Meet The Artists

North Carolina native Christopher Gilliam is Director of Choral Activities at Wake Forest University, director of the Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus, and Director of Music at Highland Presbyterian Church. Gilliam received the Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the University of Kansas in 2003, where he studied with Simon Carrington of the renowned King’s Singers. He has published choral compositions through Alliance Music Publications, Beckenhorst Press, Lorenz, and E.C. Schirmer, and sings regularly with Bach Akademie Charlotte and Oregon Bach Festival.

Robert is a native of Carthage, NC and is currently Organist and Choirmaster at St. Timothy’s Episcopal in Winston-Salem. He holds degrees from UNC-Greensboro (DMA in Choral Conducting), Salem College (MM in Piano), and Appalachian State (MM in Music Education and BM in Piano), with additional piano study at the American Conservatory in Fontainebleau, France. Before moving to Winston-Salem, Robert was the Director of Choral and Vocal Studies at Emory & Henry College. Other teaching appointments have included North Wilkes High School and Greensboro Day School. He is thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with the fine musicians of the Winston-Salem Choral Artists.

Barbie is delighted to return to Choral Artists for its second season. Hailing from Pennsylvania, Barbie has Master’s degrees in both Voice Performance and in Speech Language Pathology. Currently, she works as a speech language pathologist assisting people with acquired and neurodegenerative brain disease. Throughout her life, solo and choral singing has been both vocation and avocation with solo performances with the York (Pennsylvania) Symphony and the like, as well as a member of many choral ensembles and teaching in her private studio. Barbie has a private practice, All Clear Speech Improvement, LLC, where she helps professionals who speak English as a second language communicate with greater clarity. Barbie currently lives in Winston-Salem with her spouse and their two dogs.

Charli enjoys a varied musical career as a church musician, conductor, and vocalist specializing in early and sacred music. Performances this season include appearances with the Salem Bach Festival, Duke University Chapel, the Winston-Salem Choral Artists, the Choral Society of Greensboro, and Piedmont Opera. She is currently Director of Traditional Worship at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in High Point. Charli earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music and Christian Studies and a Master of Church Music from the Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Clara is thrilled to be singing with WSCA! She earned a BM in Voice from Concordia College in Moorhead and a MM in Voice from New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. She toured internationally and was a soloist with the Concordia Choir, sang professionally with various early music ensembles, including the Choir of the Church of the Advent, Canto Armonico, Schola Cantorum of Boston, The Brookline Consort, with the Portsmouth Symphony’s Chamber Music Series and as a Bach Scholar at First Lutheran in Boston. She is currently a Pro Core member of the Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus and a staff singer at St. Paul’s Episcopal and co-owns Bashavia Gardens and Native Plant Nursery with her husband.

Cláudia began formal singing lessons at the Brazilian Conservatory of Music at the age of 18, while preparing to become a professional dancer, and graduated in 1991 earning a license for teaching dance. Her love for dancing and singing congregated when working at the Canarinhos’ Institute for 12 years, where she developed a method of teaching voice technique together with choreography, and also performed as a soloist. While living in Dubai (2017 to 2019), she joined the Dubai Singers, and worked for the Ministry of Education, putting together a choir with 107 kids for the performance “The Father’s Legend”. She joined the Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus in 2022, and she can’t be happier to also be part of the Choral Artists. Besides classical repertoire, Cláudia also sings Brazilian Bossa-Nova and Jazz Standards.

Daniele, a native of Minnesota, has a passion for singing sacred choral music as well as early music. This has led her to be involved with multiple church choirs and community choral groups. While living in Rochester, NY, she was an inaugural member of Christ Church Schola Cantorum and also sang with the early music chamber group, Publick Musick. Since moving to Winston-Salem, Daniele has been the Soprano section leader for the Augsburg Lutheran Church choir. She has studied voice with Stephen Kennedy, Elizabeth Pacheco Rose and Joan Jacobowski. Daniele lives in Pfafftown with her husband, their three boys, and their 6 pound Chihuahua mix, Milo Bjørn. For her day job she works in the office at Augsburg as the Executive Assistant.

Haley, a Jacksonville, FL native, currently serves as the Upper School Chorus instructor at Summit School in Winston-Salem, NC. Her passion for music education ignited at the age of 12 when she discovered her love for choir under the guidance of Mr. Pendry, her 6th-grade chorus teacher. Haley holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Georgia Southern University and pursued her graduate studies at The University of Southern Mississippi, earning a Master of Music in Choral Conducting. Beyond her role at Summit School, Haley serves as the children’s music director and handbell director at Highland Presbyterian Church. A lover of jazz music, Haley founded the Southern Sirens, a women’s jazz a cappella group, during her time at Georgia Southern. Haley also plays the harp and enjoys playing at weddings and parties.

Katie is a singer and actor based out of High Point, NC best known for soprano roles in golden age musical theatre. She has appeared with Triad Stage, Piedmont Opera, PBS NC, NC Black Rep, and Rhinoleap, among others. Katie is studying for a Masters Degree in Vocal Pedagogy and teaches on the voice faculty of UNCSA Community Programs. She sings with Centenary United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem, the Greensboro Symphony Master Chorale, and Seasons Best Carolers. Outside of music, Katie is a new mom to a baby girl named Clara and to a puppy named Jasper. Katie practiced estates and trust law for a decade but is currently focusing her time on music and being a mom.

An avid choral musician, Taylor has performed with Choral Artistry, Fort Myers Mastersingers, College of Charleston Concert Choir, Greensboro Youth Chorus and others. She is the soprano section leader at St. Paul’s Episcopal. Professionally, Taylor is the Associate Director of Development at Wake Forest School of Law and has previously held positions with the Atlanta Symphony, Artis-Naples, Fort Worth Symphony and Spoleto Festival. Taylor received a bachelor’s in Arts Management from College of Charleston, Master’s in Nonprofit Management from University of Central Florida and is currently pursuing a doctorate at University of Southern Mississippi, where her research focuses on institutional investment in arts.

\Alyssa is a mezzo-soprano from Flemington, NJ. She received her undergraduate degree in vocal performance from the University of Delaware, and her master’s degree in voice and opera from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She has sung throughout the United States and Europe as both a soloist and choral artist with the American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, Westminster Youth Chorale, University of Delaware Chorale, Delaware Choral Scholars, Delaware Opera Theatre, Opera Delaware, San Francisco Opera, and North Carolina Master Chorale. Outside of music, Alyssa is an associate director of development at UNC-Chapel Hill and enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the Triangle with her dog Clarke.

Christin is a music director, organist, singer and more. A native of Winston-Salem, Christin is thrilled to continue singing with the Choral Artists for their second season. She holds degrees in Sacred Music and Organ Performance from East Carolina University and University of Houston, where she studied with Janette Fishell and Robert Bates. Christin has performed throughout the US and abroad as both an organist and choral singer, and she recorded two CDs with the ECU Chamber Singers. In addition to her musical studies, Christin holds Master’s degrees in both education and accounting. She is currently the Director of Music at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church in Burlington as well as the Chief Strategy Officer for a wealth management firm.

Elaine earned a BME, voice concentration, from Appalachian State University and a MME from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is the K-5 music specialist at the Appalachian State Academy at Middle Fork lab school. She has taught K-8 general music, chorus and Orff percussion ensembles in several NC school districts. She also built the upper school choral program at Summit School from its beginnings to earning top ratings at state contests. She and her husband, Mike, are on the home stretch of raising their son and daughter and would not trade a minute of the experience.

Krista is a rich-voiced mezzo soprano from Clemmons, NC. She has a history of being involved with rigorous choirs and is honored to join the WSCA. After earning her bachelor’s degree in music therapy from Appalachian State University, Krista practiced as a board certified music therapist in GA, CA, and PA. She recently opened her own studio and business entitled Music Matters with Krista Marie and works with people from all walks of life. When she isn’t teaching or rehearsing, Krista loves to play with her two cats and travel with her partner, Robert.

Kristin’s highlights include La Contessa in Le nozze di Figaro, First Lady in The Magic Flute, Magda in La Rondine, Abigail in Robert Ward’s The Crucible, and the title role in the World Premiere of Michael Ching’s opera Anna Hunter. In concert, Kristin has appeared as a soloist with orchestras nationwide including Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra, Cobb Symphony Orchestra, The University of North Carolina School of the Arts Symphony Orchestra, Valdosta Symphony Orchestra and the University of Wisconsin Madison Symphony Orchestra. A native to Wisconsin, Kristin received a Masters degree in Voice from the University of Wisconsin Madison. She also holds a Performing Artist Certificate from the AJ Fletcher Opera Institute at UNCSA. Ms. Schwecke is currently part of the music faculty at Salem College and Wake Forest University.

A native of Valdosta, Georgia, Lauren holds degrees in piano, organ, and vocal performance. In December of this year, she will complete a Master of Music Performance degree in choral conducting and vocal performance at Valdosta State University. She has served churches in North Carolina and Georgia in a variety of capacities, including music director, organist, pianist, youth and children’s choir director, and handbell director. Currently she serves as Director of Traditional Worship Arts at Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem and maintains a private teaching studio. Lauren has two grown daughters, Maryanne and Eleanor.

Lauren is a versatile mezzo-soprano and Ohio native with a rich background in choral performance. While studying voice at the Ohio State University, she had the privilege to sing solos and among an ensemble in festivals in Switzerland and New York. She also sang professionally with the distinguished Lancaster Chorale under the direction of Dr. Robert Trocchia. After an 8 year journey in California, she and her husband relocated to Clemmons, NC in late 2021 to start her family and now balances her time between raising her young son, leading women’s healing workshops and working part-time as a pediatric critical care nurse.

Madeline is an operatic soprano from Lincolnton, NC. She teaches voice and performs across North Carolina. She was recently engaged in North Carolina Opera’s production of Puccini’s Manon Lescaut. Madeline has performed such roles as Micaela in Bizet’s Carmen, Arminda in Mozart’s La finta giardiniera, Pamina in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, and Mimì in Puccini’s La Bohème. She is a graduate of Appalachian State University (BM ‘17) and the University of Tennessee (MM ‘19). She lives in Lincolnton with her husband, corgi, and cat.

A native of New Bern and a former member of the US Navy Band Sea Chanters Chorus, Bob now calls Alleghany county home. He is also a member of the Sparta Candle Company family and helps ship out all our treasures around the world. Bob has performed around the world but is most proud to be dad to Maxine and Campbell, both incredible artists in their own rights.

David is the Choral Director at Wilkes Central High School. He has been a music educator in the state of North Carolina for 20 years. David is a graduate of Appalachian State University with a bachelors and a masters degree in music education and choral conducting. His choirs have received superior ratings at MPA, as well as being selected to perform at various venues across the state. Mr. Brooks is also the music director at First United Methodist church in North Wilkesboro. He is married to his wife Laura Brooks and they have three little boys who keep them busy!

Although his education and primary professional identity is as a mental health professional, Emu’s first love has always been music. Originally from Northern California, Emu’s introduction to choral music came through participation in the San Francisco Boys Chorus in his formative years. While living in Chattanooga, TN, Emu regularly performed with choral ensembles including Voci Virili, Chorus Angelorum, The Chattanooga Chamber Choir, The Chattanooga Boys Choir, Kinge’s Quire, Devoto, Adelphos, and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Chattanooga. Most recently, he was fortunate enough to participate in two choral residencies in the United Kingdom – Exeter and Durham Cathedrals. Emu is a 3rd-year doctoral student at UNCG working towards a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and owns a private practice focused on treating complex trauma in young adults.

Isaac is a Triad native who studied Voice, Piano, and Musical Theatre at Mars Hill University. He is trained in Estill Voice, a science based pedagogy dedicated to teaching singers and speakers healthy phonation. Isaac was the Co-Artistic Director of Performing Arts Laboratory in Asheville, NC and has worked with East Forsyth High School’s “Friends of The Theatre” in Kernersville, NC as Music Director. He is also a member of the Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus, a Staff Singer at St. Mary’s Episcopal in High Point, NC, and is honored to be part of the Winston-Salem Choral Artists.

Jeffery has a Bachelor’s in Vocal Performance from SUNY Fredonia and received a Master’s in Vocal Performance from UNCG. He has performed in musical theater productions and operas throughout North Carolina and, briefly, off-Broadway in NYC. He then attended Elon University for law school and received his JD in 2012. He spends his days as an attorney helping clients with various illness and injury-related matters. His favorite role is dad to 3 amazing kids!

Larry started his music journey at the age of 4 when he studied piano as his first instrument. He then became an operatic tenor and has been active in local ensembles. Larry sang with the Northeastern University Choral Society during college, and also the Wake Forest University Chamber Choir as a tenor soloist while he received his Master’s degree in Accountancy. Larry has also sung with Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus, North Carolina Master Chorale, and North Carolina Opera to gain various experience in bel canto singing. As a part of Choral Artists, he is eager to explore further within the choral world and to bring fantastic music to the audience.

Robert could not be more thrilled to return for the second season of such a talented ensemble. He has been immersed in the world of choral arts since his graduation from Appalachian State University, where he holds a bachelors in vocal performance. He has been a proud member of prestigious choirs such as Susquehanna Chorale, and Harrisburg Symphony Choir in Pennsylvania, as well as the Bel Canto Company in Greensboro. Robert hopes to continue his education, pursuing a masters degree in choral composition.

Dominic is pleased to join the Winston Salem Choral Artists for its second season. Dominic has been living in Winston Salem since the Summer of 2024. He is a postdoctoral researcher and instructor in mathematics at Wake Forest University. Before working at Wake, Dominic has lived in Coventry UK; Trieste, Italy; State College, PA; and Brooklyn, NY (his home town). Throughout his life, music has been a constant passion. He has sung with the Coventry Cathedral Choir, the Orpheus Singers (a project choir based in State College), and the Hamilton College Choir, as well as in his undergraduate a cappella group, The Hamiltones.

Born and raised in King, NC, Jackson got his start in choral singing at Davidson College under the direction of Christopher Gilliam. While at Davidson, he also sang in a production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute (in English translation) and an Opera Scenes Workshop. Since graduating from Davidson, he has sung with the Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus, the Williamsburg Choral Guild, and the Piedmont Opera. He also regularly participates in sacred services that commemorate Christmas and Easter.

Kelly is honored and thrilled to return to Choral Artists for its second season! Originally from Florida, Dr. Turner holds advanced degrees in Choral Conducting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and has directed choirs and taught music theory, conducting, lyric diction, and voice at both the secondary and collegiate levels. He has also been privileged to serve in the music ministries of several churches over the years as director, soloist, and choir member. Kelly currently lives in Winston-Salem with his lovely wife, Amy, and their two daughters.

Rich is a native North Carolinian living in Winston-Salem. His passion for ministry and music led him to a career in sacred choral music for the past forty years. Rich has been a member of professional choruses including the Bel Canto Company of Greensboro, NC, the Greensboro Symphony Master Chorale, and Piedmont Chamber Singers. For the past two decades he has also held a career as a physician assistant and been a loving dog-dad to Famous and Bonnie. He is thrilled to be a charter member and excited over the prospect of what Choral Artists will bring to the Winston-Salem community.

Stephen, originally from Philadelphia, PA, holds a Master of Music from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He has studied choral conducting with David DeVenney, Paul Oakley, Welborn Young, and Carole Ott Coelho. His piano studies include classical training with Robert Bedford and jazz with Terry Klinefelter, alongside organ studies with André Lash. Currently, Stephen is an adjunct professor of music at High Point University, where he teaches music improvisation, conducts the Men’s Chorus, and serves as a collaborative pianist. Stephen is honored to make music with an ensemble of such passionate and talented musicians and is excited to share our music with our community.

Thomas is a 4th year Choral Music Education major at Appalachian State University. Originally from Wilkesboro, North Carolina, Thomas has been singing since he could speak and currently studies voice with Dr. Joseph Amaya. While studying at the Hayes School of Music, Thomas has participated in a wide variety of vocal ensembles including University Singers, Chamber Singers, Glee Club, Opera Workshop, & has risen to positions of leadership while in these ensembles. In addition to his studies, Thomas is the Baritone Choral Scholar for St. Mary of the Hill’s Episcopal Church in Blowing Rock, NC, under the direction of Jim Bumgardner. Thomas is honored to be an Artist for the 24-25 season and hopes to continue performing professionally after earning his Degree.

Will has been blessed with many wonderful choral experiences. Starting in high school, Will sang with the Mendelssohn and Jr Mendelssohn Choirs of Pittsburgh. From there, Will took his show on the road to the Cleveland Opera and Robert Page – Cleveland Singers. His career in construction brought him to Clemmons where he joined the Piedmont Opera and Piedmont Chamber Singers. After a lengthy hiatus while raising a family, he joined the Winston-Salem Symphony Chorus for Rachmaninoff’s Vespers. Since then he has been a proud member and sponsor of the WSSC. Surrounded by so many talented singers in The Choral Artists, Will is excited to return to choral performance at the highest level.