OUR FACULTY FOR 2020
Below are brief bios of many of this year's HCNW faculty members, listed alphabetically. They are all talented, enthusiastic, approachable teachers...you'll love them!
Brian Barford
Dr. Brian Barford, singing lead, is a retired chemist from P & G. Besides holding many patents for make-up and other beauty products, he found time to become a certified singing category judge, is assistant director of the Southern Gateway Chorus (multiple District and International Champions) and coaches many society groups. He and wife, Jean, are proud parents and grandparents. They reside in Cincinnati.
Dr. Brian Barford, singing lead, is a retired chemist from P & G. Besides holding many patents for make-up and other beauty products, he found time to become a certified singing category judge, is assistant director of the Southern Gateway Chorus (multiple District and International Champions) and coaches many society groups. He and wife, Jean, are proud parents and grandparents. They reside in Cincinnati.
Jean Barford
Jean Barford is from West Chester, OH, and is a certified Sound Judge, International Faculty, and coach. Her accomplishments as a director include 14 International Championship Medals (5 First Place Gold, 5 Second Place Silver, 1 Third Place Bronze, 1 Fourth place, 1 Fifth Place, and 1 Sixth Place) as director of the Gem City Chorus. A sought after coach for both chorus and quartet, Jean has coached quartets like Maxx Factor, Moxie Ladies, Zing!, and many others to their crowns.
Jean Barford is from West Chester, OH, and is a certified Sound Judge, International Faculty, and coach. Her accomplishments as a director include 14 International Championship Medals (5 First Place Gold, 5 Second Place Silver, 1 Third Place Bronze, 1 Fourth place, 1 Fifth Place, and 1 Sixth Place) as director of the Gem City Chorus. A sought after coach for both chorus and quartet, Jean has coached quartets like Maxx Factor, Moxie Ladies, Zing!, and many others to their crowns.
Lea Beverley
(coming soon)
(coming soon)
Ron Black
Ron Black's musical life began in Lutheran grade school and high school, and continued to his college music performance major in Renaissance instrumental and Vocal. Before continuing towards advanced degrees, however, life, work, and barbershop intervened ! In 1974 Ron “found” barbershop in the Whittier, CA chapter. Two years later, it found him again as the tenor section leader and assistant director to Earl Moon. In 1979, Ron moved to Fresno, CA, where he directed the chapter to 7th place International finishes in 1994 and 1995. His quartet and lifelong friends (now 31 years together!), the “Great Western Timbre Co.,” earned the Far West District Championship in 1998, and rose to 15th at International in 1988. Barbershop involvement continued with directing at International five more times, serving as a judge for 30 years in both the Singing and Music categories, being Singing Category Specialist, and a Harmony College faculty member for 31 years.
Ron Black's musical life began in Lutheran grade school and high school, and continued to his college music performance major in Renaissance instrumental and Vocal. Before continuing towards advanced degrees, however, life, work, and barbershop intervened ! In 1974 Ron “found” barbershop in the Whittier, CA chapter. Two years later, it found him again as the tenor section leader and assistant director to Earl Moon. In 1979, Ron moved to Fresno, CA, where he directed the chapter to 7th place International finishes in 1994 and 1995. His quartet and lifelong friends (now 31 years together!), the “Great Western Timbre Co.,” earned the Far West District Championship in 1998, and rose to 15th at International in 1988. Barbershop involvement continued with directing at International five more times, serving as a judge for 30 years in both the Singing and Music categories, being Singing Category Specialist, and a Harmony College faculty member for 31 years.
Nikki Blackmer
Nikki is a classically trained Soprano with a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Washington. Before discovering the joys of a cappella singing, she sang with the Portland Opera and the South Australian State Opera.
Nikki teaches private lessons, is the Director of Music at the Lake Washington United Methodist Church, and directs the award winning women’s a cappella chorus, A Cappella Joy.
Nikki’s primary teaching area is voice where she teaches everyone from those who have never sung before to those brushing up for concerts, but also spends some time teaching beginning and intermediate piano.
Music takes up the majority of Nikki’s time and energies, but Frenzy, Airedale dog rescue, and music arrangement occupy important corners of her time as well. Nikki creates communities and is never happier than when people find the joy of life while creating art.
Nikki is a classically trained Soprano with a Master’s Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Washington. Before discovering the joys of a cappella singing, she sang with the Portland Opera and the South Australian State Opera.
Nikki teaches private lessons, is the Director of Music at the Lake Washington United Methodist Church, and directs the award winning women’s a cappella chorus, A Cappella Joy.
Nikki’s primary teaching area is voice where she teaches everyone from those who have never sung before to those brushing up for concerts, but also spends some time teaching beginning and intermediate piano.
Music takes up the majority of Nikki’s time and energies, but Frenzy, Airedale dog rescue, and music arrangement occupy important corners of her time as well. Nikki creates communities and is never happier than when people find the joy of life while creating art.
Beth Bruce
Beth Bruce has been a member of Sweet Adelines International for 47 years. She’s currently a member and recently retired Master Director of the International Award Winning Mountain Jubilee Chorus of Salt Lake City. An IDAHO native, Beth joined SAI in l971 and has been an active member ever since. Her barbershop journey began during her college years when she nannied for a family on Long Island, NY. There she joined the Central Long Island Chorus and has had the good fortune to join choruses in Idaho, Alaska, Tennessee, Washington and Utah over her nearly five decades in SAI. Beth directed several choruses along the way, most notably the award winning Idaho Falls Show chorus for 13 years and recently MJC. Beth has sung lead and tenor in many quartets over the years with her highest honors as the tenor of twice 5th place International Quartet Rainbow Collection. Beth sang with her daughter Heather in “Upbeat” and placed 11th at international in 1998. She is currently singing tenor in ‘Nothing But Treble’, a regional medalist quartet out of SLC.
Beth’s teaching experience includes a rewarding career as an elementary music specialist K-6. Now retired, she shared her love of music and harmony with all of her students. Over the last 30+ years, Bruce has done harmony camps across the USA and Canada. In February Beth directed the BYU-Idaho Barbershop Harmony Festival along with Jim Debusman, teaching and training nearly 500 students representing 10 high schools and over 350 from the men’s and women’s choirs of BYU Idaho. BHS International Champions INSTANT CLASSIC were featured on three sold out shows.
Beth received the NAfME/SAI Music Educator Award in 1998 for her music contributions and devoted service.
Besides teaching private vocal lessons in her own studio, coaching and teaching quartets and choruses, Beth directs the Cathedral Choir of the First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City. Beth is also an outstanding soloist. Beth directed the Beehive Statesmen Barbershop Harmony Society Chorus for ten years. Beth serves as the primary vocal coach for the Salt Lake Men’s Choir and the Salt Lake City Mass Gospel Choir. Beth also sings first soprano with the world renowned Salt Lake Vocal Artists under the baton of Dr. Brady Allred. The SL Vocal Artists recently returned from a concert tour of Basque Country and an international choir invitational with choirs from 17 countries celebrating 50 years in Tolosa, Spain.
Beth Bruce has been a member of Sweet Adelines International for 47 years. She’s currently a member and recently retired Master Director of the International Award Winning Mountain Jubilee Chorus of Salt Lake City. An IDAHO native, Beth joined SAI in l971 and has been an active member ever since. Her barbershop journey began during her college years when she nannied for a family on Long Island, NY. There she joined the Central Long Island Chorus and has had the good fortune to join choruses in Idaho, Alaska, Tennessee, Washington and Utah over her nearly five decades in SAI. Beth directed several choruses along the way, most notably the award winning Idaho Falls Show chorus for 13 years and recently MJC. Beth has sung lead and tenor in many quartets over the years with her highest honors as the tenor of twice 5th place International Quartet Rainbow Collection. Beth sang with her daughter Heather in “Upbeat” and placed 11th at international in 1998. She is currently singing tenor in ‘Nothing But Treble’, a regional medalist quartet out of SLC.
Beth’s teaching experience includes a rewarding career as an elementary music specialist K-6. Now retired, she shared her love of music and harmony with all of her students. Over the last 30+ years, Bruce has done harmony camps across the USA and Canada. In February Beth directed the BYU-Idaho Barbershop Harmony Festival along with Jim Debusman, teaching and training nearly 500 students representing 10 high schools and over 350 from the men’s and women’s choirs of BYU Idaho. BHS International Champions INSTANT CLASSIC were featured on three sold out shows.
Beth received the NAfME/SAI Music Educator Award in 1998 for her music contributions and devoted service.
Besides teaching private vocal lessons in her own studio, coaching and teaching quartets and choruses, Beth directs the Cathedral Choir of the First Baptist Church of Salt Lake City. Beth is also an outstanding soloist. Beth directed the Beehive Statesmen Barbershop Harmony Society Chorus for ten years. Beth serves as the primary vocal coach for the Salt Lake Men’s Choir and the Salt Lake City Mass Gospel Choir. Beth also sings first soprano with the world renowned Salt Lake Vocal Artists under the baton of Dr. Brady Allred. The SL Vocal Artists recently returned from a concert tour of Basque Country and an international choir invitational with choirs from 17 countries celebrating 50 years in Tolosa, Spain.
Anne Downton
Anne has been singing barbershop since 2000, when she joined Westcoast Harmony Chorus. Anne is now the Master Director of Westcoast Harmony (the youngest person ever to attain Master Director status!) and, under her direction, Westcoast has won the Region 26 Chorus Competition, and are the 2013 International Harmony Classic Division AA Champions. Anne is also the Education Coordinator for Region 26, serves on the Regional Education Faculty, and has established herself as a trusted vocal coach for individuals, quartets and choruses around the pacific northwest.
Anne started as a lead and made the switch to baritone in 2006 to sing with Young Women in Harmony quartet, Stir It Up, winning a 2nd place medal at the International Rising Star Contest.
Anne lives in the Greater Vancouver area, and in her “other life”, works at a law firm as a senior corporate legal assistant. In 2010, Anne completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Criminology from Simon Fraser University.
Anne has been singing barbershop since 2000, when she joined Westcoast Harmony Chorus. Anne is now the Master Director of Westcoast Harmony (the youngest person ever to attain Master Director status!) and, under her direction, Westcoast has won the Region 26 Chorus Competition, and are the 2013 International Harmony Classic Division AA Champions. Anne is also the Education Coordinator for Region 26, serves on the Regional Education Faculty, and has established herself as a trusted vocal coach for individuals, quartets and choruses around the pacific northwest.
Anne started as a lead and made the switch to baritone in 2006 to sing with Young Women in Harmony quartet, Stir It Up, winning a 2nd place medal at the International Rising Star Contest.
Anne lives in the Greater Vancouver area, and in her “other life”, works at a law firm as a senior corporate legal assistant. In 2010, Anne completed her Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Criminology from Simon Fraser University.
Paul Ellinger
Paul Ellinger is one of the most requested coaches in a cappella singing today. He is a perennial Harmony University Faculty member for the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) and is the creator of the Wavebox Singing holistic approach to singing which has gone viral with singers of all styles (and now even instrumentalists are utilizing the Wavebox approach to music). Paul is also the creator of the popular Supercharging Your Chapter outreach which helps Non-Profit organizations to grow, be relevant in their communities and helps singing groups to sing at higher levels more quickly and more consistently.
As a performer, he won a District Championship singing lead with Chordiology and has more than 300 performances to his credit with the quartet. He also sang with the 5-man contemporary a cappella group, elmoTHUMM, who won the Harmony Sweepstakes Chicago Regional, were Harmony Sweepstakes National Finalists, performed through two rounds of America’s Got Talent, sang for the President of the United States by request, had over 300 stage performances all around the country, once performed 40 shows in 40 cities in 90 days, were given contracts to be on the NBC show The Singoff. Paul has presented numerous Master Classes at International Competitions, coached in many of the Areas and Regions of both Harmony Inc. and Sweet Adelines International, coached in all 17 Districts in the BHS, coached in over half of the States in the U.S., nearly half of the Provinces of Canada, on Cruise ships, and as far as Singapore, Australia and Indonesia. Paul has performed with both the Nylons and members of Rockapella, is a pursued guest writer for the BHS Harmonizer, is the past Marketing VP for the Pioneer District of the BHS, is the past Membership Vice President for Pioneer District and is a member of the Pioneer District Hall of Fame.
Paul Ellinger is one of the most requested coaches in a cappella singing today. He is a perennial Harmony University Faculty member for the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) and is the creator of the Wavebox Singing holistic approach to singing which has gone viral with singers of all styles (and now even instrumentalists are utilizing the Wavebox approach to music). Paul is also the creator of the popular Supercharging Your Chapter outreach which helps Non-Profit organizations to grow, be relevant in their communities and helps singing groups to sing at higher levels more quickly and more consistently.
As a performer, he won a District Championship singing lead with Chordiology and has more than 300 performances to his credit with the quartet. He also sang with the 5-man contemporary a cappella group, elmoTHUMM, who won the Harmony Sweepstakes Chicago Regional, were Harmony Sweepstakes National Finalists, performed through two rounds of America’s Got Talent, sang for the President of the United States by request, had over 300 stage performances all around the country, once performed 40 shows in 40 cities in 90 days, were given contracts to be on the NBC show The Singoff. Paul has presented numerous Master Classes at International Competitions, coached in many of the Areas and Regions of both Harmony Inc. and Sweet Adelines International, coached in all 17 Districts in the BHS, coached in over half of the States in the U.S., nearly half of the Provinces of Canada, on Cruise ships, and as far as Singapore, Australia and Indonesia. Paul has performed with both the Nylons and members of Rockapella, is a pursued guest writer for the BHS Harmonizer, is the past Marketing VP for the Pioneer District of the BHS, is the past Membership Vice President for Pioneer District and is a member of the Pioneer District Hall of Fame.
Will Fox
Will is an extremely busy and sought after music teacher, voice and piano teacher, barbershop director, consultant and coach. He teaches and directs an award-winning music program at Westside Christian High School in Tigard, Oregon and his Concert Choir and Concert Band (in only the band’s second year of existence) both just won their respective Choir and Band Oregon State Championships in 2018 and are qualified to defend their championships again this spring! His jazz ensemble just won the CCC Jazz Festival in March. Will also teaches a terrific worship team class called Ignite, coaches and teaches the EagleBeat Drumline, and is involved in the school’s musicals. He owns a private music studio, Music at Will, where he teaches voice, piano, and guitar. He also serves on the board of Oregon’s American Choral Directors Association as the High School Repertoire and Resource Chair and is a certified choral adjudicator/judge, working with many choirs/ensembles/choruses/quartets throughout the year.
As a young guy in the late 70’s/early 80’s, Will sang with his brother, Fred, in the quartet, Brothers and Others, 2nd place at District in 1981. Three of the members from that quartet (Fred, Darwin Scheel, Will) are teamed up with Rob Roman and are back at it this spring for the first time in 37 years!). Will competed in three internationals and was part of four district championships with the Rose City Close Harmony Music Men chorus. Regrettably out of barbershop for the next 35 years, Will was asked a few years ago to help direct and coach the Oregon SenateAires Chorus as Associate Director. He has helped direct the SenateAires to the BHS International competition in 2014 and 2016 and most recently helped the SenateAires win the 2017 Evergreen District Chorus Championship. He is singing Bari in a quartet, Adult Supervision, with three of his students, and the quartet just finished sixth at the Evergreen District contest last October. Will enjoys the privilege of coaching many quartets and choruses/choirs. Finally, Will has a passion for helping people of all ages to gain a voice and to use that voice to fill the world with harmony!
Will is an extremely busy and sought after music teacher, voice and piano teacher, barbershop director, consultant and coach. He teaches and directs an award-winning music program at Westside Christian High School in Tigard, Oregon and his Concert Choir and Concert Band (in only the band’s second year of existence) both just won their respective Choir and Band Oregon State Championships in 2018 and are qualified to defend their championships again this spring! His jazz ensemble just won the CCC Jazz Festival in March. Will also teaches a terrific worship team class called Ignite, coaches and teaches the EagleBeat Drumline, and is involved in the school’s musicals. He owns a private music studio, Music at Will, where he teaches voice, piano, and guitar. He also serves on the board of Oregon’s American Choral Directors Association as the High School Repertoire and Resource Chair and is a certified choral adjudicator/judge, working with many choirs/ensembles/choruses/quartets throughout the year.
As a young guy in the late 70’s/early 80’s, Will sang with his brother, Fred, in the quartet, Brothers and Others, 2nd place at District in 1981. Three of the members from that quartet (Fred, Darwin Scheel, Will) are teamed up with Rob Roman and are back at it this spring for the first time in 37 years!). Will competed in three internationals and was part of four district championships with the Rose City Close Harmony Music Men chorus. Regrettably out of barbershop for the next 35 years, Will was asked a few years ago to help direct and coach the Oregon SenateAires Chorus as Associate Director. He has helped direct the SenateAires to the BHS International competition in 2014 and 2016 and most recently helped the SenateAires win the 2017 Evergreen District Chorus Championship. He is singing Bari in a quartet, Adult Supervision, with three of his students, and the quartet just finished sixth at the Evergreen District contest last October. Will enjoys the privilege of coaching many quartets and choruses/choirs. Finally, Will has a passion for helping people of all ages to gain a voice and to use that voice to fill the world with harmony!
Bill Hickman
Bill Hickman is the President of the Bellevue Chapter of BHS and is a certified Leadership Facilitator for the Barbershop Harmony Society.
As the son of a professional musician Bill always had music in his life, but his barbershop journey didn’t begin until 1980 at a guest night for the Fairfax Jubilaires while he was serving with the US Navy at the Pentagon. Since the Navy moved him around a lot, he became a barbershop nomad, eventually singing with 10 different choruses in 6 different barbershop districts. In addition to the Fairfax Jubilaires these have included the Masters of Harmony (California), The Narragansett Bay Chorus (Rhode Island), the Hemil Hempstead Highwaymen (BABS), the Big Chicken Chorus and the Atlanta Vocal Project (Georgia), as well as the Kitsap Chordsmen, Northwest Sound, Classic Sound, and Northwest Mix here in Washington.
Bill also has sung in numerous quartets, winning the 2001 Southeast Regional Harmony Sweepstakes with InDeCiSion, and currently singing with the senior quartet Renewal and the mixed quartet Under the Radar.
Outside of barbershop, Bill has been teaching leadership for nearly 50 years. Over the past 20 years he has taught leadership seminars to nearly 2000 business professionals at all levels representing over 900 US and international companies.
Bill Hickman is the President of the Bellevue Chapter of BHS and is a certified Leadership Facilitator for the Barbershop Harmony Society.
As the son of a professional musician Bill always had music in his life, but his barbershop journey didn’t begin until 1980 at a guest night for the Fairfax Jubilaires while he was serving with the US Navy at the Pentagon. Since the Navy moved him around a lot, he became a barbershop nomad, eventually singing with 10 different choruses in 6 different barbershop districts. In addition to the Fairfax Jubilaires these have included the Masters of Harmony (California), The Narragansett Bay Chorus (Rhode Island), the Hemil Hempstead Highwaymen (BABS), the Big Chicken Chorus and the Atlanta Vocal Project (Georgia), as well as the Kitsap Chordsmen, Northwest Sound, Classic Sound, and Northwest Mix here in Washington.
Bill also has sung in numerous quartets, winning the 2001 Southeast Regional Harmony Sweepstakes with InDeCiSion, and currently singing with the senior quartet Renewal and the mixed quartet Under the Radar.
Outside of barbershop, Bill has been teaching leadership for nearly 50 years. Over the past 20 years he has taught leadership seminars to nearly 2000 business professionals at all levels representing over 900 US and international companies.
Brandon Hall
Brandon is a first-generation Barbershopper and has been singing barbershop for 11/12 years since the age of 11. He has also taken 2 years of music school and is currently finishing his degree. In that time, Brandon has sung with multiple choruses in the Far Western and Evergreen Districts, acting as Interim Director for the Reno Chapter and Assistant Director for the Eugene Chapter. In addition to singing, directing, and coaching, Brandon is an arranger and composer in the Barbershop style, with a focus (right now) on tags.
Brandon is a first-generation Barbershopper and has been singing barbershop for 11/12 years since the age of 11. He has also taken 2 years of music school and is currently finishing his degree. In that time, Brandon has sung with multiple choruses in the Far Western and Evergreen Districts, acting as Interim Director for the Reno Chapter and Assistant Director for the Eugene Chapter. In addition to singing, directing, and coaching, Brandon is an arranger and composer in the Barbershop style, with a focus (right now) on tags.
Kathleen Hansen
Kathleen Hansen has been working in the field of music education and performance since 1998. She has a Bachelor of Music degree specializing in music education and trumpet, a single subject teaching credential, and a Master of Music degree specializing in conducting. In schools, she has taught a variety of music courses including band, choir, music technology and conducting and at the secondary school and college level.
Kathleen currently directs the Sun Harbor Chorus, the San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International, and the San Diego Women’s Chorus. She was recently appointed to the International Faculty of Sweet Adelines Intl. She is available for clinics, workshops, adjudication and seminars. She can be reached at khansenmusic@gmail.com
Kathleen Hansen has been working in the field of music education and performance since 1998. She has a Bachelor of Music degree specializing in music education and trumpet, a single subject teaching credential, and a Master of Music degree specializing in conducting. In schools, she has taught a variety of music courses including band, choir, music technology and conducting and at the secondary school and college level.
Kathleen currently directs the Sun Harbor Chorus, the San Diego Chorus of Sweet Adelines International, and the San Diego Women’s Chorus. She was recently appointed to the International Faculty of Sweet Adelines Intl. She is available for clinics, workshops, adjudication and seminars. She can be reached at khansenmusic@gmail.com
Bobby Huber
Bobby Huber has been part of HCNW’s staff and faculty for 30+ years. During that time, he has shared the Standing Ovation Review Program basics with students numerous times, and also facilitated or assisted with classes in emceeing, script writing, show production, and presentation. Bobby has been on the District Board and Ops Teams for many years, and has been Chapter and District Barbershopper of the Year, Area Counselor of the Year, four-time Chapter President, District President, Chairman of the SOR Program, and District Chair of the Barbershopper of the Year and Hall of Fame Committees. He is also a current Hall of Fame member and frequent emcee at conventions and contests. Bob also teaches “How to be a Chapter President” at Regional Leadership Academies. His wife, Carolyn, is a three-time Regional Quartet Champion with Sweet Adelines, and sings with Voices Northwest Chorus in Everett, WA.
Bobby Huber has been part of HCNW’s staff and faculty for 30+ years. During that time, he has shared the Standing Ovation Review Program basics with students numerous times, and also facilitated or assisted with classes in emceeing, script writing, show production, and presentation. Bobby has been on the District Board and Ops Teams for many years, and has been Chapter and District Barbershopper of the Year, Area Counselor of the Year, four-time Chapter President, District President, Chairman of the SOR Program, and District Chair of the Barbershopper of the Year and Hall of Fame Committees. He is also a current Hall of Fame member and frequent emcee at conventions and contests. Bob also teaches “How to be a Chapter President” at Regional Leadership Academies. His wife, Carolyn, is a three-time Regional Quartet Champion with Sweet Adelines, and sings with Voices Northwest Chorus in Everett, WA.
Joe Hunter
Joe is one of the architects of the new BHS Performance Category, and was Project Manager for the implementation team. Joe is widely known as high level comedy quartet competitor and coach of many medalist groups.
Joe is a BHS judge, past Category Specialist for Presentation (Performance).
Joe is one of the architects of the new BHS Performance Category, and was Project Manager for the implementation team. Joe is widely known as high level comedy quartet competitor and coach of many medalist groups.
Joe is a BHS judge, past Category Specialist for Presentation (Performance).
Marsha Kelly
Marsha Kelly is a music educator, choir and drama director, and choreographer. She has a BA in Vocal Music Education and an MED in Curriculum and Instruction; Teacher Leadership. She is the current Sweet Adelines Region 13 Young Women In Harmony Coordinator and the annual director for the Big Sky Harmony Rendezvous Youth Camp in Bozeman, MT. Marsha founded the Young Women's Harmony Rose Chorus and Four Roses Quartet, and directed them for nine years. She is a strong advocate for youth a cappella harmony education and has sent many students to Harmony Explosion Youth Camp in Tacoma each summer. As a judge, director, choreographer, producer, coach, and performer of music, theater and dance, Marsha loves everything about the performing arts! Her choirs and dance students have won many high scoring awards. She judged the Varsity Vocals A Cappella Quarterfinals for six years in Eugene, OR, and the Portland Youth in Harmony Workshop with John Burri. She owned a dance studio for sixteen years and currently teaches dance, voice and piano lessons. Marsha is a two-time regional quartet champion and sings bass in the Pride of Portland Chorus and Esprit Quartet.
Marsha Kelly is a music educator, choir and drama director, and choreographer. She has a BA in Vocal Music Education and an MED in Curriculum and Instruction; Teacher Leadership. She is the current Sweet Adelines Region 13 Young Women In Harmony Coordinator and the annual director for the Big Sky Harmony Rendezvous Youth Camp in Bozeman, MT. Marsha founded the Young Women's Harmony Rose Chorus and Four Roses Quartet, and directed them for nine years. She is a strong advocate for youth a cappella harmony education and has sent many students to Harmony Explosion Youth Camp in Tacoma each summer. As a judge, director, choreographer, producer, coach, and performer of music, theater and dance, Marsha loves everything about the performing arts! Her choirs and dance students have won many high scoring awards. She judged the Varsity Vocals A Cappella Quarterfinals for six years in Eugene, OR, and the Portland Youth in Harmony Workshop with John Burri. She owned a dance studio for sixteen years and currently teaches dance, voice and piano lessons. Marsha is a two-time regional quartet champion and sings bass in the Pride of Portland Chorus and Esprit Quartet.
Nancy Kurth
Nancy Kurth brings 44 years of experience and knowledge from the perspective of a chorus member, a Front Line Director, an Associate/ Assistant Director, a 4-time Regional Quartet Gold Medalist, an International Chorus competitor (including Chorus Champion singer), Master Singer, Certified Director and Regional Leader. The variety in this history makes her classes interesting for any role of leadership. She enjoys being a student, as well as a teacher of this art form. Nancy is currently the director of Northwest Harmony Chorus, and an assistant director of Pride of Portland Chorus.
Nancy Kurth brings 44 years of experience and knowledge from the perspective of a chorus member, a Front Line Director, an Associate/ Assistant Director, a 4-time Regional Quartet Gold Medalist, an International Chorus competitor (including Chorus Champion singer), Master Singer, Certified Director and Regional Leader. The variety in this history makes her classes interesting for any role of leadership. She enjoys being a student, as well as a teacher of this art form. Nancy is currently the director of Northwest Harmony Chorus, and an assistant director of Pride of Portland Chorus.
Adrian Leontovich
Adrian Leontovich is a 32 year Barbershopper, having lived and sung in both the Far Western and Evergreen Districts along the west coast of the United States. He has two District titles with Rivalry (2002) and Fast Track (2009) in the Evergreen District, and has competed on the International State with both quartets and choruses, finishing as high as 6th place with the Northwest Vocal Project in 2012. He is a Certified Judge with BHS in the Singing category, and has been coaching and advising quartet and chorus singers for years.
Adrian Leontovich is a 32 year Barbershopper, having lived and sung in both the Far Western and Evergreen Districts along the west coast of the United States. He has two District titles with Rivalry (2002) and Fast Track (2009) in the Evergreen District, and has competed on the International State with both quartets and choruses, finishing as high as 6th place with the Northwest Vocal Project in 2012. He is a Certified Judge with BHS in the Singing category, and has been coaching and advising quartet and chorus singers for years.
Ellie Osterman
(coming soon)
(coming soon)
Larry Osterman
Larry discovered barbershop late in life, but has thrown himself enthusiastically into the lifestyle. After spending two successful years as Marketing director for the Seattle SeaChordsmen, he was asked to join the Evergreen District’s communication team writing articles about the process of marketing your chorus and group for the Evergreen District’s newsletter, The TImbre.
Larry discovered barbershop late in life, but has thrown himself enthusiastically into the lifestyle. After spending two successful years as Marketing director for the Seattle SeaChordsmen, he was asked to join the Evergreen District’s communication team writing articles about the process of marketing your chorus and group for the Evergreen District’s newsletter, The TImbre.
Roger Mills
In 2016, Roger Mills retired from Barbershop Harmony Society contest and judging duties after 25 consecutive years of certification in the Stage Presence and Presentation categories. Coach and instructor in many harmony schools along the way, Roger now spends most of his time doing vocal instruction and performance coaching in the "real world" with singers and songwriters in the Bellingham, Washington area.
In 2016, Roger Mills retired from Barbershop Harmony Society contest and judging duties after 25 consecutive years of certification in the Stage Presence and Presentation categories. Coach and instructor in many harmony schools along the way, Roger now spends most of his time doing vocal instruction and performance coaching in the "real world" with singers and songwriters in the Bellingham, Washington area.
Melissa Pope
Melissa has been singing barbershop since she was a kid. She wrote tags for her dad’s gospel quartet, before she knew what ‘barbershop’ was. She also had a quartet in high school called ‘Treble Tones’ that she was involved in writing and arranging their music. Since joining Sweet Adelines, over 20 years ago, she has had the privilege to sing with two top-ten choruses (Toast of Tampa and Song of Atlanta) and three top-ten quartets (Crystal Clear, Journey, and Frenzy!). Her husband lured her away from the balmy south to the Seattle area in 2008, which makes Frenzy her first ‘local’ quartet in a long time. (Anytime she doesn’t have to board a plane to get to rehearsal is considered a ‘local’ rehearsal!)
She enjoys making learning tracks in her spare time. And, when she’s not in the recording studio, she’s at home with Jeremiah and their adorable baby, Ethan.
Melissa has been singing barbershop since she was a kid. She wrote tags for her dad’s gospel quartet, before she knew what ‘barbershop’ was. She also had a quartet in high school called ‘Treble Tones’ that she was involved in writing and arranging their music. Since joining Sweet Adelines, over 20 years ago, she has had the privilege to sing with two top-ten choruses (Toast of Tampa and Song of Atlanta) and three top-ten quartets (Crystal Clear, Journey, and Frenzy!). Her husband lured her away from the balmy south to the Seattle area in 2008, which makes Frenzy her first ‘local’ quartet in a long time. (Anytime she doesn’t have to board a plane to get to rehearsal is considered a ‘local’ rehearsal!)
She enjoys making learning tracks in her spare time. And, when she’s not in the recording studio, she’s at home with Jeremiah and their adorable baby, Ethan.
Tori Postma
Tori has provided inspirational performance coaching throughout the world and brings real world relevance to the showmanship work she does. Her time as Category Director marked a change toward an emphasis on more artistry in the judging of SAI ensembles. She is a SAI judge and past Category Director for Showmanship.
Tori has provided inspirational performance coaching throughout the world and brings real world relevance to the showmanship work she does. Her time as Category Director marked a change toward an emphasis on more artistry in the judging of SAI ensembles. She is a SAI judge and past Category Director for Showmanship.
Ken Potter
Ken Potter was born and raised in Billings MT. He received his musical education at the University of Colorado in Boulder, among other places. For the past 25 years, Ken was been a professional pianist, organist, singer, arranger, and director in and around the Los Angeles area. He is a 33-year member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, and is a certified music judge in the organization. Ken relocated to the Seattle area and is now the musical director of Northwest Sound Chorus (BHS) in Bellevue. Ken's Society accomplishments include seven gold medals with the Masters of Harmony, and three District Quartet Championships (RMD, FWD, EVG). He is also skilled at tuning and repairing pianos. In his spare time, Ken enjoys writing cantatas and arranging music, singing in quartets, collecting coins, reading, traveling, and watching historical documentaries. He currently resides in Federal Way, WA. Ken is very happy he's now a part of the Puget Sound music community, and continues his lifelong passion of promoting the art of quartet singing and the perpetuation of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
Ken Potter was born and raised in Billings MT. He received his musical education at the University of Colorado in Boulder, among other places. For the past 25 years, Ken was been a professional pianist, organist, singer, arranger, and director in and around the Los Angeles area. He is a 33-year member of the Barbershop Harmony Society, and is a certified music judge in the organization. Ken relocated to the Seattle area and is now the musical director of Northwest Sound Chorus (BHS) in Bellevue. Ken's Society accomplishments include seven gold medals with the Masters of Harmony, and three District Quartet Championships (RMD, FWD, EVG). He is also skilled at tuning and repairing pianos. In his spare time, Ken enjoys writing cantatas and arranging music, singing in quartets, collecting coins, reading, traveling, and watching historical documentaries. He currently resides in Federal Way, WA. Ken is very happy he's now a part of the Puget Sound music community, and continues his lifelong passion of promoting the art of quartet singing and the perpetuation of the Barbershop Harmony Society.
Judy Pozsgay
Judy discovered the wonderful world of Sweet Adelines in 1994. She spent 15 years at Lions Gate Chorus, where she was the Choreographer, an Assistant Director and Artistic Director. Judy is now a Chapter-at-Large member of Region 26.
Judy’s talents are shared beyond the chorus level, and she is very active within the Sweet Adeline world at both the Regional (member of Region 26 Education Faculty) and International levels (Showmanship Judge and International Faculty). Professionally, Judy is a talented visual and performance coach and shares her choreographic and musical skills with choruses and quartets around the world. Not being one to simply create and teach, Judy has been a member of multiple Top 10 International Quartet Finalist quartets over the years (former quartets Unplugged and Mojo), and is having a blast singing bass in Frenzy.
Although a proud Canadian and die-hard Vancouver Canucks fan, she married her American Sweetheart, Chris, and she is now based in Seattle, Washington.
Judy discovered the wonderful world of Sweet Adelines in 1994. She spent 15 years at Lions Gate Chorus, where she was the Choreographer, an Assistant Director and Artistic Director. Judy is now a Chapter-at-Large member of Region 26.
Judy’s talents are shared beyond the chorus level, and she is very active within the Sweet Adeline world at both the Regional (member of Region 26 Education Faculty) and International levels (Showmanship Judge and International Faculty). Professionally, Judy is a talented visual and performance coach and shares her choreographic and musical skills with choruses and quartets around the world. Not being one to simply create and teach, Judy has been a member of multiple Top 10 International Quartet Finalist quartets over the years (former quartets Unplugged and Mojo), and is having a blast singing bass in Frenzy.
Although a proud Canadian and die-hard Vancouver Canucks fan, she married her American Sweetheart, Chris, and she is now based in Seattle, Washington.
Chuck Roegiers
Not many people can say that they ran away with a circus to get their act together. Charles “Chuck” Roegiers is a retired U.S. Navy Bandmaster who joined the Navy Music Program after working as a circus acrobat and … wait for it … flying trapeze artist. Very cool, but completely irrelevant to barbershop (and the Navy) except that it instilled in him a relentless pursuit of superior showmanship. He now works as a freelance script writer and arranger, having written over 70 show scripts for sixteen different choruses across the country and has done several commissioned musical arrangements for various groups, including the Dapper Dans of Walt Disney fame. A seasoned Master of Ceremonies, Chuck works countless events, and most recently has come on board as a staff instructor Harmony College Northwest, teaching courses in Music Arranging, Creative Script Writing, and Music Theory
Not many people can say that they ran away with a circus to get their act together. Charles “Chuck” Roegiers is a retired U.S. Navy Bandmaster who joined the Navy Music Program after working as a circus acrobat and … wait for it … flying trapeze artist. Very cool, but completely irrelevant to barbershop (and the Navy) except that it instilled in him a relentless pursuit of superior showmanship. He now works as a freelance script writer and arranger, having written over 70 show scripts for sixteen different choruses across the country and has done several commissioned musical arrangements for various groups, including the Dapper Dans of Walt Disney fame. A seasoned Master of Ceremonies, Chuck works countless events, and most recently has come on board as a staff instructor Harmony College Northwest, teaching courses in Music Arranging, Creative Script Writing, and Music Theory
Mike Rosen
Mike was first introduced to barbershop in high school, back around 1965, singing “Standing on the Corner.” Since then, he has sung with The Alumnotes, What’s Cookin’, Cactus Chordsmen, and Seattle SeaChordsmen. He has performed our national anthem (and the occasional O Canada) for the Baltimore Orioles, Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, Everett Aqua Sox, Seattle Storm, and the UW women’s basketball team. Currently, he sings with The Choir of the Sound, and the Temple Beth Am choir.
Tired of singing from copies of illegible mimeographs, Mike started using Finale music notation software over fifteen years ago. He’s sharpened his skills under Joe Liles, Adam Scott, and Scott Harris, updating old unpublished music and handwritten charts to current BHS/SAI publication standards. Just last year, Mike finished a massive project with Brian Ayers and Nathan Mitts, resetting hundreds of Burt Szabo’s charts. And every few weeks, he gets an email from BHS HQ, asking if he has time for another one!
Mike has also been using SmartScore music recognition software, hoping to make it easier for choruses to generate part-predominant learning tracks for their members who find them helpful. Having hit 70 this year, Mike has finally semi-retired from cabinetmaking. He’s still working, just not so hard!
Mike was first introduced to barbershop in high school, back around 1965, singing “Standing on the Corner.” Since then, he has sung with The Alumnotes, What’s Cookin’, Cactus Chordsmen, and Seattle SeaChordsmen. He has performed our national anthem (and the occasional O Canada) for the Baltimore Orioles, Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners, Everett Aqua Sox, Seattle Storm, and the UW women’s basketball team. Currently, he sings with The Choir of the Sound, and the Temple Beth Am choir.
Tired of singing from copies of illegible mimeographs, Mike started using Finale music notation software over fifteen years ago. He’s sharpened his skills under Joe Liles, Adam Scott, and Scott Harris, updating old unpublished music and handwritten charts to current BHS/SAI publication standards. Just last year, Mike finished a massive project with Brian Ayers and Nathan Mitts, resetting hundreds of Burt Szabo’s charts. And every few weeks, he gets an email from BHS HQ, asking if he has time for another one!
Mike has also been using SmartScore music recognition software, hoping to make it easier for choruses to generate part-predominant learning tracks for their members who find them helpful. Having hit 70 this year, Mike has finally semi-retired from cabinetmaking. He’s still working, just not so hard!
Darwin Scheel
Darwin Scheel is tag master, quartet singer, vocal coach, quartet/chorus coach, arranger, and director. He studied voice at Portland State University as a Music Major and has 10 years of weekly private vocal lessons with Thomas R. Blaylock. Darwin is a two-time Forest Grove Ballad Town Champion and EVG District Quartet Champion with Four Cryin’ Out Loud, 1988, and The Dean’s List, 2006. He directed, for 24 years, Columbia River Chorus, the Sweet Adelines Regional Champions in 1999, and 5th Place International Chorus Medalist at SAI's Harmony Classic competition in 2000. Currently, Darwin is Assistant Director/Lead Section Leader of Bridge Town Sound Chorus, Portland Metro Chapter.
Darwin Scheel is tag master, quartet singer, vocal coach, quartet/chorus coach, arranger, and director. He studied voice at Portland State University as a Music Major and has 10 years of weekly private vocal lessons with Thomas R. Blaylock. Darwin is a two-time Forest Grove Ballad Town Champion and EVG District Quartet Champion with Four Cryin’ Out Loud, 1988, and The Dean’s List, 2006. He directed, for 24 years, Columbia River Chorus, the Sweet Adelines Regional Champions in 1999, and 5th Place International Chorus Medalist at SAI's Harmony Classic competition in 2000. Currently, Darwin is Assistant Director/Lead Section Leader of Bridge Town Sound Chorus, Portland Metro Chapter.
Kathy Scheel
Kathy Scheel is the Master Director of Oregon Spirit Chorus (Salem, OR). As a member of the Regional Faculty she has presented classes for: characterization, choreography, section leaders, new directors, novice quartets, costuming, rehearsal planning, and more. Kathy has led three choruses to the international stage (including the famous kitty cat package at Harmony Classic in 2015, as the crazy cat lady). Her high-energy coaching style maximizes the emotional impact of your performance to impact your audiences.
Kathy Scheel is the Master Director of Oregon Spirit Chorus (Salem, OR). As a member of the Regional Faculty she has presented classes for: characterization, choreography, section leaders, new directors, novice quartets, costuming, rehearsal planning, and more. Kathy has led three choruses to the international stage (including the famous kitty cat package at Harmony Classic in 2015, as the crazy cat lady). Her high-energy coaching style maximizes the emotional impact of your performance to impact your audiences.
Wes Sorstokke
Wes started Barbershop singing in 1973 in Bellingham. He has sung with the Mount Baker Toppers, Snohomish Windjammers, Lake Washington Skippers, and he was one of the founding members of Bellevue Northwest Sound in 1985. Wes has sung in the following EVG District Champion Quartets: Northwest Spirit, Critics Choice, and Friendly advice, then Friendly Advice won the International senior contest.
Wes says that he hasn't had any real formal music training, but he's definitely been very fortunate to have been coached by some of the top coaches across the country in the last 30 plus years. He loves the experience of learning and giving back to others. When Wes coaches groups, he wants to help the quartet or chorus understand what the message of the song is, and try to move the audience towards that message.
Wes started Barbershop singing in 1973 in Bellingham. He has sung with the Mount Baker Toppers, Snohomish Windjammers, Lake Washington Skippers, and he was one of the founding members of Bellevue Northwest Sound in 1985. Wes has sung in the following EVG District Champion Quartets: Northwest Spirit, Critics Choice, and Friendly advice, then Friendly Advice won the International senior contest.
Wes says that he hasn't had any real formal music training, but he's definitely been very fortunate to have been coached by some of the top coaches across the country in the last 30 plus years. He loves the experience of learning and giving back to others. When Wes coaches groups, he wants to help the quartet or chorus understand what the message of the song is, and try to move the audience towards that message.
Don Thorn
Don has 35 years experience as a chapter treasurer, and at the District level he has served as the Evergreen District Director of Finance for 10 years, and 2 years as the EVG District Treasurer. He worked several years with both Keith Eckhardt and Paul Graves doing compliance checks on EVG chapters with missing information. He also performs financial reviews for chapters and assists chapters in filing form 990-N.
Don has 30 years working in the tax section of the Oregon Employment Department, and ha taught Employer Tax Auditors how to view and interpret QuickBooks data.
Don has 35 years experience as a chapter treasurer, and at the District level he has served as the Evergreen District Director of Finance for 10 years, and 2 years as the EVG District Treasurer. He worked several years with both Keith Eckhardt and Paul Graves doing compliance checks on EVG chapters with missing information. He also performs financial reviews for chapters and assists chapters in filing form 990-N.
Don has 30 years working in the tax section of the Oregon Employment Department, and ha taught Employer Tax Auditors how to view and interpret QuickBooks data.
Theresa Weatherbee
Theresa Weatherbee is a Certified Performance Judge and is the current Category Director of Harmony, Inc. She is also a BHS Performance Candidate Judge. Starting her in career in SAI, Theresa has been a member of Harmony, Inc. for over 38-years now and is a member of the BHS.
Theresa is a world class performance coach to all types of performers including public speakers, musical theatre performers, and professional musicians. Known for her "all-consuming passion" for the stage, Theresa’s main mission is to help the performer take their already existing performance skills to new heights and learn how to achieve believability through continued education and development.
Theresa brings all the elements of her theatre training and stage experience into her coaching sessions, believing that every performer possesses a unique personality and individual characteristics. She helps them to discover and develop their own stage personality while enriching their total performance experience.
Theresa Weatherbee is a Certified Performance Judge and is the current Category Director of Harmony, Inc. She is also a BHS Performance Candidate Judge. Starting her in career in SAI, Theresa has been a member of Harmony, Inc. for over 38-years now and is a member of the BHS.
Theresa is a world class performance coach to all types of performers including public speakers, musical theatre performers, and professional musicians. Known for her "all-consuming passion" for the stage, Theresa’s main mission is to help the performer take their already existing performance skills to new heights and learn how to achieve believability through continued education and development.
Theresa brings all the elements of her theatre training and stage experience into her coaching sessions, believing that every performer possesses a unique personality and individual characteristics. She helps them to discover and develop their own stage personality while enriching their total performance experience.
Janice Wheeler
Janice Wheeler is a member of the Bass Section of the Pride of Portland Chorus and serves as the Arranger Education Specialist for North by Northwest Region 13. She is a member of Sweet Adelines International, Barbershop Harmony Society, and Mixed Barbershop Harmony Association. Her professional degrees include a BS, MS and MBA. She holds Specialist Certificates in Music Theory and Harmony, Advanced Music Theory and Counterpoint, and will soon complete a third certificate, Voice Technique and Musicianship, from Berklee College of Music. Janice has studied arranging music in the barbershop style with Nancy Bergman and Suzy Lobaugh. She is skilled in Finale Music Notation. Janice served as coordinator for the Region 24 Arrangers WorkShops for 6 years and continues to serve as coordinator for the Region 13 Arrangers WorkShops at HCNW since 2015.
Janice Wheeler is a member of the Bass Section of the Pride of Portland Chorus and serves as the Arranger Education Specialist for North by Northwest Region 13. She is a member of Sweet Adelines International, Barbershop Harmony Society, and Mixed Barbershop Harmony Association. Her professional degrees include a BS, MS and MBA. She holds Specialist Certificates in Music Theory and Harmony, Advanced Music Theory and Counterpoint, and will soon complete a third certificate, Voice Technique and Musicianship, from Berklee College of Music. Janice has studied arranging music in the barbershop style with Nancy Bergman and Suzy Lobaugh. She is skilled in Finale Music Notation. Janice served as coordinator for the Region 24 Arrangers WorkShops for 6 years and continues to serve as coordinator for the Region 13 Arrangers WorkShops at HCNW since 2015.