager of the Client Services Division for Go Meta Media and Eben Pagan. Prior to his current position, Donald was Director of Client Services for Business Breakthroughs International with Chet Holmes and Tony Robbins. He also offers consulting for business start-ups and mid-level companies looking to improve their marketing, profitability and strategic positioning within their industry. Donald takes care of logistics for Spectrum, Youth Choir Festival Northwest and Northwest Choir Camps.
Julie Mandery, Accompanist & Head Music Theory Instructor
Julie Mandery is an experienced musician and educator who loves exploring music with kids of all ages. Julie grew up in Kitsap County, Washington, studying piano and participating in school band for many years. She went on to complete her BA in Music in 2003 at Thomas Edison State College. After teaching private piano lessons for many years, Julie completed her Masters degree in elementary education and currently teaches music at Discovery Elementary School in Gig Harbor.
Julie and Stephanie have worked together for over 20 years - first with Cappella Choirs and now Spectrum Choral Academy, Northwest Choir Camps and Youth Choir Festival NW. Julie is the lead collaborate pianist / accompanist / advanced theory instructor for all choirs and takes on the role of Accompanist at Youth Choir Festival NW. Her daughter also sings in Spectrum Children's Chorus.
Julie Mandery is an experienced musician and educator who loves exploring music with kids of all ages. Julie grew up in Kitsap County, Washington, studying piano and participating in school band for many years. She went on to complete her BA in Music in 2003 at Thomas Edison State College. After teaching private piano lessons for many years, Julie completed her Masters degree in elementary education and currently teaches music at Discovery Elementary School in Gig Harbor.
Julie and Stephanie have worked together for over 20 years - first with Cappella Choirs and now Spectrum Choral Academy, Northwest Choir Camps and Youth Choir Festival NW. Julie is the lead collaborate pianist / accompanist / advanced theory instructor for all choirs and takes on the role of Accompanist at Youth Choir Festival NW. Her daughter also sings in Spectrum Children's Chorus.
Rebecca Stojack, Camp Activities Director 2019, 2022-Present
Head Counselor - 2016, 2017, 2018, Counselor - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Rebecca sat through her first choir rehearsal when she was just a few weeks old, having grown up in a very musical family. She began singing in choirs at the age of five, attending annual choir camps, choral festivals, and choir tours her entire life. She has toured and performed on stage at Carnegie Hall and Benaroya Hall for invitational concerts. She has participated and performed in each of the annual Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festivals held from 2000-2019 held in Port Townsend, WA. The last nine years she also acted in the role of staff. Additionally, she has toured with choirs to Anaheim and San Francisco, California, Costa Rica, Italy and the United Kingdom. Rebecca has studied clarinet, piano, and voice. As a mezzo-soprano, Rebecca’s favorite part is singing harmony – although she has a wide range and is flexible enough to have been assigned everything from Soprano 1 through Alto 2 in her various choirs over the years. Rebecca is a graduate of South Kitsap High School and Olympic College. At the age of 16, Rebecca auditioned and was accepted in to the Olympic College Chamber Choir as their youngest singer ever. Rebecca also sang with Bel Canto at Bellevue Presbyterian Church for 5 years. In addition to choir, Rebecca has a passion for music theory and working with children. She studied advanced music theory in college and worked as one of our Spectrum music theory instructors from 2012-2018. She is currently filling the role of Activities Director for NW Choir Camps & Spectrum Choral Academy's Gig Harbor SINGS! Camp where she plans and leads the many fun aspects of choir camp, supervises counselors and teaches music theory. Rebecca’s passion for working with children has taken her to Houston, Texas where she teaches piano lessons and works as a full-time nanny for her 9-year-old cousin during the school year.
Head Counselor - 2016, 2017, 2018, Counselor - 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
Rebecca sat through her first choir rehearsal when she was just a few weeks old, having grown up in a very musical family. She began singing in choirs at the age of five, attending annual choir camps, choral festivals, and choir tours her entire life. She has toured and performed on stage at Carnegie Hall and Benaroya Hall for invitational concerts. She has participated and performed in each of the annual Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festivals held from 2000-2019 held in Port Townsend, WA. The last nine years she also acted in the role of staff. Additionally, she has toured with choirs to Anaheim and San Francisco, California, Costa Rica, Italy and the United Kingdom. Rebecca has studied clarinet, piano, and voice. As a mezzo-soprano, Rebecca’s favorite part is singing harmony – although she has a wide range and is flexible enough to have been assigned everything from Soprano 1 through Alto 2 in her various choirs over the years. Rebecca is a graduate of South Kitsap High School and Olympic College. At the age of 16, Rebecca auditioned and was accepted in to the Olympic College Chamber Choir as their youngest singer ever. Rebecca also sang with Bel Canto at Bellevue Presbyterian Church for 5 years. In addition to choir, Rebecca has a passion for music theory and working with children. She studied advanced music theory in college and worked as one of our Spectrum music theory instructors from 2012-2018. She is currently filling the role of Activities Director for NW Choir Camps & Spectrum Choral Academy's Gig Harbor SINGS! Camp where she plans and leads the many fun aspects of choir camp, supervises counselors and teaches music theory. Rebecca’s passion for working with children has taken her to Houston, Texas where she teaches piano lessons and works as a full-time nanny for her 9-year-old cousin during the school year.
Becca Kaaukai, Administrative Assistant 2022-Present
Becca is the Administrative Assistant for Spectrum Choral Academy, Northwest Choir Camps and Youth Choir Festival NW. A lifelong choral singer and musician, Becca sang soprano under the direction of Mike Allen as part of South Kitsap High School Concert Choir, Chamber Choir & Highlighters. During her time in Highlighters they attend the 2001 Montreax Jass Festival and won the Mt Hood Jazz Festival competition in 2001. She then continued singing with Olympic College in Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble 2, Chamber Choir and Jazzline. Becca also performed the role of Susanna in Olympic College's production of Marriage of Figaro in 2003, toured to Thailand in 2004 and was a Music & Academic Scholarship recipient from 2002-2004. Becca currently sings with Spectrum Accord!
Becca was accepted to University of Washington's Music Department for classical voice performance study, but decided to change her major, graduating with her Bachelor of Applied Science in Sociology in 2006. She then completed her MBA in Global Management in 2010.
Becca has worked with Stephanie and her choir programs, festivals and camps from summer 2000 to present. She has worked in every possible capacity as staff and volunteer including camp counselor, chaperone, volunteer, rehearsals coordinator, festival staff, voice coach, section leader, theory instructor and administrative. She worked for various companies in administrative support from 2002-2016, then left her fulltime career to be a stay-at-home homeschooling mama to her daughter who sings in Children's Chorus.
Becca is the Administrative Assistant for Spectrum Choral Academy, Northwest Choir Camps and Youth Choir Festival NW. A lifelong choral singer and musician, Becca sang soprano under the direction of Mike Allen as part of South Kitsap High School Concert Choir, Chamber Choir & Highlighters. During her time in Highlighters they attend the 2001 Montreax Jass Festival and won the Mt Hood Jazz Festival competition in 2001. She then continued singing with Olympic College in Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz Ensemble 2, Chamber Choir and Jazzline. Becca also performed the role of Susanna in Olympic College's production of Marriage of Figaro in 2003, toured to Thailand in 2004 and was a Music & Academic Scholarship recipient from 2002-2004. Becca currently sings with Spectrum Accord!
Becca was accepted to University of Washington's Music Department for classical voice performance study, but decided to change her major, graduating with her Bachelor of Applied Science in Sociology in 2006. She then completed her MBA in Global Management in 2010.
Becca has worked with Stephanie and her choir programs, festivals and camps from summer 2000 to present. She has worked in every possible capacity as staff and volunteer including camp counselor, chaperone, volunteer, rehearsals coordinator, festival staff, voice coach, section leader, theory instructor and administrative. She worked for various companies in administrative support from 2002-2016, then left her fulltime career to be a stay-at-home homeschooling mama to her daughter who sings in Children's Chorus.
2023 CAMP Counselors
Kyla Raygor, Counselor, 2019, 2022, 2023
Kyla is a recent graduate of Pierce College where she completed her Associate of Music degree. She currently works as a music theory tutor at the college for all 6 levels. She also sings with the Pierce College choir. She has always loved to sing and started singing in choirs in 1st grade at her school. She has been singing in Spectrum Choral Academy since 2013, when she attended NW Choir Camps - Honor Choir Summer Camp (where she got her first solo). While at Steilacoom High School, she was a part of the advanced women’s choir, which placed 3rd at the state level among all high school women’s choirs in Washington in 2018. She has also auditioned and been accepted into the WMEA All-State Honor Choir for 4 years and WMEA All-Northwest Choir for 2 years. Kyla has participated in the regional Solo & Ensemble contest five times and has received a superior rating on her solo four times. In addition to singing in Spectrum Youth Chorus and Ensemble, Kyla toured with Spectrum to Italy in June 2016 and in England and Scotland in 2018. She works as a Counselor/Music Theory Teacher for the Spectrum Gig Harbor SINGS! Day Camp as well as overnight camp. She also staffs all festivals and events hosted by Spectrum. Kyla's dream is to be a film composer. She plans on going to a film college within the next year to study film music. It is an intense field to get into, so she is working to prepare for it. It is truly her biggest passion. She loves to talk about soundtracks, composers and anything related. Her favorite soundtrack that led her to fall in love with film music is the "How to Train your Dragon" soundtrack composed by John Powell. In addition to her love of singing, she also likes to discover new music in any genre, obsess over Tom Hiddleston (Loki) and hang out with all her animals; Loki (bearded dragon), Noodle & Sparta (cats), and a few fish.
Kyla is a recent graduate of Pierce College where she completed her Associate of Music degree. She currently works as a music theory tutor at the college for all 6 levels. She also sings with the Pierce College choir. She has always loved to sing and started singing in choirs in 1st grade at her school. She has been singing in Spectrum Choral Academy since 2013, when she attended NW Choir Camps - Honor Choir Summer Camp (where she got her first solo). While at Steilacoom High School, she was a part of the advanced women’s choir, which placed 3rd at the state level among all high school women’s choirs in Washington in 2018. She has also auditioned and been accepted into the WMEA All-State Honor Choir for 4 years and WMEA All-Northwest Choir for 2 years. Kyla has participated in the regional Solo & Ensemble contest five times and has received a superior rating on her solo four times. In addition to singing in Spectrum Youth Chorus and Ensemble, Kyla toured with Spectrum to Italy in June 2016 and in England and Scotland in 2018. She works as a Counselor/Music Theory Teacher for the Spectrum Gig Harbor SINGS! Day Camp as well as overnight camp. She also staffs all festivals and events hosted by Spectrum. Kyla's dream is to be a film composer. She plans on going to a film college within the next year to study film music. It is an intense field to get into, so she is working to prepare for it. It is truly her biggest passion. She loves to talk about soundtracks, composers and anything related. Her favorite soundtrack that led her to fall in love with film music is the "How to Train your Dragon" soundtrack composed by John Powell. In addition to her love of singing, she also likes to discover new music in any genre, obsess over Tom Hiddleston (Loki) and hang out with all her animals; Loki (bearded dragon), Noodle & Sparta (cats), and a few fish.
Elsie Shaw, Counselor, 2022, 2023
Elsie has been singing in choirs with Stephanie since attending Northwest Choir Camps in 2017, where she started out as a camper, then continued returning each summer, eventually becoming a counselor! This is her first full season in Spectrum and she absolutely loves the program, culture and environment of our Spectrum choir family. Elsie has been around music and the arts for as long as she can remember. She has been involved in choir since she was able to talk; she has previously been involved in O.A.K.E.'s Women's Ensemble, as well as been a UHSAA Superior Soloist with a 1 ranking. In middle school and high school, Elsie was heavily involved in the performing arts - primarily dance and theater. She was well regarded in Gig Harbor High School’s drama program, where she not only acted and worked on tech, but even directed a one act show which won multiple awards. Elsie graduated from high school in spring 2020 and started her education to become a farrier (horseshoer) at Mission Farrier School. Since then she has completed both the beginner and advanced course, was a student instructor for the program, and now runs her own business, Enbarr Equine (https://www.instagram.com/enbarrequine/), shoeing horses around the Key Peninsula area. She loves being around all animals, and especially enjoys working on lame horses with veterinarians. She has a passion for helping equines and loves the satisfaction of making the hurt ones feel better! Elsie is currently training Bojack, her horse, and is mom to Wyatt, the donkey. In addition to singing and acting, Elsie also has a strong passion for the guitar, which she has been playing for almost 9 years. She is a songwriter, and has music up on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms! She regularly performs at gigs throughout the Puget Sound region.
Elsie has been singing in choirs with Stephanie since attending Northwest Choir Camps in 2017, where she started out as a camper, then continued returning each summer, eventually becoming a counselor! This is her first full season in Spectrum and she absolutely loves the program, culture and environment of our Spectrum choir family. Elsie has been around music and the arts for as long as she can remember. She has been involved in choir since she was able to talk; she has previously been involved in O.A.K.E.'s Women's Ensemble, as well as been a UHSAA Superior Soloist with a 1 ranking. In middle school and high school, Elsie was heavily involved in the performing arts - primarily dance and theater. She was well regarded in Gig Harbor High School’s drama program, where she not only acted and worked on tech, but even directed a one act show which won multiple awards. Elsie graduated from high school in spring 2020 and started her education to become a farrier (horseshoer) at Mission Farrier School. Since then she has completed both the beginner and advanced course, was a student instructor for the program, and now runs her own business, Enbarr Equine (https://www.instagram.com/enbarrequine/), shoeing horses around the Key Peninsula area. She loves being around all animals, and especially enjoys working on lame horses with veterinarians. She has a passion for helping equines and loves the satisfaction of making the hurt ones feel better! Elsie is currently training Bojack, her horse, and is mom to Wyatt, the donkey. In addition to singing and acting, Elsie also has a strong passion for the guitar, which she has been playing for almost 9 years. She is a songwriter, and has music up on Spotify, Apple Music, and other streaming platforms! She regularly performs at gigs throughout the Puget Sound region.
Cecilia Crockett, Counselor, 2023
Cecilia Crockett, high school senior at Klahowya Secondary School in Silverdale, is a performing arts lover and aspiring actress. She has been involved with choir, violin, theatre, dance and music lessons from an early age. She has been a singer in Spectrum for 7 years, having sung in all three choir levels, starting in Spectrum Children’s Chorus at the age of 9. Cecilia has attended every Fort Worden Festival and Youth Choir Festival NW during her time with Spectrum. She has been a counselor at choir day camps, performed violin in Spectrum concerts and was selected as part of the 2018 NW ACDA Honor choir, which took place in Portland. She has also toured with Spectrum to Italy (2016) and the UK (2018) performing in numerous churches, cathedrals, streets and schools - making memories to last a lifetime! Cecilia has performed lead roles in many local theatrical productions including Charlie in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (2017), Amy in “Little Women” (2018), Flounder in “Little Mermaid”, Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors” (2022). She would like to thank her family, teachers and friends for being supportive of her musical endeavors.
Cecilia Crockett, high school senior at Klahowya Secondary School in Silverdale, is a performing arts lover and aspiring actress. She has been involved with choir, violin, theatre, dance and music lessons from an early age. She has been a singer in Spectrum for 7 years, having sung in all three choir levels, starting in Spectrum Children’s Chorus at the age of 9. Cecilia has attended every Fort Worden Festival and Youth Choir Festival NW during her time with Spectrum. She has been a counselor at choir day camps, performed violin in Spectrum concerts and was selected as part of the 2018 NW ACDA Honor choir, which took place in Portland. She has also toured with Spectrum to Italy (2016) and the UK (2018) performing in numerous churches, cathedrals, streets and schools - making memories to last a lifetime! Cecilia has performed lead roles in many local theatrical productions including Charlie in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (2017), Amy in “Little Women” (2018), Flounder in “Little Mermaid”, Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors” (2022). She would like to thank her family, teachers and friends for being supportive of her musical endeavors.
Ellah Sundell, Counselor, 2023
Ellah started singing in Spectrum Choral Academy Children's Chorus in 2013 at the age of 8 and has enjoyed choir ever since. Ellah toured with the choir to England and Scotland in 2018, participated in several Fort Worden Children's Choir Festivals and every NW Choir Camps Honor Summer Camp since 2015. She also sang in the Northwest ACDA Honor Choir in Portland in 2018. Ellah has been a day camp counselor and volunteer working student leader for the Children’s Chorus. She loves helping the younger singers – it reminds her of when she was their age. She has played in the Spectrum "ukulele choir", performing many songs with the choir, singing while playing the ukulele. Through choir, Ellah has been able to grow her music skills, and she is so grateful for that experience. In addition to singing, Ellah is an avid pianist and has been taking piano lessons since the age of five. She has performed solo piano, in chamber music trios, concertos with orchestras and participated in several piano competitions. Ellah is a senior at Gig Harbor High School and will be graduating in the Spring of 2023. She plans to major in Civil Engineering, but will definitely continue to be involved in music in the future.
Ellah started singing in Spectrum Choral Academy Children's Chorus in 2013 at the age of 8 and has enjoyed choir ever since. Ellah toured with the choir to England and Scotland in 2018, participated in several Fort Worden Children's Choir Festivals and every NW Choir Camps Honor Summer Camp since 2015. She also sang in the Northwest ACDA Honor Choir in Portland in 2018. Ellah has been a day camp counselor and volunteer working student leader for the Children’s Chorus. She loves helping the younger singers – it reminds her of when she was their age. She has played in the Spectrum "ukulele choir", performing many songs with the choir, singing while playing the ukulele. Through choir, Ellah has been able to grow her music skills, and she is so grateful for that experience. In addition to singing, Ellah is an avid pianist and has been taking piano lessons since the age of five. She has performed solo piano, in chamber music trios, concertos with orchestras and participated in several piano competitions. Ellah is a senior at Gig Harbor High School and will be graduating in the Spring of 2023. She plans to major in Civil Engineering, but will definitely continue to be involved in music in the future.
Halle Sundell, Counselor, 2023
Halle has had a passion for music her entire life. She is a founding member of Spectrum Choral Academy, having joined Spectrum Children's Chorus in 2012 (at the age of 7!). Halle has been in all three choir levels – graduating to Youth Chorus a year early (in 5th grade!) and then Ensemble in 2019. In addition to singing, Halle began studying piano at the age of 5, has performed in numerous piano recitals and was an accompanist and music theory instructor for the 2022 Gig Harbor SINGS! Choir Camp. She has participated in seven Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festivals, the 2018 Northwest ACDA Honor Choir in Portland, and every NW Choir Camps Honor Choir Summer Camp since 2015. She has also been a volunteer counselor for every choir day camp in the last seven years and currently volunteers as a working student leader for Children’s Chorus each Tuesday. Halle toured to England and Scotland with Spectrum in 2018, performing in country churches, cathedrals, schools and streets throughout the UK. Halle is extremely thankful for everything Spectrum has provided her including developing leadership skills and growing her musical capabilities. Outside of choir, Halle is passionate about volunteer work. She is the Vice President of her school’s Interact Club, chairperson of Gig Harbor High School’s Environmental Community Outreach Club, and a member of the National Honor Society. Halle will graduate from Gig Harbor High School in June 2023. She hopes to go into the medical field and plans to stay involved with music in the future.
Halle has had a passion for music her entire life. She is a founding member of Spectrum Choral Academy, having joined Spectrum Children's Chorus in 2012 (at the age of 7!). Halle has been in all three choir levels – graduating to Youth Chorus a year early (in 5th grade!) and then Ensemble in 2019. In addition to singing, Halle began studying piano at the age of 5, has performed in numerous piano recitals and was an accompanist and music theory instructor for the 2022 Gig Harbor SINGS! Choir Camp. She has participated in seven Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festivals, the 2018 Northwest ACDA Honor Choir in Portland, and every NW Choir Camps Honor Choir Summer Camp since 2015. She has also been a volunteer counselor for every choir day camp in the last seven years and currently volunteers as a working student leader for Children’s Chorus each Tuesday. Halle toured to England and Scotland with Spectrum in 2018, performing in country churches, cathedrals, schools and streets throughout the UK. Halle is extremely thankful for everything Spectrum has provided her including developing leadership skills and growing her musical capabilities. Outside of choir, Halle is passionate about volunteer work. She is the Vice President of her school’s Interact Club, chairperson of Gig Harbor High School’s Environmental Community Outreach Club, and a member of the National Honor Society. Halle will graduate from Gig Harbor High School in June 2023. She hopes to go into the medical field and plans to stay involved with music in the future.
Tyler Stojack, Counselor, 2023
Tyler comes from a large family of active musicians, and has always exhibited a persistent love for music. He attended his first Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festival at 9 days old. Singing before he could speak, he started music classes at 9 months and after begging to play the violin, began private lessons at the age of 3 years. Tyler started singing in choir at the age of 4 as part of Choir Club (the precursor of Spectrum Choral Academy). Tyler was a founding member of Spectrum Children’s Chorus and has been singing in the choir ever since, working his way through all three choir levels. He has attended every Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festival, Youth Choir Festival NW, NW Choir Camps Honor Choir Summer Camp, Spectrum Day Camp since 2007. Tyler was also selected to sing with the NW ACDA Honor Choir in Portland in 2018 and toured with Spectrum to Italy (2016) and the United Kingdom (2018). Looking to apply his string experience elsewhere, Tyler joined the Tacoma Youth Symphony in 2021, where he enjoys rehearsing and performing with the orchestra while maintaining his private violin lessons with Mary Manning in Gig Harbor. Tyler is also a lifelong pianist, having played piano from the moment he could walk, and now accompanies the choir on occasion. He also plays in the Spectrum “ukulele choir” as needed for concerts and special events. In addition to his many musical pursuits, Tyler is a member of Harbor Aquatics Club (his favorite stroke is butterfly!), teaches beginning swim lessons, is one year away from achieving his goal of obtaining his blackbelt in karate and thoroughly enjoys reading and researching on topics pertaining to political history.
Tyler comes from a large family of active musicians, and has always exhibited a persistent love for music. He attended his first Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festival at 9 days old. Singing before he could speak, he started music classes at 9 months and after begging to play the violin, began private lessons at the age of 3 years. Tyler started singing in choir at the age of 4 as part of Choir Club (the precursor of Spectrum Choral Academy). Tyler was a founding member of Spectrum Children’s Chorus and has been singing in the choir ever since, working his way through all three choir levels. He has attended every Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festival, Youth Choir Festival NW, NW Choir Camps Honor Choir Summer Camp, Spectrum Day Camp since 2007. Tyler was also selected to sing with the NW ACDA Honor Choir in Portland in 2018 and toured with Spectrum to Italy (2016) and the United Kingdom (2018). Looking to apply his string experience elsewhere, Tyler joined the Tacoma Youth Symphony in 2021, where he enjoys rehearsing and performing with the orchestra while maintaining his private violin lessons with Mary Manning in Gig Harbor. Tyler is also a lifelong pianist, having played piano from the moment he could walk, and now accompanies the choir on occasion. He also plays in the Spectrum “ukulele choir” as needed for concerts and special events. In addition to his many musical pursuits, Tyler is a member of Harbor Aquatics Club (his favorite stroke is butterfly!), teaches beginning swim lessons, is one year away from achieving his goal of obtaining his blackbelt in karate and thoroughly enjoys reading and researching on topics pertaining to political history.
Kate Petersen, Counselor, 2023
Kate (he/she/they) is a freshman studying theatre at Bellevue College. While she has shifted her focus to theatre (including acting, playwriting, and directing), music has always been a fundamental part of her life. Her first choir experience was with Young Voices of Colorado, where she got to sing the national anthem at a Rockies game, perform at Red Rocks with Brit Floyd, and sing Carmina Burana with the Lone Tree Symphony. After moving to Washington at age 12, they joined Bellevue Youth Choirs, where they got to attend Youth Choir Festival NW and Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festival. They were also selected for the NWACDA Honor Choir in 2016 and 2018. He attended NW Choir Camps from 2017-2019 and is thrilled to be back as a counselor!
Today, they take private voice lessons and sing in the Seattle Women’s Chorus. Since 2019, Kate has worked as a classroom assistant for Youth Theatre Northwest, helping kids of all ages to learn and grow as actors. He is passionate about making the arts accessible and inclusive to all young people and has worked with Teentix this year to pursue that goal. Kate hopes to work in the theatre one day, but plans to keep music in their life no matter where they end up!
Kate (he/she/they) is a freshman studying theatre at Bellevue College. While she has shifted her focus to theatre (including acting, playwriting, and directing), music has always been a fundamental part of her life. Her first choir experience was with Young Voices of Colorado, where she got to sing the national anthem at a Rockies game, perform at Red Rocks with Brit Floyd, and sing Carmina Burana with the Lone Tree Symphony. After moving to Washington at age 12, they joined Bellevue Youth Choirs, where they got to attend Youth Choir Festival NW and Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festival. They were also selected for the NWACDA Honor Choir in 2016 and 2018. He attended NW Choir Camps from 2017-2019 and is thrilled to be back as a counselor!
Today, they take private voice lessons and sing in the Seattle Women’s Chorus. Since 2019, Kate has worked as a classroom assistant for Youth Theatre Northwest, helping kids of all ages to learn and grow as actors. He is passionate about making the arts accessible and inclusive to all young people and has worked with Teentix this year to pursue that goal. Kate hopes to work in the theatre one day, but plans to keep music in their life no matter where they end up!
Former Honor Choir Camp Counselors
Anya Coughlin, Counselor, 2022
Music has been an important part of Anya’s life from a young age. She started taking piano lessons at age 7, which she continues to this day. She has performed, competed in piano competitions, and taught piano lessons to children. She has always had a deep love of singing which lead her to join Spectrum Choral Academy Children’s Choir in 2012. She has been singing with Spectrum ever since, joining the Youth Chorus in 2015 and the Spectrum Vocal Ensemble in 2018. Through Spectrum she has been able grow her passion for music and her abilities as a singer. Anya attended the Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festival from 2012 to 2018 and helped to staff the festival in 2019. She also attended Youth Choir Festival Northwest with Spectrum in 2017.
Anya sang in the school choir at Harbor Ridge Middle School and the Chamber Choir at Peninsula High School. She traveled to Chicago with her highschool choir to work with composer Z. Randall Stroope and sing in Symphony Hall. During her sophomore year, Anya transferred to Annie Wright Schools in Tacoma, Washington. She graduated from Annie Wright in May and will be attending Washington University in St. Louis in the fall. At Washington University, Anya plans to major in environmental policy and hopes to join an on campus choir and an acapella group. Anya has been attending Northwest Choir Camps as a camper since 2015 and she is excited to return as a counselor this year.
Music has been an important part of Anya’s life from a young age. She started taking piano lessons at age 7, which she continues to this day. She has performed, competed in piano competitions, and taught piano lessons to children. She has always had a deep love of singing which lead her to join Spectrum Choral Academy Children’s Choir in 2012. She has been singing with Spectrum ever since, joining the Youth Chorus in 2015 and the Spectrum Vocal Ensemble in 2018. Through Spectrum she has been able grow her passion for music and her abilities as a singer. Anya attended the Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festival from 2012 to 2018 and helped to staff the festival in 2019. She also attended Youth Choir Festival Northwest with Spectrum in 2017.
Anya sang in the school choir at Harbor Ridge Middle School and the Chamber Choir at Peninsula High School. She traveled to Chicago with her highschool choir to work with composer Z. Randall Stroope and sing in Symphony Hall. During her sophomore year, Anya transferred to Annie Wright Schools in Tacoma, Washington. She graduated from Annie Wright in May and will be attending Washington University in St. Louis in the fall. At Washington University, Anya plans to major in environmental policy and hopes to join an on campus choir and an acapella group. Anya has been attending Northwest Choir Camps as a camper since 2015 and she is excited to return as a counselor this year.
Hannah Park, Counselor, 2018, 2019
Hannah has been involved in the arts her entire life. She began formal dance instruction at the age of five, and studied ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical at Dance Ally. Hannah also plays the piano. She joined her first choir in the 4th grade at Harbor Heights Elementary School, continued singing at Goodman Middle School, then Gig Harbor High School, where she graduated from last year. Hannah joined Spectrum Youth Chorus as their youngest member in fall 2012. Since then, she has participated in the annual Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festival, the 1st and 2nd Youth Choir Festival Northwest as singing staff, and NW Choir Camps Honor Choir Summer Camps. She toured with Spectrum to Italy in 2016 and to the UK in 2018. She had also participated in the 2016 and 2017 WMEA All-State choirs, the 2016 NAfME All-National Mixed Choir, and the 2018 ACDA All-NW Treble Choir. Hannah discovered opera at the Carnegie Mellon University Music Pre-College program in 2017, and now attends the University of Alabama as a vocal performance major. At UA she is part of the UA Opera Theatre, where she regularly sings in opera productions, most recently as ‘Minni’ in Die Fledermaus and ‘Rosemary’ in a scene from Picnic. She also recently became the Social Media Coordinator for UAOT. Hannah is incredibly grateful for the opportunity she had to grow and be inspired while a part of Spectrum, and is excited to return as a camp counselor and festival staff.
Hannah has been involved in the arts her entire life. She began formal dance instruction at the age of five, and studied ballet, tap, jazz, and lyrical at Dance Ally. Hannah also plays the piano. She joined her first choir in the 4th grade at Harbor Heights Elementary School, continued singing at Goodman Middle School, then Gig Harbor High School, where she graduated from last year. Hannah joined Spectrum Youth Chorus as their youngest member in fall 2012. Since then, she has participated in the annual Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festival, the 1st and 2nd Youth Choir Festival Northwest as singing staff, and NW Choir Camps Honor Choir Summer Camps. She toured with Spectrum to Italy in 2016 and to the UK in 2018. She had also participated in the 2016 and 2017 WMEA All-State choirs, the 2016 NAfME All-National Mixed Choir, and the 2018 ACDA All-NW Treble Choir. Hannah discovered opera at the Carnegie Mellon University Music Pre-College program in 2017, and now attends the University of Alabama as a vocal performance major. At UA she is part of the UA Opera Theatre, where she regularly sings in opera productions, most recently as ‘Minni’ in Die Fledermaus and ‘Rosemary’ in a scene from Picnic. She also recently became the Social Media Coordinator for UAOT. Hannah is incredibly grateful for the opportunity she had to grow and be inspired while a part of Spectrum, and is excited to return as a camp counselor and festival staff.
Brett Keniston, Counselor - 2017, 2018, 2019
Aloha! Coming out of his freshman year at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Brett is thrilled to be returning home and singing for his seventh year at NW Choir Camps - Honor Choir Summer Camp. This will be his third year as a counselor. Brett hails from Port Orchard, WA where he grew up singing in the school choirs including South Kitsap Highschool's Highlighters and Chamber Choir. He also sang with Spectrum Choral Academy from Spring of 2013 to Spring of 2018, working as staff and participant of all festivals and events that Spectrum hosted and participated in during those five seasons. He also toured with Spectrum Youth Chorus to Italy in 2016 and Scotland & England in 2018.
Brett just completed his first year in the UH Manoa Chamber Singers, the flagship ensemble at UH Mānoa that is dedicated to the celebration, preservation, appreciation, and authenticity of pan-pacific cultures. The group is planning to represent the Pacific as they participate this upcoming May at Carnegie Hall for a global choir festival. Brett has decided that in his coming years at UHM, he will be pursuing a double major in both biology and music education, and hopes to attain his masters in either biology or in choral conducting. In addition to his university ensemble, Brett is also an incoming member of the Na Wai Treble Chorus, an ensemble consisting of dedicated treble vocalists who utilize their many collective years of vocal experience to perform a repertoire of traditional Hawaiian pieces, as well as traditionally western and classic choral pieces.
Brett is cannot wait to see his old friends from back home, and is excited to be reunited with his family (both literal, and choral). He hopes that the campers are ready to sing their hearts out for a full week, and hopes to bring some of his experience and knowledge to add as well.
Aloha! Coming out of his freshman year at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, Brett is thrilled to be returning home and singing for his seventh year at NW Choir Camps - Honor Choir Summer Camp. This will be his third year as a counselor. Brett hails from Port Orchard, WA where he grew up singing in the school choirs including South Kitsap Highschool's Highlighters and Chamber Choir. He also sang with Spectrum Choral Academy from Spring of 2013 to Spring of 2018, working as staff and participant of all festivals and events that Spectrum hosted and participated in during those five seasons. He also toured with Spectrum Youth Chorus to Italy in 2016 and Scotland & England in 2018.
Brett just completed his first year in the UH Manoa Chamber Singers, the flagship ensemble at UH Mānoa that is dedicated to the celebration, preservation, appreciation, and authenticity of pan-pacific cultures. The group is planning to represent the Pacific as they participate this upcoming May at Carnegie Hall for a global choir festival. Brett has decided that in his coming years at UHM, he will be pursuing a double major in both biology and music education, and hopes to attain his masters in either biology or in choral conducting. In addition to his university ensemble, Brett is also an incoming member of the Na Wai Treble Chorus, an ensemble consisting of dedicated treble vocalists who utilize their many collective years of vocal experience to perform a repertoire of traditional Hawaiian pieces, as well as traditionally western and classic choral pieces.
Brett is cannot wait to see his old friends from back home, and is excited to be reunited with his family (both literal, and choral). He hopes that the campers are ready to sing their hearts out for a full week, and hopes to bring some of his experience and knowledge to add as well.
Arthur Keast, Counselor 2019
Choirs are a vital part of Arthur Keast’s music life. He knows the joy and also hard work it requires. He sang in a class choir from first grade till 8th grade at Whidbey Island Waldorf School. By 5th grade, his beautiful boy soprano voice became well-known to many people. At middle school, he also joined ICTHUS, a youth singing group at Trinity Lutheran Church lead by Mr. Karl Olsen, a new Brothers Four member. At Gig Harbor High School, Arthur spent four years in Mr. Wayne Lackman’s choir program. He was the director’s award recipient in his freshman year. From sophomore to senior years, he sang with Meistersingers, GHHS's mixed choir, and Vocal Motion, the Jazz choir. Arthur was in all state choir in 2016 and 2018, and received the 2018 Bass Section Award from Meistersingers. Through 4 years in high school, he also sang with New Voice, a youth singing group of Fox Island United Church of Christ, lead by Ms. Karla Jo Tupper.
Arthur is currently a student at Pacific Lutheran University where he sings with University Chorale, being thrilled to sing challenging pieces in the rich choir program. Arthur is also a classically trained vocal soloist/violinist in high demand entertaining with 50-60s oldie, jazz & classical pieces. He is well-known for his versatile shows and has performed more than 60 solo shows in the last year. He was a finalist in 2018 of two statewide high school singing competitions, Schmidt (classical) and WA Nashville Country (Oldies) Star and sang the National Anthem solo at the 2018 GHHS graduation ceremony. Arthur was also one of four among 800+ seniors to receive the 2018 Student of Distinction in the Music, Art and Drama category in the Peninsula School District. He has played the violin since he was in the 4th grade and has started working as a wedding violinist. Arthur looks forward to the 2019 Northwest Choir camp!
Choirs are a vital part of Arthur Keast’s music life. He knows the joy and also hard work it requires. He sang in a class choir from first grade till 8th grade at Whidbey Island Waldorf School. By 5th grade, his beautiful boy soprano voice became well-known to many people. At middle school, he also joined ICTHUS, a youth singing group at Trinity Lutheran Church lead by Mr. Karl Olsen, a new Brothers Four member. At Gig Harbor High School, Arthur spent four years in Mr. Wayne Lackman’s choir program. He was the director’s award recipient in his freshman year. From sophomore to senior years, he sang with Meistersingers, GHHS's mixed choir, and Vocal Motion, the Jazz choir. Arthur was in all state choir in 2016 and 2018, and received the 2018 Bass Section Award from Meistersingers. Through 4 years in high school, he also sang with New Voice, a youth singing group of Fox Island United Church of Christ, lead by Ms. Karla Jo Tupper.
Arthur is currently a student at Pacific Lutheran University where he sings with University Chorale, being thrilled to sing challenging pieces in the rich choir program. Arthur is also a classically trained vocal soloist/violinist in high demand entertaining with 50-60s oldie, jazz & classical pieces. He is well-known for his versatile shows and has performed more than 60 solo shows in the last year. He was a finalist in 2018 of two statewide high school singing competitions, Schmidt (classical) and WA Nashville Country (Oldies) Star and sang the National Anthem solo at the 2018 GHHS graduation ceremony. Arthur was also one of four among 800+ seniors to receive the 2018 Student of Distinction in the Music, Art and Drama category in the Peninsula School District. He has played the violin since he was in the 4th grade and has started working as a wedding violinist. Arthur looks forward to the 2019 Northwest Choir camp!
Daniel Beck, Counselor, 2022
Daniel is a Third-year Music Education major at Pacific Lutheran University with a concentration for choral at the secondary school level. He quickly grew affectionate for the art of music by the second grade, joining the mixed choir at the school of St. Charles Borromeo in Tacoma, Washington. Daniel continued to participate in choirs to the present day, singing in the Vocal Ensemble at Bellarmine Preparatory School and the Tacoma Youth Chorus in high school as well as the acclaimed Choir of the West at Pacific Lutheran University.
In addition to choral singing, Daniel has taken interests in other areas of the vocal arts. While in high school, he participated in the Solo Ensemble competition, winning the Commencement Bay region's Baritone division in 2020. Unfortunately, state-level competitions were canceled due to the pandemic. However, Daniel continues to practice singing solo, working with his voice teacher, Barry Johnson, at PLU for his degree.
Daniel is a lover of all styles of music, from jazz to metal to hyperpop, and everything in-between. He believes that the expressivity of music lends itself well to being an avenue for individuals to tell their stories as well as the music's. Daniel's dream is to one day be able to compose music for his choir to sing, letting his students shine to tell their stories. Daniel is excited to attend Northwest Choir Camps - Honor Choir Camp for the first time, and as a counselor!
Daniel is a Third-year Music Education major at Pacific Lutheran University with a concentration for choral at the secondary school level. He quickly grew affectionate for the art of music by the second grade, joining the mixed choir at the school of St. Charles Borromeo in Tacoma, Washington. Daniel continued to participate in choirs to the present day, singing in the Vocal Ensemble at Bellarmine Preparatory School and the Tacoma Youth Chorus in high school as well as the acclaimed Choir of the West at Pacific Lutheran University.
In addition to choral singing, Daniel has taken interests in other areas of the vocal arts. While in high school, he participated in the Solo Ensemble competition, winning the Commencement Bay region's Baritone division in 2020. Unfortunately, state-level competitions were canceled due to the pandemic. However, Daniel continues to practice singing solo, working with his voice teacher, Barry Johnson, at PLU for his degree.
Daniel is a lover of all styles of music, from jazz to metal to hyperpop, and everything in-between. He believes that the expressivity of music lends itself well to being an avenue for individuals to tell their stories as well as the music's. Daniel's dream is to one day be able to compose music for his choir to sing, letting his students shine to tell their stories. Daniel is excited to attend Northwest Choir Camps - Honor Choir Camp for the first time, and as a counselor!
Xaria Siplin, Counselor 2018, 2019
Xaria has always shown an interest in singing, having joined choirs at a young age and taking private voice lessons with a voice teacher in Marysville for 9 years. She also got involved in the Mt. Pilchuck Music Educators Association Honor Festival in the 9th grade. She was a camper at NW Choir Camps- Honor Choir Summer Camp for six years before becoming a counselor. She also toured with Spectrum Youth Chorus to both Italy in 2015 and the UK in 2018.
Currently a student at Western Washington University, Xaria is a member of the Advanced Treble Chorale and Concert Choir and sings in masterclass for Dr. Richard L Hodges. She was also a member and Vice President of WWU’s A Capella club. More recently, she has started receiving instruction for harp from her professor Jill Whitman and has a student position on the department’s Reform and Transform Task force dialogue and communications subcommittee. The task force is focused on reforming and restructuring the department’s curriculum, culture, and teaching practices to make more room for previously marginalized voices. Outside of music, Xaria’s passions include taekwondo, creative writing, and swimming. Xaria is so excited to be a counselor for a 3rd time and reunite with friends/current campers and foster relationships with newer campers.
Xaria has always shown an interest in singing, having joined choirs at a young age and taking private voice lessons with a voice teacher in Marysville for 9 years. She also got involved in the Mt. Pilchuck Music Educators Association Honor Festival in the 9th grade. She was a camper at NW Choir Camps- Honor Choir Summer Camp for six years before becoming a counselor. She also toured with Spectrum Youth Chorus to both Italy in 2015 and the UK in 2018.
Currently a student at Western Washington University, Xaria is a member of the Advanced Treble Chorale and Concert Choir and sings in masterclass for Dr. Richard L Hodges. She was also a member and Vice President of WWU’s A Capella club. More recently, she has started receiving instruction for harp from her professor Jill Whitman and has a student position on the department’s Reform and Transform Task force dialogue and communications subcommittee. The task force is focused on reforming and restructuring the department’s curriculum, culture, and teaching practices to make more room for previously marginalized voices. Outside of music, Xaria’s passions include taekwondo, creative writing, and swimming. Xaria is so excited to be a counselor for a 3rd time and reunite with friends/current campers and foster relationships with newer campers.
Gemma Roberts, Counselor 2019
Gemma's musical journey began at a young age, when her mother introduced her to choral singing in the form of her church’s children's choir. Since then, she has sung in over a dozen annual and seasonal choirs, in addition to choir camps and honor choirs across WA State, singing everything from conventional hymns to big band jazz. Gemma graduated this year from South Kitsap High School, where she sang with Brett Keniston in their highest groups, the Chamber choir, and jazz ensemble, the Highlighters. After attending Spectrum’s 6th annual Summer camp in lieu of her sister, who auditioned, but was unable to attend last-minute, Gemma returned for the fall season, and sang that year with the Youth Chorus. This last year she returned as part of Spectrum Vocal Performance Ensemble. She is overjoyed to have the privilege of singing in such a talented and selective group. Her passions outside of choir include reading, drawing, creative writing, swimming and teaching herself guitar. In addition to voice and guitar, Gemma has studied piano for 6 years. Gemma is a music education major at Central Washington University, where she plans to finish her degree and pursue her dream job as a choir director at the high school or college level.
Gemma's musical journey began at a young age, when her mother introduced her to choral singing in the form of her church’s children's choir. Since then, she has sung in over a dozen annual and seasonal choirs, in addition to choir camps and honor choirs across WA State, singing everything from conventional hymns to big band jazz. Gemma graduated this year from South Kitsap High School, where she sang with Brett Keniston in their highest groups, the Chamber choir, and jazz ensemble, the Highlighters. After attending Spectrum’s 6th annual Summer camp in lieu of her sister, who auditioned, but was unable to attend last-minute, Gemma returned for the fall season, and sang that year with the Youth Chorus. This last year she returned as part of Spectrum Vocal Performance Ensemble. She is overjoyed to have the privilege of singing in such a talented and selective group. Her passions outside of choir include reading, drawing, creative writing, swimming and teaching herself guitar. In addition to voice and guitar, Gemma has studied piano for 6 years. Gemma is a music education major at Central Washington University, where she plans to finish her degree and pursue her dream job as a choir director at the high school or college level.
Ava Martin, Counselor 2019
Ava grew up in an artsy town of Anacortes. Having a mother who is a music teacher, she was exposed to quality music right from the start. She has been surrounded by music her entire life. Ava joined choir in 5th grade and continued through highschool as part of Anacortes High School's Jazz Choir and Concert Choir under the instruction of Carol Leander. Choir is Ava’s life! Ava was awarded the Director's Award from Leander and was a recipient of the WMEA Allstate all 4 years of high school. Ava’s has performed with choirs all over the United States and even international competitions. Ava joined the Nina Simone gospel choir in Seattle, making the commute from Anacortes to Seattle weekly. Teaching herself different instruments came easy to her, so she decided to step it up and join percussion ensemble at the high school. Percussion class really clicked for her so she then moved on and participated in the drum line. Ava has been in musicals of all genres from starring in the role of Dorthy in "The Wizard of Oz" to being the lead of her school's musical “Avenue Q” which won a 5th Avenue Theatre Award. Ava attended Northwest Choir Camps - Honor Choir Summer Camp four times as a camper and is excited to return as a counselor this summer! Ava starts college in fall 2019 planning to study music theory and behavioral neuroscience.
Ava grew up in an artsy town of Anacortes. Having a mother who is a music teacher, she was exposed to quality music right from the start. She has been surrounded by music her entire life. Ava joined choir in 5th grade and continued through highschool as part of Anacortes High School's Jazz Choir and Concert Choir under the instruction of Carol Leander. Choir is Ava’s life! Ava was awarded the Director's Award from Leander and was a recipient of the WMEA Allstate all 4 years of high school. Ava’s has performed with choirs all over the United States and even international competitions. Ava joined the Nina Simone gospel choir in Seattle, making the commute from Anacortes to Seattle weekly. Teaching herself different instruments came easy to her, so she decided to step it up and join percussion ensemble at the high school. Percussion class really clicked for her so she then moved on and participated in the drum line. Ava has been in musicals of all genres from starring in the role of Dorthy in "The Wizard of Oz" to being the lead of her school's musical “Avenue Q” which won a 5th Avenue Theatre Award. Ava attended Northwest Choir Camps - Honor Choir Summer Camp four times as a camper and is excited to return as a counselor this summer! Ava starts college in fall 2019 planning to study music theory and behavioral neuroscience.
Ellie Harrison, Counselor - 2017, 2018
Music has always been a part of Ellie’s life. During her childhood, she played the flute, violin, and guitar, but singing was always her passion. She took private voice lessons with instructors across Skagit Valley, and never passed up an opportunity to sing her favorite Taylor Swift song in her school’s talent show. In middle school, she became involved with the choir department, attending All State Choir in the seventh and eighth grade.
In high school she continued with her involvement in choir, advancing from mixed choir to treble and finally concert choir, with which she has been a member for two years. She also became a member of the Anacortes High School Jazz Choir during her Junior and Senior year, where she competed in regional and international festivals and performed for local events. She has participated in her church choir and youth music leadership group since her freshmen year of high school. During her senior year she became the president of the choir program and helped lead large scale fundraisers to aid in her concert choir’s trip to Banff, Alberta. She was also a member of All State Symphonic Choir in February of 2017 and qualified and competed at State Solo and Ensemble, receiving superior ratings from all judges.
Outside of music, Ellie is heavily involved in drama and dance. She has participated in many plays and musicals both in and outside of her high school, such as Xanadu, These Shining Lives, Godspell, and Avenue Q: School Edition. Her cast for Avenue Q was nominated for the prestigious 5th Avenue Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Cast. She has danced since the age of two, and done many styles of dance including tap, hip hop, ballet, jazz, and modern. She has also been a member of a company that travels locally and around the state to raise scholarships at her dance studio. Other activities she participated in include competitive diving, Girl Scouts, Speech and Debate, FBLA, and Student Government. She will be attending Pepperdine University next year and will major in Biology with a Pre Medicine track, hoping to either minor or double major in Vocal Music.
In the summer before seventh grade, she attended the first Northwest Choir Camp and fell in love with the challenging music, fun activities, and sense of community among campers and counselors. Since then she has participated almost every summer. She went on the Italy tour in the summer of 2016, and was a Junior Counselor. This will be Ellie’s sixth time attending Northwest Choir Camps, and she is ecstatic to be involved in the choir, uphold past friendships, and forge relationships with her campers and fellow counselors.
Music has always been a part of Ellie’s life. During her childhood, she played the flute, violin, and guitar, but singing was always her passion. She took private voice lessons with instructors across Skagit Valley, and never passed up an opportunity to sing her favorite Taylor Swift song in her school’s talent show. In middle school, she became involved with the choir department, attending All State Choir in the seventh and eighth grade.
In high school she continued with her involvement in choir, advancing from mixed choir to treble and finally concert choir, with which she has been a member for two years. She also became a member of the Anacortes High School Jazz Choir during her Junior and Senior year, where she competed in regional and international festivals and performed for local events. She has participated in her church choir and youth music leadership group since her freshmen year of high school. During her senior year she became the president of the choir program and helped lead large scale fundraisers to aid in her concert choir’s trip to Banff, Alberta. She was also a member of All State Symphonic Choir in February of 2017 and qualified and competed at State Solo and Ensemble, receiving superior ratings from all judges.
Outside of music, Ellie is heavily involved in drama and dance. She has participated in many plays and musicals both in and outside of her high school, such as Xanadu, These Shining Lives, Godspell, and Avenue Q: School Edition. Her cast for Avenue Q was nominated for the prestigious 5th Avenue Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble Cast. She has danced since the age of two, and done many styles of dance including tap, hip hop, ballet, jazz, and modern. She has also been a member of a company that travels locally and around the state to raise scholarships at her dance studio. Other activities she participated in include competitive diving, Girl Scouts, Speech and Debate, FBLA, and Student Government. She will be attending Pepperdine University next year and will major in Biology with a Pre Medicine track, hoping to either minor or double major in Vocal Music.
In the summer before seventh grade, she attended the first Northwest Choir Camp and fell in love with the challenging music, fun activities, and sense of community among campers and counselors. Since then she has participated almost every summer. She went on the Italy tour in the summer of 2016, and was a Junior Counselor. This will be Ellie’s sixth time attending Northwest Choir Camps, and she is ecstatic to be involved in the choir, uphold past friendships, and forge relationships with her campers and fellow counselors.
Melanie Garza, Counselor - 2015, 2016, 2018
At the young age of six Melanie took her first piano lessons, slowly working from hot cross buns up to her most recent piece, Beethoven's Piano Sonata, No. 21, Op. 53, "Waldstein". She loved to sing as well but did not begin lessons until she was 13 years old. From the time she was five she sang in her local church choir and then took over the job as music director 10 years later. She never really experienced competitive choir until she joined her school's advanced choir her sophomore year of high school. She then arranged “Pompeii” by Bastille into a six part choral piece for the choir, and then her senior year became the president of the choir program. Her Junior year she placed 3rd in the solo and ensemble competition. She sang with the Bel Canto choir but stopped after a year because she had been accepted into the all city youth jazz orchestra, who has just recently completed a concert with the trumpeter Bobby Shew.
Pop music is also a large part of her, in 2010 she signed with Seattle Talent as a singer, actor and model. She has been invited down to Los Angeles twice to perform at different conventions. She also filmed two commercials while in California. This last year she signed as an actor and model with IMD inc., an internationally known agency.
Melanie's dominate instrument remains the piano, now being classically trained for 12 years. She was introduced to jazz piano in 8th grade and her jazz combo ended the year winning the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival where she individually two outstanding musicianship awards. Sophomore year she enrolled at YVCC taking jazz improv classes from Jeff Chang.
Melanie was involved in her high school's swim team as a state qualifier for four years and as team captain for two years. She was on her school's award winning dance and drill team for two years and then became a member of the National Honors Society. She graduated highschool in 2015 in the top 10% of her class with honors. She has sent the past school year studying piano and voice at Central Washington University, where she plans to double major in music and business, minor in theatre, and receive her teaching credentials. She Melanie plans on building a career in talent management. She attended Northwest Choir Camps - Honor Choir Summer Camp as a camper in 2012 and 2013. She is now back for the second time as a counselor!
At the young age of six Melanie took her first piano lessons, slowly working from hot cross buns up to her most recent piece, Beethoven's Piano Sonata, No. 21, Op. 53, "Waldstein". She loved to sing as well but did not begin lessons until she was 13 years old. From the time she was five she sang in her local church choir and then took over the job as music director 10 years later. She never really experienced competitive choir until she joined her school's advanced choir her sophomore year of high school. She then arranged “Pompeii” by Bastille into a six part choral piece for the choir, and then her senior year became the president of the choir program. Her Junior year she placed 3rd in the solo and ensemble competition. She sang with the Bel Canto choir but stopped after a year because she had been accepted into the all city youth jazz orchestra, who has just recently completed a concert with the trumpeter Bobby Shew.
Pop music is also a large part of her, in 2010 she signed with Seattle Talent as a singer, actor and model. She has been invited down to Los Angeles twice to perform at different conventions. She also filmed two commercials while in California. This last year she signed as an actor and model with IMD inc., an internationally known agency.
Melanie's dominate instrument remains the piano, now being classically trained for 12 years. She was introduced to jazz piano in 8th grade and her jazz combo ended the year winning the Mt. Hood Jazz Festival where she individually two outstanding musicianship awards. Sophomore year she enrolled at YVCC taking jazz improv classes from Jeff Chang.
Melanie was involved in her high school's swim team as a state qualifier for four years and as team captain for two years. She was on her school's award winning dance and drill team for two years and then became a member of the National Honors Society. She graduated highschool in 2015 in the top 10% of her class with honors. She has sent the past school year studying piano and voice at Central Washington University, where she plans to double major in music and business, minor in theatre, and receive her teaching credentials. She Melanie plans on building a career in talent management. She attended Northwest Choir Camps - Honor Choir Summer Camp as a camper in 2012 and 2013. She is now back for the second time as a counselor!
Sarah Martin, Counselor - 2016, 2017
Sarah Martin is a current junior studying Music Education and German at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. Sarah has been singing in choirs her entire life, and singing continues to be an important part of her identity. From fourth grade until graduation from high school, Sarah sang in the Rainier Youth Choirs under the direction of Leora Schwitters. At PLU she has been a part of the choral union, chamber singers, and opera program. Sarah has been studying the voice privately for 6 years, first under Dr. Sandra Glover, and currently with LeeAnne Campos.
In addition to being a vocalist, Sarah is an active french horn player, and has been studying the horn for 11 years. She plays in the Wind Ensemble and Woodwind Quintet at PLU, and hopes to go on to teach middle school band after graduation. Last year Sarah studied music in Vienna, Austria, for a semester, greatly enriching her musical experience as a vocalist and hornist. In addition to music, Sarah loves hiking, cats, and the German language.
Sarah Martin is a current junior studying Music Education and German at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. Sarah has been singing in choirs her entire life, and singing continues to be an important part of her identity. From fourth grade until graduation from high school, Sarah sang in the Rainier Youth Choirs under the direction of Leora Schwitters. At PLU she has been a part of the choral union, chamber singers, and opera program. Sarah has been studying the voice privately for 6 years, first under Dr. Sandra Glover, and currently with LeeAnne Campos.
In addition to being a vocalist, Sarah is an active french horn player, and has been studying the horn for 11 years. She plays in the Wind Ensemble and Woodwind Quintet at PLU, and hopes to go on to teach middle school band after graduation. Last year Sarah studied music in Vienna, Austria, for a semester, greatly enriching her musical experience as a vocalist and hornist. In addition to music, Sarah loves hiking, cats, and the German language.
Caroline Erdmann, Counselor - 2017
Caroline has been listening to, singing, and poorly dancing to music since she could walk. Going into a choir class in 7th grade, she hasn’t looked back. Graduating from Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, she has been in an advanced focus level vocal class for 4 years now, where she was the section leader of the Sopranos. She has served as a counselor at Young Musicians and Artist in Salem Oregon, for two years previously, where she studied choir music and performance. She enjoyed going to Northwest Choir Camps for the past 4 years and looks forward to taking a leadership role as a counselor this year.
Being a part of camps like Northwest Choir Camps is one of the reasons she is planning on attending Western Washington University to major in education. Some of her favorite pastimes are singing chamber music, reading, writing, and being a part of hair and makeup for her school’s shows.
Caroline has been listening to, singing, and poorly dancing to music since she could walk. Going into a choir class in 7th grade, she hasn’t looked back. Graduating from Vancouver School of Arts and Academics, she has been in an advanced focus level vocal class for 4 years now, where she was the section leader of the Sopranos. She has served as a counselor at Young Musicians and Artist in Salem Oregon, for two years previously, where she studied choir music and performance. She enjoyed going to Northwest Choir Camps for the past 4 years and looks forward to taking a leadership role as a counselor this year.
Being a part of camps like Northwest Choir Camps is one of the reasons she is planning on attending Western Washington University to major in education. Some of her favorite pastimes are singing chamber music, reading, writing, and being a part of hair and makeup for her school’s shows.
Sharayah Boyd, Managing Director & Camp Staff - 2017
Counselor - 2014, 2015
Sharayah first discovered her voice as an infant, mimicking her father’s singing. As a toddler she would hum herself to sleep. Her love of singing and music grew throughout her life as she continued singing at every given opportunity. Sharayah is an avid choir singer, section leader and soloist, having sung in community and school choirs for over 12 years. Choirs she has participated in include Tacoma Youth Chorus (Judith Herrington, Director), Cappella Choirs (Stephanie Charbonneau, Director), Vaughn Elementary School Choir, Peninsula High School Chamber Choir and Show Choir - where she also served as Choir President (Alison Ellis, Director) and Spectrum Choral Academy (as a founding member of Ensemble). During her senior year of highschool, she participated in an educational practicum at Kopachuck Middle School where she assisted with the musical theatre and choral classes under Alison Ellis.
Sharayah began college at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, where she participated in the Concert Choir and the Women’s Choir while pursuing her studies. Upon moving back to Washington, Sharayah returned to the music programs at Kopachuck Middle School where she did an internship continuing her hands-on education with their music programs. She has toured with choirs to New York City (Carnegie Hall); Portland, Oregon (Oregon Bach Festival/PICCFEST); and travelled extensively around Washington State performing concerts at some of the beautiful colleges and churches in the area. Sharayah has a passion for travel, singing in many languages and performing in acoustically stunning venues.
Sharayah has been involved with Exceptional Choral Events since its conception. She has worked as a rehearsal assistant for Spectrum Choral Academy, a camp counselor for Northwest Choir Camps and the Spectrum Day Camp and staffed at both the Fort Worden Children's Choir Festival and Youth Choir Festival NW. She graduated from Tacoma Community College in December 2015 with her AA Degree and is currently attending Washington State University’s Global Campus to complete her Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences. Sharayah believes in the power of music and how it promotes human growth, development and healing. She is excited to take on this new role as Managing Director and help even more young people and families explore the power of music.
Counselor - 2014, 2015
Sharayah first discovered her voice as an infant, mimicking her father’s singing. As a toddler she would hum herself to sleep. Her love of singing and music grew throughout her life as she continued singing at every given opportunity. Sharayah is an avid choir singer, section leader and soloist, having sung in community and school choirs for over 12 years. Choirs she has participated in include Tacoma Youth Chorus (Judith Herrington, Director), Cappella Choirs (Stephanie Charbonneau, Director), Vaughn Elementary School Choir, Peninsula High School Chamber Choir and Show Choir - where she also served as Choir President (Alison Ellis, Director) and Spectrum Choral Academy (as a founding member of Ensemble). During her senior year of highschool, she participated in an educational practicum at Kopachuck Middle School where she assisted with the musical theatre and choral classes under Alison Ellis.
Sharayah began college at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, where she participated in the Concert Choir and the Women’s Choir while pursuing her studies. Upon moving back to Washington, Sharayah returned to the music programs at Kopachuck Middle School where she did an internship continuing her hands-on education with their music programs. She has toured with choirs to New York City (Carnegie Hall); Portland, Oregon (Oregon Bach Festival/PICCFEST); and travelled extensively around Washington State performing concerts at some of the beautiful colleges and churches in the area. Sharayah has a passion for travel, singing in many languages and performing in acoustically stunning venues.
Sharayah has been involved with Exceptional Choral Events since its conception. She has worked as a rehearsal assistant for Spectrum Choral Academy, a camp counselor for Northwest Choir Camps and the Spectrum Day Camp and staffed at both the Fort Worden Children's Choir Festival and Youth Choir Festival NW. She graduated from Tacoma Community College in December 2015 with her AA Degree and is currently attending Washington State University’s Global Campus to complete her Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences. Sharayah believes in the power of music and how it promotes human growth, development and healing. She is excited to take on this new role as Managing Director and help even more young people and families explore the power of music.
Levi Bork, Counselor - 2014, 2015, 2016
Levi attended Northwest Choir Camps in 2013 and returns this year as a counselor. Having performed in Stanwood High School's Jazz Ensemble and Chamber choir for three consecutive years, he takes most of his experience from performing on stage in plays and musicals.
Having performed exclusively with Stanwood High School, Levi has still played a variety of characters, ranging from Reverend Shaw. To Captain Hammer, to Shrek (in his most recent production), but he still finds time to pursue other interests. Among these hobbies are the attempt at songwriting, playing the guitar, the ukulele, the piano, and exploring other instruments. He's also had a season's experience as an All-Star Cheerleader.
Levi has a lot of experience working with children and youth of various ages including work at scout day camps as a counselor and assistant counselor, his involvement with musical/acting workshops, babysitting and last, but not least - his position as the fourth of seven children.
Levi attended Northwest Choir Camps in 2013 and returns this year as a counselor. Having performed in Stanwood High School's Jazz Ensemble and Chamber choir for three consecutive years, he takes most of his experience from performing on stage in plays and musicals.
Having performed exclusively with Stanwood High School, Levi has still played a variety of characters, ranging from Reverend Shaw. To Captain Hammer, to Shrek (in his most recent production), but he still finds time to pursue other interests. Among these hobbies are the attempt at songwriting, playing the guitar, the ukulele, the piano, and exploring other instruments. He's also had a season's experience as an All-Star Cheerleader.
Levi has a lot of experience working with children and youth of various ages including work at scout day camps as a counselor and assistant counselor, his involvement with musical/acting workshops, babysitting and last, but not least - his position as the fourth of seven children.
Danielle Garner, Counselor - 2017
Camp Staff - 2016
Mezzo-soprano Danielle Garner currently holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with a primary focus in voice and a secondary focus in history from Washington State University. At the very young age of three, Danielle began her love and passion for music as a vocalist. She sang and played clarinet in many select and school choirs and bands from Kindergarten to her college years at Washington State University. During these years she has participated and competed in many festivals and Solo Ensemble competitions for both voice and clarinet in Washington and California where she has received superior ratings for both from 2006-2012. She has performed with the Tacoma Youth Chorus, the Gateway Concert Band, and was a participant in the Washington State All-State Choir and Band from 2011-2012. During this time Danielle took private voice lessons with Gregory Jones. She is a graduate of White River High School.
With having a love for opera and musical theater, Danielle has performed in productions such as Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, Gesner’s Your a Good Man Charlie Brown, Lippa’s The Addams Family Musical, and Lehár’s The Merry Widow as well as being part of the Washington State University Opera Workshop doing scenes from Bizet’s Carmen, Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore, and Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann.
During her four years at Washington State University Danielle had the privilege of studying voice under Dr. Brian Carter, clarinet under Dr. Shannon Scott, and piano under Drs. Karen and Jeffery Savage. She studied many subjects in music including music theory, applied theory (ear training), vocal pedagogy, diction in French, Latin, Italian, and German, music technology, women in music, history of jazz, and music history and vocal literature, taking special interest in the two. She also performed in the Washington State University Concert Choir, University Singers, Opera Workshop, and Marching Band.
Music is not her only talent. She also has representation for acting, modeling, and voice under MTM (Model Talent Management) and Seattle Talent as well as has taken acting and modeling classes at Barbizon and Seattle Talent (previously John Robert Powers). She is also a varsity competitor in soccer, golf, and fastpitch where she went on to receive scholarships to college for.
Danielle maintains a private voice studio and plans on continuing education to receive a Masters and PhD in vocal performance and conducting. She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the American Choral Directors Association, Kodaly, CNAFME, and the Washington Music Educators Association.
Camp Staff - 2016
Mezzo-soprano Danielle Garner currently holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with a primary focus in voice and a secondary focus in history from Washington State University. At the very young age of three, Danielle began her love and passion for music as a vocalist. She sang and played clarinet in many select and school choirs and bands from Kindergarten to her college years at Washington State University. During these years she has participated and competed in many festivals and Solo Ensemble competitions for both voice and clarinet in Washington and California where she has received superior ratings for both from 2006-2012. She has performed with the Tacoma Youth Chorus, the Gateway Concert Band, and was a participant in the Washington State All-State Choir and Band from 2011-2012. During this time Danielle took private voice lessons with Gregory Jones. She is a graduate of White River High School.
With having a love for opera and musical theater, Danielle has performed in productions such as Strauss’s Die Fledermaus, Gesner’s Your a Good Man Charlie Brown, Lippa’s The Addams Family Musical, and Lehár’s The Merry Widow as well as being part of the Washington State University Opera Workshop doing scenes from Bizet’s Carmen, Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’Amore, and Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann.
During her four years at Washington State University Danielle had the privilege of studying voice under Dr. Brian Carter, clarinet under Dr. Shannon Scott, and piano under Drs. Karen and Jeffery Savage. She studied many subjects in music including music theory, applied theory (ear training), vocal pedagogy, diction in French, Latin, Italian, and German, music technology, women in music, history of jazz, and music history and vocal literature, taking special interest in the two. She also performed in the Washington State University Concert Choir, University Singers, Opera Workshop, and Marching Band.
Music is not her only talent. She also has representation for acting, modeling, and voice under MTM (Model Talent Management) and Seattle Talent as well as has taken acting and modeling classes at Barbizon and Seattle Talent (previously John Robert Powers). She is also a varsity competitor in soccer, golf, and fastpitch where she went on to receive scholarships to college for.
Danielle maintains a private voice studio and plans on continuing education to receive a Masters and PhD in vocal performance and conducting. She is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the American Choral Directors Association, Kodaly, CNAFME, and the Washington Music Educators Association.
Kyla Hubbard, Counselor - 2016
Kyla has always loved music from a young age, and is working on her goal of being a music production and recording engineer at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. She has participated in school band and wind ensembles for the past seven years playing clarinet. Kyla plays several instruments including clarinet, guitar, and piano. Throughout High School she has taken every opportunity she can to be a part of multiple choir and music camps. She has been a part of a cappella choirs consisting of 300+ singers and small ensembles directed by Christopher Diaz for the past three years and Recently she was part of an audio recording class with music producer Nick Gerard and live looping and vocal electronics under the instruction of Jacob Reske and Ben Mclain in Dayton Ohio. Kyla has had the privilege to work side by side with the vocal producer of Pitch Perfect and NBC's The Sing Off Deke Sheron for the past three years.
Kyla is currently a part of a professional A Cappella group called F#5, of which she is the co-arranger for the songs they perform. Her passion for music continues to grow with each day and her goal is to spread harmony through musical harmony. Being a part of a supportive group of music nerds is one of the most important things in her life along with family.
Kyla has always loved music from a young age, and is working on her goal of being a music production and recording engineer at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida. She has participated in school band and wind ensembles for the past seven years playing clarinet. Kyla plays several instruments including clarinet, guitar, and piano. Throughout High School she has taken every opportunity she can to be a part of multiple choir and music camps. She has been a part of a cappella choirs consisting of 300+ singers and small ensembles directed by Christopher Diaz for the past three years and Recently she was part of an audio recording class with music producer Nick Gerard and live looping and vocal electronics under the instruction of Jacob Reske and Ben Mclain in Dayton Ohio. Kyla has had the privilege to work side by side with the vocal producer of Pitch Perfect and NBC's The Sing Off Deke Sheron for the past three years.
Kyla is currently a part of a professional A Cappella group called F#5, of which she is the co-arranger for the songs they perform. Her passion for music continues to grow with each day and her goal is to spread harmony through musical harmony. Being a part of a supportive group of music nerds is one of the most important things in her life along with family.
Maggie Bies, Counselor - 2016
Maggie has been singing from a very young age. There is rarely a time where family gatherings don’t consist of making music together with her three siblings. She has been in many choirs over the years. Her most memorable being Cappella Choirs under the direction of Stephanie Charbonneau, Olympic College Chamber Choir under the direction of Teresa Eliason and a founding member of Spectrum Vocal Performance Ensemble, also under the direction of Stephanie Charbonneau. She has participated and performed in several of the annual Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festivals and has worked as a staff member the past three years. Maggie currently enjoys composing and arranging music for piano, voice and ukulele. She has entered her pieces in a local Songwriters Showcase, most recently performing her original song “Here to Say” on piano, which resulted in her winning a professional recording session at three time Emmy winning composer, Jeff Tassin Studios.
In addition to her passion for music, Maggie has a heart for volunteer work and missions. She has traveled to Malawi, South Africa on two different occasions as part of a volunteer medical team, where she worked as a medical assistant helping to create medical records for children in local orphanages, including her own sponsor child, Austin. She has also been to Zambia and Mozambique and hopes to return to her second home, Malawi, again soon.
Maggie has completed three years at Olympic College and plans to return to finish her education in the future. She currently works as part of the management team at Old Navy and plans to continue to grow with the company. She also enjoys exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest, drawing, and listening to her extensive vinyl collection.
Maggie has been singing from a very young age. There is rarely a time where family gatherings don’t consist of making music together with her three siblings. She has been in many choirs over the years. Her most memorable being Cappella Choirs under the direction of Stephanie Charbonneau, Olympic College Chamber Choir under the direction of Teresa Eliason and a founding member of Spectrum Vocal Performance Ensemble, also under the direction of Stephanie Charbonneau. She has participated and performed in several of the annual Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festivals and has worked as a staff member the past three years. Maggie currently enjoys composing and arranging music for piano, voice and ukulele. She has entered her pieces in a local Songwriters Showcase, most recently performing her original song “Here to Say” on piano, which resulted in her winning a professional recording session at three time Emmy winning composer, Jeff Tassin Studios.
In addition to her passion for music, Maggie has a heart for volunteer work and missions. She has traveled to Malawi, South Africa on two different occasions as part of a volunteer medical team, where she worked as a medical assistant helping to create medical records for children in local orphanages, including her own sponsor child, Austin. She has also been to Zambia and Mozambique and hopes to return to her second home, Malawi, again soon.
Maggie has completed three years at Olympic College and plans to return to finish her education in the future. She currently works as part of the management team at Old Navy and plans to continue to grow with the company. She also enjoys exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest, drawing, and listening to her extensive vinyl collection.
Adam Lindgren, Counselor - 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015
Adam has sung in choirs his entire life. His parents have always said he came into the world grooving to an internal beat. At the age of three, Adam joined the children’s choirs at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue and he participated continuously through highschool. He toured with the advanced level treble youth choir, Bel Canto, to locations including San Francisco and Costa Rica. When Adam entered High School, he joined his school mixed choir and helped lead them to two Heritage Festival divisional wins and gold ratings, as well as two most outstanding choir awards at Heritage.
Adam is a two-time state qualifier for Baritone Voice in the MENC/WMEA Solo & Ensemble contest, and has also gone to the state level 10 additional times with separate ensembles. In 2011, he coached a small ensemble in preparation for the contest and they won their division at the regional level. Adam is also a paid consultant for his high school band and is helping the low brass section improve their musicality and theory skills.
Adam has performed in musical theater before changing his focus towards composition. Some rolls include: Javert in Les Miserables, Sky Masterson in Guys & Dolls, Horton in Seussical, The Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors, and a featured soloist in Godspell.
Adam attended Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle and Bellevue College, focusing on composition. He has composed works for choir, orchestra and symphonic band, with his first original composition for symphonic band being premiered nationally at the Heritage Festival in Anaheim in 2011, helping lead them to winning their division. Adam was a founding member of Spectrum Vocal Performance Ensemble. Adam performs the following instruments/parts: Baritone (solo), Tenor II/Bass I (mixed choir), Alto II (treble choir), Euphonium, Trombone, Tuba, Hand Percussion, Piano. He is currently working on his Bachelor of Music degree at Wheaton College in Illinois.
Adam has sung in choirs his entire life. His parents have always said he came into the world grooving to an internal beat. At the age of three, Adam joined the children’s choirs at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue and he participated continuously through highschool. He toured with the advanced level treble youth choir, Bel Canto, to locations including San Francisco and Costa Rica. When Adam entered High School, he joined his school mixed choir and helped lead them to two Heritage Festival divisional wins and gold ratings, as well as two most outstanding choir awards at Heritage.
Adam is a two-time state qualifier for Baritone Voice in the MENC/WMEA Solo & Ensemble contest, and has also gone to the state level 10 additional times with separate ensembles. In 2011, he coached a small ensemble in preparation for the contest and they won their division at the regional level. Adam is also a paid consultant for his high school band and is helping the low brass section improve their musicality and theory skills.
Adam has performed in musical theater before changing his focus towards composition. Some rolls include: Javert in Les Miserables, Sky Masterson in Guys & Dolls, Horton in Seussical, The Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors, and a featured soloist in Godspell.
Adam attended Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle and Bellevue College, focusing on composition. He has composed works for choir, orchestra and symphonic band, with his first original composition for symphonic band being premiered nationally at the Heritage Festival in Anaheim in 2011, helping lead them to winning their division. Adam was a founding member of Spectrum Vocal Performance Ensemble. Adam performs the following instruments/parts: Baritone (solo), Tenor II/Bass I (mixed choir), Alto II (treble choir), Euphonium, Trombone, Tuba, Hand Percussion, Piano. He is currently working on his Bachelor of Music degree at Wheaton College in Illinois.
Heather Cusenza, Counselor, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015
Heather is a driven graduate from Western Washington University’s Theatre Arts program. She is dedicated to all aspects of the performing arts, which is shown through her concentrations in scenic design, lighting design, stage management and theatre business. On the performing side of the arts, Heather has been singing since she was eight years old, where she got her start in Cappella Choirs, under the direction of Stephanie Charbonneau. She has taken part in many choir camps, choral festivals, and choir tours over the last 16 years. She has toured and performed on stage for the Manhattan Concert Production: Masterworks Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City and Benaroya Hall in Seattle for invitational concerts. She has participated and performed in each of the annual Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festivals held from 2000-2015 held in Port Townsend, WA. The last five years she also acted in the role of staff. Additionally, she has toured with choirs to the Anaheim Heritage Festival in California, the NafMe conference in Oregon and the Pacific Rim Festival in Hawaii. Heather has rehearsed and performed in concert with internationally known conductors including Rebecca J. Rottsolk, Dr. Juan-Tony Guzmán, Jennifer Price, Emily Ellsworth, Dr. David Brunner, Henry Leck, Leslie Guelker-Cone and Tim Fitzpatrick. In addition to Spectrum, Heather also sang in her university choir her final year at Western. In the summers, Heather works as a camp counselor for our Northwest Choir Camps - Honor Choir Summer Camp. When Heather is not singing or building a theater set, you will find her cooking, taking adventures and hiking outdoors. She is currently looking at taking part in a two year intensive theatrical painting program in New York. She looks forward to what the future may bring, but is glad to be a part of Spectrum till then.
Heather is a driven graduate from Western Washington University’s Theatre Arts program. She is dedicated to all aspects of the performing arts, which is shown through her concentrations in scenic design, lighting design, stage management and theatre business. On the performing side of the arts, Heather has been singing since she was eight years old, where she got her start in Cappella Choirs, under the direction of Stephanie Charbonneau. She has taken part in many choir camps, choral festivals, and choir tours over the last 16 years. She has toured and performed on stage for the Manhattan Concert Production: Masterworks Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City and Benaroya Hall in Seattle for invitational concerts. She has participated and performed in each of the annual Fort Worden Children’s Choir Festivals held from 2000-2015 held in Port Townsend, WA. The last five years she also acted in the role of staff. Additionally, she has toured with choirs to the Anaheim Heritage Festival in California, the NafMe conference in Oregon and the Pacific Rim Festival in Hawaii. Heather has rehearsed and performed in concert with internationally known conductors including Rebecca J. Rottsolk, Dr. Juan-Tony Guzmán, Jennifer Price, Emily Ellsworth, Dr. David Brunner, Henry Leck, Leslie Guelker-Cone and Tim Fitzpatrick. In addition to Spectrum, Heather also sang in her university choir her final year at Western. In the summers, Heather works as a camp counselor for our Northwest Choir Camps - Honor Choir Summer Camp. When Heather is not singing or building a theater set, you will find her cooking, taking adventures and hiking outdoors. She is currently looking at taking part in a two year intensive theatrical painting program in New York. She looks forward to what the future may bring, but is glad to be a part of Spectrum till then.
Stephanie Birdsell, Counselor - 2012, 2013 & 2014
Stephanie has been singing in choir since she was five when she joined the Cappella Girls Chorus, under direction of Stephanie Charbonneau. She continued to sing with Cappella until she moved to California in the fifth grade. There she joined the Sacramento Children’s Chorus. Stephanie was a part of the touring choir for six years where she had the privilege of traveling to Canada, Sweden, Norway, Colorado, and Hawaii. She is now a part of their high school and college level chorus, Cappella. She will tour to China in the summer of 2013. Stephanie also sang in her high school’s audition only Madrigal choir in her senior year of high school.
Aside from singing Stephanie has a love for musical theatre. She performed in two Broadway Jr. Musicals, Bugsy Malone and Fiddler on the Roof, at the Western WA Center for the Performing Arts. Her sophomore year of high school she performed with the Sacramento Children’s Chorus, Sacramento Opera Company and the Sacramento Youth Symphony in a production of the children’s opera, Brundibar. In Stephanie’s senior year of high school, she performed in her schools production of Grease the musical.
Stephanie currently attends American River College in California where she sings with their Chamber Singers. She plans to transfer to a four year where she will be majoring in music with a vocal performance concentration and minoring in fine arts. Stephanie’s overall goal is to teach voice lessons and become a music teacher at local high schools.
Stephanie has been singing in choir since she was five when she joined the Cappella Girls Chorus, under direction of Stephanie Charbonneau. She continued to sing with Cappella until she moved to California in the fifth grade. There she joined the Sacramento Children’s Chorus. Stephanie was a part of the touring choir for six years where she had the privilege of traveling to Canada, Sweden, Norway, Colorado, and Hawaii. She is now a part of their high school and college level chorus, Cappella. She will tour to China in the summer of 2013. Stephanie also sang in her high school’s audition only Madrigal choir in her senior year of high school.
Aside from singing Stephanie has a love for musical theatre. She performed in two Broadway Jr. Musicals, Bugsy Malone and Fiddler on the Roof, at the Western WA Center for the Performing Arts. Her sophomore year of high school she performed with the Sacramento Children’s Chorus, Sacramento Opera Company and the Sacramento Youth Symphony in a production of the children’s opera, Brundibar. In Stephanie’s senior year of high school, she performed in her schools production of Grease the musical.
Stephanie currently attends American River College in California where she sings with their Chamber Singers. She plans to transfer to a four year where she will be majoring in music with a vocal performance concentration and minoring in fine arts. Stephanie’s overall goal is to teach voice lessons and become a music teacher at local high schools.
Samantha Dressel, Counselor - 2014
Samantha's mom could tell she had a passion for singing at the age of six and enrolled her in her first choir - Cappella Girls' Chorus with Stephanie Charbonneau. She sang with Cappella for six years including tours to New York City (Carnegie Hall), Seattle (Benaroya Hall) and Vancouver, B.C. She has been selected to participate in the American Choral Director Association (ACDA) Honor Choir and Port Orchard Superstar (a vocal competition through her local school district). In addition to singing, Samantha has taken private lessons for piano, clarinet and guitar and also attended choir camps every summer since 3rd grade.
Samantha has regularly babysat children of all ages and really enjoys working with young people. She has attended choir camps nearly every year of her life and is excited to now work as a counselor. Samantha is currently a Senior at South Kitsap High School where she is in her fourth photography class, AP Photography and creates videos for SKHS;' daily news channel - WTV. Samantha has also studied American Sign Language for three years. She currently works as a Subway Sandwich Artist. After graduating, she plans to study fine arts in college - pursuing her passions of photography and videography.
Samantha's mom could tell she had a passion for singing at the age of six and enrolled her in her first choir - Cappella Girls' Chorus with Stephanie Charbonneau. She sang with Cappella for six years including tours to New York City (Carnegie Hall), Seattle (Benaroya Hall) and Vancouver, B.C. She has been selected to participate in the American Choral Director Association (ACDA) Honor Choir and Port Orchard Superstar (a vocal competition through her local school district). In addition to singing, Samantha has taken private lessons for piano, clarinet and guitar and also attended choir camps every summer since 3rd grade.
Samantha has regularly babysat children of all ages and really enjoys working with young people. She has attended choir camps nearly every year of her life and is excited to now work as a counselor. Samantha is currently a Senior at South Kitsap High School where she is in her fourth photography class, AP Photography and creates videos for SKHS;' daily news channel - WTV. Samantha has also studied American Sign Language for three years. She currently works as a Subway Sandwich Artist. After graduating, she plans to study fine arts in college - pursuing her passions of photography and videography.
Bonnie Hollon, Counselor - 2014
As her parents like to say, “Bonnie was singing before she could talk”. She started her musical career singing “You are my Sunshine” in the Mullenix Ridge Elementary School talent show when she was five years old. Since then, she has performed in many places such as the Puyallup and Evergreen state fairs, the Admiral Theater and many other local venues. She has been in choir since she was eight, and started out under the direction of Stephanie Charbaonneau in Cappella Girls' Chorus. Since then, she has been in church and school choirs including Chamber Choir and Highlighters at South Kitsap High School under the direction of Mike Allen. She has earned awards in the regional and state levels for solo and ensemble as an alto soloist and also won state awards with her entire choir. She has sung in Disneyland and California Adventure with her jazz group as well as performing in New York City and other festivals around Washington. In 2012, she was selected to sing with an elite group of students in the All-State retreat and concert. She continued her singing career in the choir at Western Washington University until she transferred to Washington State University to pursue engineering. Bonnie has also enjoyed performing in musicals at SKHS and community theaters. Her favorite roles were Rose in The Secret Garden and Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Bonnie has been a counselor at Miracle Ranch camp for South Colby Elementary’s sixth grade camp and has been working with children her whole life. She attended choir camp run by Stephanie Charbonneau as a nine-year-old and is so excited to return as a counselor!
As her parents like to say, “Bonnie was singing before she could talk”. She started her musical career singing “You are my Sunshine” in the Mullenix Ridge Elementary School talent show when she was five years old. Since then, she has performed in many places such as the Puyallup and Evergreen state fairs, the Admiral Theater and many other local venues. She has been in choir since she was eight, and started out under the direction of Stephanie Charbaonneau in Cappella Girls' Chorus. Since then, she has been in church and school choirs including Chamber Choir and Highlighters at South Kitsap High School under the direction of Mike Allen. She has earned awards in the regional and state levels for solo and ensemble as an alto soloist and also won state awards with her entire choir. She has sung in Disneyland and California Adventure with her jazz group as well as performing in New York City and other festivals around Washington. In 2012, she was selected to sing with an elite group of students in the All-State retreat and concert. She continued her singing career in the choir at Western Washington University until she transferred to Washington State University to pursue engineering. Bonnie has also enjoyed performing in musicals at SKHS and community theaters. Her favorite roles were Rose in The Secret Garden and Lucy in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Bonnie has been a counselor at Miracle Ranch camp for South Colby Elementary’s sixth grade camp and has been working with children her whole life. She attended choir camp run by Stephanie Charbonneau as a nine-year-old and is so excited to return as a counselor!
Josh Wagner, Counselor - 2014
Josh has always had a passion for music but has never really pursued his passion until his freshman year in high school when he learned how to play guitar and began to work on his singing. He graduated from high school this last year and will attend Whitworth University in the fall to study theology, but he will still continue to grow musically.
He grew up in Grants Pass, Oregon with his older brother, mom, and dad. He moved up to Port Orchard, Washington when he was 11 years old. He pursued music by leading worship in his church youth group during all of high school. At Peninsula High School, he joined his first choir and loved it. The next year, for his senior year, he was voted vice-president. In his senior year Josh also taught a group of 4 students who weren't able to fit the choir class into their schedule for a semester. At the end of the year he was awarded the title of the most inspirational student in the choir. He also played a leading role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat at the end of his senior year.
Josh spends a lot of his time playing sports, enjoying and playing music, and spending time with friends. The rest of his time is mostly spent doing volunteer and mission work with his church. He led worship and a small group for middle school students at his youth group the last two years. He has also been on mission trips to the Czech Republic (2011), San Francisco (2012), Mexico (2013), and will be returning from a missions trip to Montana the day before the camp starts.
Josh has always had a passion for music but has never really pursued his passion until his freshman year in high school when he learned how to play guitar and began to work on his singing. He graduated from high school this last year and will attend Whitworth University in the fall to study theology, but he will still continue to grow musically.
He grew up in Grants Pass, Oregon with his older brother, mom, and dad. He moved up to Port Orchard, Washington when he was 11 years old. He pursued music by leading worship in his church youth group during all of high school. At Peninsula High School, he joined his first choir and loved it. The next year, for his senior year, he was voted vice-president. In his senior year Josh also taught a group of 4 students who weren't able to fit the choir class into their schedule for a semester. At the end of the year he was awarded the title of the most inspirational student in the choir. He also played a leading role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat at the end of his senior year.
Josh spends a lot of his time playing sports, enjoying and playing music, and spending time with friends. The rest of his time is mostly spent doing volunteer and mission work with his church. He led worship and a small group for middle school students at his youth group the last two years. He has also been on mission trips to the Czech Republic (2011), San Francisco (2012), Mexico (2013), and will be returning from a missions trip to Montana the day before the camp starts.
Brianna Bowles-Underhill, Counselor - 2013
Brianna attended Northwest Choir Camps in 2012 and returns this year as a counselor. She has extensive singing and musical theater experience and has even appeard in a number of films.
Brianna has performed in musical theater with Seattle Musical Theatre, Northwest Savoyards, Sky Performing Arts, Driftwood Players, Kidstage Village Theatre, and her High School. Her favorite role was Penny in Dr. Horrible. She plays the guitar, takes swing dance classes for teens, and is a square dance “angel”. In 2011 she was chosen to be a Future Wave jury member for the Seattle Film Festival.
For fun, Brianna makes balloon animals and knit hats in her free time. She kayaks in the summer on Puget Sound, on Lake Cushman, and on the Presumpscott river. She enjoys volunteering at the NOAH animal shelter as a dog walker.
Brianna attended Northwest Choir Camps in 2012 and returns this year as a counselor. She has extensive singing and musical theater experience and has even appeard in a number of films.
Brianna has performed in musical theater with Seattle Musical Theatre, Northwest Savoyards, Sky Performing Arts, Driftwood Players, Kidstage Village Theatre, and her High School. Her favorite role was Penny in Dr. Horrible. She plays the guitar, takes swing dance classes for teens, and is a square dance “angel”. In 2011 she was chosen to be a Future Wave jury member for the Seattle Film Festival.
For fun, Brianna makes balloon animals and knit hats in her free time. She kayaks in the summer on Puget Sound, on Lake Cushman, and on the Presumpscott river. She enjoys volunteering at the NOAH animal shelter as a dog walker.
Mariah Roberts, Counselor - 2013
Mariah attended Northwest Choir Camps in 2011 as a camper and returns this year as a counselor! She has been involved with music her whole life. There’s never been a day when she hasn’t woken up singing. Her true love for music started in second grade when she began attending community theatre performances that her family was involved with. Late elementary school she participated in the small school choir, still too nervous to stand out in a crowd. Her first talent show was in fifth grade, singing a song all by herself. She was in choir all through middle school, and in seventh grade she added to this a great new experience. Mariah joined Cappella Choirs in Port Orchard and sang with them for two years, including in New York when the choir was invited to sing at Carnegie Hall for a youth festival. Cappella Choirs is undoubtedly the driving force behind her confidence today.Mariah was a founding member of Spectrum Vocal Performance Ensemble. Mariah is a graduate of Peninsula High School in Gig Harbor, WA where she sang in their Chamber Choir all four years. She also participated in the select, jazz ensembles at her school, another great opportunity to improve confidence and vocal ability. She took two years of piano in middle school, and a few years of dance as a child. She has been in a total of three plays and six musicals, starting with “The Wizard of Oz” in fifth grade. Random choral experiences have taught her to scat, to produce overtones, and overall, each one has helped develop her ability and make her a more confident, spirited performer. Her passion lies with gospel music, jazz, and Broadway, but she’d never turn down an opportunity to learn and improve in any focus of life, or any genre of music. Mariah is currently studying at University of Rochester in New York.
Mariah attended Northwest Choir Camps in 2011 as a camper and returns this year as a counselor! She has been involved with music her whole life. There’s never been a day when she hasn’t woken up singing. Her true love for music started in second grade when she began attending community theatre performances that her family was involved with. Late elementary school she participated in the small school choir, still too nervous to stand out in a crowd. Her first talent show was in fifth grade, singing a song all by herself. She was in choir all through middle school, and in seventh grade she added to this a great new experience. Mariah joined Cappella Choirs in Port Orchard and sang with them for two years, including in New York when the choir was invited to sing at Carnegie Hall for a youth festival. Cappella Choirs is undoubtedly the driving force behind her confidence today.Mariah was a founding member of Spectrum Vocal Performance Ensemble. Mariah is a graduate of Peninsula High School in Gig Harbor, WA where she sang in their Chamber Choir all four years. She also participated in the select, jazz ensembles at her school, another great opportunity to improve confidence and vocal ability. She took two years of piano in middle school, and a few years of dance as a child. She has been in a total of three plays and six musicals, starting with “The Wizard of Oz” in fifth grade. Random choral experiences have taught her to scat, to produce overtones, and overall, each one has helped develop her ability and make her a more confident, spirited performer. Her passion lies with gospel music, jazz, and Broadway, but she’d never turn down an opportunity to learn and improve in any focus of life, or any genre of music. Mariah is currently studying at University of Rochester in New York.
Lili Nyste, Counselor - 2012
Lili has been singing since she was a few months old, and has nurtured her passion for music over the past seventeen years of her life. A senior at Lake Washington High School, she is currently involved with four choirs, plans to participate in three more as the year progresses, and studies voice privately. Lili also sang in Bel Canto, the youth treble choir at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue and was a founding member of Spectrum Vocal Performance Ensemble.
Over the past few years, Lili has competed multiple times at the regional and state level MENC/WMEA Solo & Ensemble. As a junior, she was asked to organize, participate in, and lead a small mixed ensemble, and they later won at the regional level contest. Lili has also participated in the WMEA All-State Mixed Choir, the Lake Washington School District Honor Choir, and the Heritage Festivals as a soprano.
In her free time, Lili plays guitar, studies cello, and writes songs. Having spent some of her childhood in Australia, she has returned there to attend the university and pursue contemporary composition. She loves the theater, drawing, and fostering kittens for her local animal shelter.
Lili has been singing since she was a few months old, and has nurtured her passion for music over the past seventeen years of her life. A senior at Lake Washington High School, she is currently involved with four choirs, plans to participate in three more as the year progresses, and studies voice privately. Lili also sang in Bel Canto, the youth treble choir at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue and was a founding member of Spectrum Vocal Performance Ensemble.
Over the past few years, Lili has competed multiple times at the regional and state level MENC/WMEA Solo & Ensemble. As a junior, she was asked to organize, participate in, and lead a small mixed ensemble, and they later won at the regional level contest. Lili has also participated in the WMEA All-State Mixed Choir, the Lake Washington School District Honor Choir, and the Heritage Festivals as a soprano.
In her free time, Lili plays guitar, studies cello, and writes songs. Having spent some of her childhood in Australia, she has returned there to attend the university and pursue contemporary composition. She loves the theater, drawing, and fostering kittens for her local animal shelter.
Jessie Worley, Counselor - 2012
Jessie grew up listening to music. Since she could speak, she was memorizing, singing, and performing songs for her family and friends. At the age of six, she began taking violin lessons, and played in her elementary and middle school orchestras. Throughout elementary school, she also wrote song lyrics with her friends for fun. Jessie was a founding member of Spectrum Vocal Performance Ensemble.
At the age of nine, Jessie joined Capella Girl’s Chorus of Port Orchard, under the direction of Stephanie Charbonneau. The same year, she tried out for Annie, using the song “Castle on a Cloud” from Les Miserables. She has also performed publicly in several talent shows, for small audiences of friends, in voice recitals and spends even more time covering songs with her friends. Jessie also took bass guitar lessons when she was in junior high, and had a short-term band formed with other musically gifted friends.
Jessie graduated from South Kitsap High School and Olympic College in June 2012, earning both her highschool diploma and Associates Degree. She hopes to be more involved in music and theater in the years to come.
Jessie grew up listening to music. Since she could speak, she was memorizing, singing, and performing songs for her family and friends. At the age of six, she began taking violin lessons, and played in her elementary and middle school orchestras. Throughout elementary school, she also wrote song lyrics with her friends for fun. Jessie was a founding member of Spectrum Vocal Performance Ensemble.
At the age of nine, Jessie joined Capella Girl’s Chorus of Port Orchard, under the direction of Stephanie Charbonneau. The same year, she tried out for Annie, using the song “Castle on a Cloud” from Les Miserables. She has also performed publicly in several talent shows, for small audiences of friends, in voice recitals and spends even more time covering songs with her friends. Jessie also took bass guitar lessons when she was in junior high, and had a short-term band formed with other musically gifted friends.
Jessie graduated from South Kitsap High School and Olympic College in June 2012, earning both her highschool diploma and Associates Degree. She hopes to be more involved in music and theater in the years to come.
Tara Blahm, Counselor - 2011
At the age of five, Tara attended her first week-long choir camp under the direction of Stephanie Charbonneau. This experience spurred a lifelong love of music and singing. She is actively involved in choirs at church and school, and also studies voice privately. Tara has won awards at the local and state level as a soprano soloist.
Tara loves performing in musicals at South Kitsap High School and in community theater. She has played the roles of Lily in Secret Garden, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, and Guenevere in Camelot.Additionally, she performed in Cinderella, Pirates of Penzance, The Wiz and South Kitsap High School’s Madrigal Feaste.
Tara currently directs a fifty-voice children's choir at Adventure of Faith Church. Having the opportunity to work with those children has been the highlight of her high school career. Tara has also attended numerous choral camps both as singer and counselor. She currently attends Texas Christian University.
At the age of five, Tara attended her first week-long choir camp under the direction of Stephanie Charbonneau. This experience spurred a lifelong love of music and singing. She is actively involved in choirs at church and school, and also studies voice privately. Tara has won awards at the local and state level as a soprano soloist.
Tara loves performing in musicals at South Kitsap High School and in community theater. She has played the roles of Lily in Secret Garden, Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, and Guenevere in Camelot.Additionally, she performed in Cinderella, Pirates of Penzance, The Wiz and South Kitsap High School’s Madrigal Feaste.
Tara currently directs a fifty-voice children's choir at Adventure of Faith Church. Having the opportunity to work with those children has been the highlight of her high school career. Tara has also attended numerous choral camps both as singer and counselor. She currently attends Texas Christian University.
Kaitlin Tullis - 2011
Kaitlin Tullis has always had an insatiable appetite for music. From Disney ditties and Bon Jovi ballads to The Phantom of the Opera, music runs through her mind, under her breath, and in her gait at all times. She started her musical career as a classical pianist at age three, then added viola at age nine and followed with a host of other stringed instruments. Kaitlin remains the only person in her high school’s history to participate in all three musical branches—band, choir, and orchestra—at once. She served as Orchestra President all four years, running events and fundraisers and helping organize their first ever cross-country trip. As a violist and pianist, she qualified for All-State Honors Orchestra and received superior ratings in regional solo and ensemble contests. In her junior year, Kaitlin became a Drum Major of the award-winning marching band, and halfway through her senior year, she also joined the jazz choir.Meanwhile, at the beginning of her senior year, she auditioned for Bel Canto at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue. Having never sung for an audience before, she doubted her voice and nearly decided against the audition. However, after passing her audition and learning she had vocal talent, Kaitlin threw herself into vocal music with a newfound confidence and passion and an overwhelming feeling of belonging within a choir family.
Since graduating highschool, Kaitlin has been exploring her new love for playing and singing soundtracks of movies and musicals, in addition to composing for piano, voice, and strings. She is currently working on a symphony. Kaitlin also teaches piano to neighborhood children and attends the University of Maryland.
Kaitlin Tullis has always had an insatiable appetite for music. From Disney ditties and Bon Jovi ballads to The Phantom of the Opera, music runs through her mind, under her breath, and in her gait at all times. She started her musical career as a classical pianist at age three, then added viola at age nine and followed with a host of other stringed instruments. Kaitlin remains the only person in her high school’s history to participate in all three musical branches—band, choir, and orchestra—at once. She served as Orchestra President all four years, running events and fundraisers and helping organize their first ever cross-country trip. As a violist and pianist, she qualified for All-State Honors Orchestra and received superior ratings in regional solo and ensemble contests. In her junior year, Kaitlin became a Drum Major of the award-winning marching band, and halfway through her senior year, she also joined the jazz choir.Meanwhile, at the beginning of her senior year, she auditioned for Bel Canto at First Presbyterian Church of Bellevue. Having never sung for an audience before, she doubted her voice and nearly decided against the audition. However, after passing her audition and learning she had vocal talent, Kaitlin threw herself into vocal music with a newfound confidence and passion and an overwhelming feeling of belonging within a choir family.
Since graduating highschool, Kaitlin has been exploring her new love for playing and singing soundtracks of movies and musicals, in addition to composing for piano, voice, and strings. She is currently working on a symphony. Kaitlin also teaches piano to neighborhood children and attends the University of Maryland.