A native of Holly Pond, Alabama, Meredith completed her graduate studies in Vocal Performance at Florida International University in Miami, Florida. Following her teaching and studying in Florida, she moved to Kansas City and began singing with the chorale in 2007. She now considers herself a proud Midwesterner. When she isn’t singing, she enjoys being with her husband, Ben, and her three children: Gwen, Zeke and Romy.

Paula joined the chorale in 2001. She holds a Music Education degree from UMKC. Paula is the vocal assistant at Olathe Northwest HS and has been the director of all things music at Crossroads Church for over 30 years. She is happily married to Mike, and they enjoy three busy and delightful daughters Sonia, Risa and Becca. The proud title of Dog Mom was added to her resume five years ago with their adorable and spirited mini golden doodle, Bindi.

Brandon is returning to performing after recently completing a masters degree in Couple and Family Therapy at Kansas State University. He also holds degrees from the University of Missouri-Columbia in Music Education and Vocal Performance. Brandon enjoys opportunities to sing with various professional choral ensembles across Missouri.

Katherine holds a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the Conservatory of Music and Dance at the University of Missouri–Kansas City and a Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance from St. Olaf College, where she sang in the St. Olaf Choir under the direction of Dr. Anton Armstrong. Originally from Minnesota, she is a former member of the Ensemble Singers of VocalEssence.

Paul Davidson joined the Chorale in 1995; he was a soloist on All-Night Vigil (Rachmaninoff) and Passion Week (Grechaninov). He was guest cantor with the Cecilia Ensemble in Augusta, GA, for its North American premiere of Dobri Hristov’s Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (I), and a recent soloist locally for the William Baker Festival Singers and Musica Sacra. He works as a singer at Kantorei of Kansas City, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, and Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral.

Laura is newly-based in Kansas City after 10 years living and performing in Chicago. As an arts administrator, she has worked for many prominent arts organizations, including Des Moines Metro Opera, Stage 773, the Lyric Opera Chicago, Chicago Opera Theater, and was formerly the Executive Director of Chicago Fringe Opera. She holds a BM in Vocal Performance from DePaul School of Music.

Frank graduated from Truman State University in Kirksville, MO, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. As a soloist, Frank has appeared in Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s Johannes-Passion (Evangelist). Frank also performs with the vocal ensemble Prometheus and serves as their webmaster. During the day, he excels as a technology professional and consultant, specializing in Macintosh computers and application development. Frank loves living in KC with his wife, fellow Chorale singer Lindsey Lang.

Baritone Patrick Graham is a Lee’s Summit, Missouri native. He completed a Bachelors in Vocal Performance from the University of Missouri (Go Tigers!) and a Masters in Vocal Performance & Literature from the Eastman School of Music. He maintains a performance career in theatre and concert work, along with work as a director and arts administrator. By day, Patrick serves as the Artistic Director for First Act Theatre Arts. Patrick is a movie buff, a diehard Chiefs fan, and a lover of all dogs.

Oliver Hutchison, a Kansas City native, grew up attending KC Chorale concerts. He completed his Bachelor's degrees in Vocal Performance and Civil Engineering from Kansas State University in 2022 and began singing with the Chorale that fall. At Kansas State he sang under Drs. Julie Yu-Oppenheim and Joshua Oppenheim, performing at numerous regional and national conferences. As a career, Oliver works as a Civil Engineer specializing in Land Development and Site Design.

Jazz and classical professional singer Erin Keller has a truly unique sound. She has performed with the Kansas City Chorale for 17 years, and also with the Kansas City Civic Opera, New Ear, OwenCox Dance Group, the rock band Blackout Gorgeous, a West African High Life Ensemble, and a Balkan brass band called Gora Gora Orkestar.

Alex Kolster, a native of Lexington. MO, is the Director of Choirs at Raytown High School and the Fine Arts Curriculum Coordinator for the Raytown C-2 School District. He holds a B.M.E. from the University of Central Missouri and a M.M.E. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. Alex has been awarded the Prelude Award and the Outstanding District Director Award from the Missouri Choral Directors Association, and the Steinway & Sons Top Teacher Award from Steinway Piano Gallery.

Known for her bold interpretations of early music, Lindsey performs frequently with orchestras nationwide. She sings with the ensembles Sacabuche!, Simon Carrington Chamber Singers, Voices of Prometheus, and was featured at early music events in Bloomington, Berkeley, New York, New Brunswick, and Ecuador. She earned a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri and studied at the Early Music Institute in Indiana University. She is the Director of Music at Asbury UMC.

Melanie joined the Chorale in 2005. She holds a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from the Univ. of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Millikin Univ. Her performing credits include Lady Psyche on the Newport Classics recording of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Princess Ida, and roles with Ohio Light Opera, Knoxville Opera, and Opera New York. Melanie is the Director of Worship Arts at Leawood UMC. She lives with her husband Brian and children Caleb and Anna in Overland Park, KS.

Soprano Ariel Morris lives in Lawrence, Kansas. She earned her B.M. in Voice Performance from Indiana University and sang with the Atlanta Symphony Chorus and Chamber Chorus before moving to Kansas. Ariel teaches at Americana Music Academy. She sang “Queen of the Night” in Landlocked Opera’s 2020 production of Die Zauberflöte and sang with Prometheus, a Choral Arts Association of Missouri ensemble, in 2021. Ariel has performed in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, Quebec, New York, and Italy.

Originally from Sioux Falls, SD, Alyssa received her Bachelor of Arts in vocal music from Augustana University and her Master of Music from University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. When she’s not singing, she enjoys teaching voice lessons, cooking, watching The Office, and spending time with her two cats, Oliver and Polly.

Dr. Kristin Newbegin is a vocal artist, voice educator, and natural movement specialist. She is the owner of Newbegin Music, a vocal artist community offering music instruction for all ages and stages. She previously served on the faculty at North Central Missouri College, Central Methodist University, Missouri Western State University, Truman State University, Benedictine College, and Haskell Indian Nations University. She received her Master’s and Doctorate in Voice from KU.

Dr. Bryan Pinkall is the Director of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance at K-State. He earned his Doctorate from UMKC and was an Ellen Battell Stoeckell Fellow at Yale University. He served as Manager of Performance Operations and Direction for the Emmy-winning Olympic Opening Ceremonies in 2014 & 2016. Bryan's performance career includes solo recitals at Sydney Opera House, Lincoln Center, and Kennedy Center. He was a featured soloist at the grand opening of the Kauffman Center in 2011.

Amanda Obeso, originally from Nixa, MO, earned her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Missouri in 2024. While in college, she performed with Mizzou’s University Singers under the direction of Dr. R. Paul Crabb and Dr. Brandon A. Boyd. Currently, Amanda serves as a College Advisor at William Chrisman High School.

Julia has performed with groups including NewEar Ensemble, KC Puccini Fest in the title roles of Tosca and Madama Butterfly, Lawrence Opera Theatre, Spire Chamber Ensemble, and the Lyric Opera of Kansas City as a principal artist and chorus member. Julia was a semifinalist in the 2005 Metropolitan Opera National Council auditions. She appears as the alto soloist on the Chorale’s album Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil, which Gramophone magazine described her voice as as being “the genuine article."

Bryan joined the Chorale in 1991. He is the Director of Traditional Music & Worship Arts at Liberty UMC and Founder & Artistic Director of the Liberty Community Chorus. He received a Bachelor’s in Music Education from William Jewell College and a Master’s in Choral Conducting from UMKC. Bryan performed annually with the Robert Shaw Festival Singers at Carnegie Hall and is the SWACDA Music in Worship Repertoire & Standards Chair. He and his wife Lanette have three children: Lauren, Renee, & Caleb

Soprano Evelyn Wouters received her Masters Degree in Vocal performance from Northwestern University where she studied under Pamela Hinchman. She holds a Bachelors degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Missouri Kansas City, her home town. Evelyn is currently a member of the Kansas City Symphony Chorus, volunteering her time to support the arts community of Kansas City.