Sopranos
Rachel Berry

Rachel Berry is from Republic, MO, where she was active in her high school’s band and choir programs. She was a two-time member of the Missouri All-State Choir before attending the University of Missouri on a National Merit Scholarship, graduating from both the Honors College and the College of Education and Human Development with a degree in Elementary Education. While at Mizzou, Rachel had the privilege to sing under the direction of Emily Edgington-Andrews in the Women’s Chorale, and Dr. Paul Crabb in the University Singers and was a leader of two student-led chamber groups, the Naturelles and Canticum Novum.
Rachel taught fourth grade in Fulton, MO, before returning to the Springfield area to teach sixth-grade English at Inman Intermediate in Nixa. She currently works with her father and fellow SCC member Bryan (hi, Dad!) at a local law firm.
Rachel is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful group of musicians!
MEMBER SINCE: 2025
Laura Cook

Laura Cook is from Joplin, Missouri, where she began participating in various choirs and developed a love for singing. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Biology from Southwest Baptist University in 2023. In her time at SBU, she was able to participate in the chorale, chamber chorus, and university choir. Laura is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy at SBU. When she isn’t studying, Laura enjoys reading, spending time with friends and her husband, and spending time outdoors!
Sarah Eldridge

Sarah Eldridge grew up in Amarillo, Texas, with her parents, older sister, and younger brother. At Harding University (Searcy, AR), she majored in Communication Sciences and Disorders and minored in French. Despite it being just for fun, participating in the Harding University Chorus was an important part of her college experience. She then moved to Lubbock, TX, for her graduate program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center for a Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology. Sarah currently works at Select Specialty Hospital. In her free time, she enjoys hanging out/eating with friends, watching TV, walking aimlessly, drinking coffee, and (now) singing in this group!
MEMBER SINCE: 2021
Taylor Herzog

Taylor Herzog grew up in the small town of Weston, MO just north of Kansas City. She relocated to Springfield in 2008 to attend Missouri State University and has lived in the area ever since. While attending MSU, Taylor had the pleasure of singing in the Concert Chorale under the direction of Dr. Guy B. Webb.
She is also a member of The Missouri Choral Artists, the Praise Team and Chancel Choir at University Heights Baptist Church, and has been a featured soloist with the Springfield Symphony, Springfield Contemporary Theatre, The Messiah Project, and many more. Aside from singing, Taylor works for CoxHealth as a Recruiter. She lives in Springfield, MO with her husband Steve and their 3 children.
Amy Jane Hoogstraet-Safley

Amy Jane Hoogstraet Safley grew up in Springfield and obtained a BM in vocal performance from Drury University in 1997, having performed extensively both as a soloist and choir member in college. Since graduating, she has continued to perform regularly in Japan, Illinois, and Missouri. She lives in Nixa with her husband, one kiddo, and a mini poodle, and also has an adult kiddo who lives in Kansas City. Amy formerly served on Nixa’s City Council and was the youth coordinator for The GLO Center. She has volunteered with and served on the boards of various organizations, and currently serves on the board of the Milly Sawyers Center. Amy has also completed some graduate work at Drury and is currently studying Italian in her spare time. In addition to singing and practicing Italian, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, working on diamond paintings, decorating her house, and completing all of the New York Times word games every day.
MEMBER SINCE: 2018
Sydney Hosman

Sydney Hosman is originally from Osage Beach, Missouri, where she grew her passion for choir and band education. Sydney currently teaches K-12 Vocal Music Education at Crane R-3 Schools. Sydney graduated from Missouri State University in 2024 with a degree in Instrumental Music Education. During her time at MSU, she participated in the Wind Ensemble, Pride Marching Band, Gospel Choir, and Choral Union. Sydney was also a song leader at a rural Methodist church in Bois D’Arc for about two years before teaching full-time. Sydney currently teaches piano, clarinet, and voice lessons on the side. Sydney currently resides in Clever, MO, with her husband, Blake, and her dog, Lucy. In her free time, Sydney enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, and doing crafts.
Kelly Johnson

Kelly Johnson is a singer who discovered her passion for music at an early age, beginning her journey in the church choir as a child. This love for singing blossomed as she performed in various choirs throughout high school and college. She pursued her passion academically at Drury University, where she majored in Music and Writing, earning her Bachelor of Arts in 2017. In 2018, Kelly joined the Springfield Chamber Chorus, showcasing her dedication to choral music. After a four-year hiatus, she rejoined the group in 2024, eager to reconnect with her musical community and continue honing her craft. In addition to her musical endeavors, Kelly enjoys spending her free time reading, crafting, and caring for her two beloved cats, Jasmine and Jade.
MEMBER SINCE: 2025
Liz Jordan

Liz Jordan grew up in Spokane, MO, and received a K-12 vocal music education degree from College of the Ozarks. While in college, she participated in Chapel Choir and Chorale as well as earned a part in the musical Pirates of Penzance. Liz sang with her college Chorale in Carnegie Hall and in a convocation with Amy Grant. She has been teaching music for three years, and has currently moved to her old high school, Spokane, where she teaches 6th – 12th grade choir. In her free time, she enjoys reading, playing sports, and spending time with friends and family.
MEMBER SINCE: 2023
Chaya Mauk

Chaya Mauk is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University, where she participated in Chorale and University Singers. Before college, she was very involved in her high school’s choir program, taking part in its concert and chamber choirs, and KC metro honor choirs. She also took several solos and small ensembles to the state level of contest. Chaya now lives in Bolivar, Missouri, and teaches fourth grade at Fair Play Elementary. She is a part of Hill City Church in Springfield.
MEMBER SINCE: 2026
Jordan Stammers

Jordan Stammers graduated with her Bachelor’s in Vocal performance from Drake University in 2017, and her Master’s from the New England Conservatory in 2019. She was a member of the Drake University Concert and Chamber Choirs, with whom she was fortunate to travel to England, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland. New to the area, Jordan is excited to bust into the local choral/ music scene, along with her mother and fellow SCC member, Jennifer Stammers! Other credits include Rock of Ages (Springfield Contemporary Theatre), She Loves Me, The Secret Garden, The Barber of Seville, and L’Elisir d’Amore (Quisisana Resort). Before moving to Springfield, Jordan was up in Minnesota singing back up for up-and-coming Country/ Rock artist Molly Brandt!
MEMBER SINCE: 2023
Destiny Romero

Destiny Romero is currently teaching Pre-K-8 music for Springfield Catholic Schools at St. Agnes and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Schools. Originally from Las Cruces, New Mexico, she holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from New Mexico State University. She taught middle and high school choir for three years in Carlsbad, NM before leaving to pursue graduate studies at Missouri State University.
She holds a Master of Music in Choral Conducting and a Graduate Certificate in Choral Studies from MSU. With Missouri State choirs, Destiny had the opportunity to perform and conduct nationally and internationally, including South Korea, Chile, Argentina, Germany, the Czech Republic, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Outside of music, she enjoys reading, spending time with her husband and three dogs, and being outdoors
MEMBER SINCE: 2026
Lauren Vomund

Amy Jane Hoogstraet Safley grew up in Springfield and obtained a BM in vocal performance from Drury University in 1997, having performed extensively both as a soloist and choir member in college. Since graduating, she has continued to perform regularly in Japan, Illinois, and Missouri. She lives in Nixa with her husband, one kiddo, and a mini poodle, and also has an adult kiddo who lives in Kansas City. Amy formerly served on Nixa’s City Council and was the youth coordinator for The GLO Center. She has volunteered with and served on the boards of various organizations, and currently serves on the board of the Milly Sawyers Center. Amy has also completed some graduate work at Drury and is currently studying Italian in her spare time. In addition to singing and practicing Italian, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, working on diamond paintings, decorating her house, and completing all of the New York Times word games every day.
MEMBER SINCE: 2018
Altos
Emily Bowen-Marler

Emily Bowen-Marler has sung with choirs throughout the United States and Europe. Emily has also been seen on stage in Springfield Little Theatre’s productions of Cats, Children of Eden, and Rent, and in Springfield Contemporary Theatre’s productions of The Secret Garden and Evita. She sings every chance she gets and enjoys making up songs with her husband to sing to their little boy.
MEMBER SINCE: 2013
Amy Brammer

Amy Brammer has been teaching choral music in Missouri public schools since 2006. Amy earned her bachelor’s degree in music education and master’s degree in choral conducting from Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. She has served as a District or State Choir coordinator for the majority of her career, and currently serves on the State MCDA Board. Amy is blessed to teach choir at Ozark High School and is active in her church praise team, chancel choir, and handbell ensemble. She enjoys spending time with her best friend and SCC Artistic Director, Christopher Brammer, and three wonderful children, Wyatt, Will, and Izzy.
MEMBER SINCE: 2009
Shelly Renee’ Reece Clark

Shelly Renee’ Reece Clark began singing in church in Harrisonville, Missouri, and was active in music under the direction of Ed Roberts (band) and Lisa Walker (choir). While attending Southwest Missouri State University (now MSU), she performed for five years under the direction of Dr. Guy B. Webb in the Concert Chorale, and Jerry Hoover and Belva Prather with the Bruin Pride Marching Band, Concert Bands, and Flute Ensembles. She has a B.S. in Political Science and an MBA in Economics from Missouri State University. Shelly attended Oklahoma City University, a private, liberal arts school, for her Juris Doctorate in Law and practices family law and mediation. She lives in Republic, MO, with her husband Zane and their two sons, Christian and Christopher, and enjoys watching live music with local musicians.
MEMBER SINCE: 2021
Aubrey Hagedorn

Aubrey Hagedorn grew up in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, where she discovered a love for choir and performance at an early age. She began studying voice as a young singer under the instruction of Dr. Verna Brummett. In 2022, Aubrey earned her Bachelors of Music Therapy (BMT) degree from Drury University and subsequently passed her board certification exam, becoming a Board-Certified Music Therapist (MT-BC).
While attending Drury, Aubrey performed with both the Drury Chorale and Drury Singers under the direction of Dr. Jim Davidson and studied voice with Dr. Stephen Bomgardner. She made her operatic debut in 2022 as a member of the chorus in Ozark Lyric Opera’s production of Pagliacci.
Aubrey currently works as a Music Therapist for St. Croix Hospice. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, friends, family, and cats.
MEMBER SINCE: 2024
Jenna Hampton

Jenna Hampton was born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Harding University and a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Missouri State University. She is a practicing Licensed Professional Counselor and really enjoys her work.
She performed in concert and chamber choir at Kickapoo High School and concert choir at Harding University; this is her first return to choral singing in over a decade. She is grateful to her voice teacher, Jason Huneycutt, for his direction over the last two years that has helped prepare her for this re-entry. In her free time, Jenna enjoys walking in nature and exploring local restaurants with her husband.
Laura Howald

Laura Howald grew up in Chantilly, Virginia with her parents, 7 brothers, and 2 sisters. Her mother, having a music degree, filled their home with her love of music and singing. Laura inherited that love and has been singing in choirs since she was 12. She mostly sang with church choirs, but also performed with a youth vocal/dance group, and high school and college choirs, as well as receiving some vocal coaching.
She received an Associate’s Degree of Fine Arts at Rick’s College, and then she attended BYU in Provo and MSU in Springfield, but before graduating, her dream of getting married and starting a family became her focus. She now lives in Strafford, MO with her husband and 6 children. Recently, she enjoyed the fun experience of directing her church choir for 3 years. She is currently a Zumba instructor, and enjoys a variety of arts and crafts, including quilting and card making. She is most definitely looking forward to singing in this choir with her son Josiah!
MEMBER SINCE: 2026
Katie Kring

Katie Kring is a choral composer, writer of musicals, and baker. Katie’s choral works and commissions are performed internationally, and she has served as SCC’s Composer-in-Residence for several years. Her piece At the Hour of Closing was the winner of the 2019 MCDA Opus Award. Katie’s musical theatre works include Pearl, Onward, Farmers Market the Musical, In the Swim, Kelly the Destroyer vs. the Springfield Cobras, and Think Big for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Katie is the owner of B+B Boulangerie & Bakery and KatieMade Baking & Cooking School. She received her MFA in Musical Theatre Writing at NYU and her BFA in music at the University of Michigan.
MEMBER SINCE: 2009
Molly McGrady

Molly McGrady is a Speech-Language Pathologist at Mercy Hospital. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Truman State in 2020 and Masters degree from MU in 2022. She has been singing in various singing groups her whole life, including choirs at Kickapoo High School here in Springfield, Women’s Chorus and Minor Detail Acapella at Truman State, and the Columbia Community Chorale in Columbia, MO. In her free time, she enjoys playing with her dog Mazie, cooking, and doing anything outdoors.
MEMBER SINCE: 2022
Katie McGuffee

Katie McGuffee is a nurse who has always had a love for music. She earned her first undergraduate degree in Hospitality Administration from Missouri State University (then SMSU), where she participated in Concert Chorale, Chamber Singers, and various instrumental ensembles. She later earned her nursing degree from New York University and her master’s degree from Central Methodist University.
Although nursing has been her career, music has remained an important part of Katie’s life. She lives in Ozark with her husband and their son, and outside of work and choir she enjoys spending time with her family, travelling, creating beautiful things, and finding any excuse to be surrounded by music.
MEMBER SINCE: 2026
Vicky Scott

Vicky Scott is a Music Education methods instructor at Missouri State University, teaching professional education courses, advising, and supervising student teachers. Prior to her full-time position at Missouri State, Vicky had a thirty-year career teaching Elementary Vocal Music in the Springfield Public Schools. She has served as a guest clinician for elementary honor choirs in the Springfield area. Vicky is married to fellow SCC member Jerry Scott. They are the proud parents of sons Jacob and Chris, daughter Maddison, daughters-in-law Sydney and Katie, and son-in-law Christopher. Vicky loves singing with the worship team at church, reading, planting flowers, snuggling her Schnauzer puppies, and Florida Gulf Coast beach time with her family. Most of all, she loves being Nani to her sweet grandbabies.
MEMBER SINCE: 2015
Tara Snow

Tara Snow graduated from Marshfield High School. She attends Ozarks Technical Community College, working on general education until potentially moving forward into the psychology field. She has been singing in choirs since the 4th grade and has been very involved throughout that time, ending her senior year in all three choirs that were offered at her school and receiving the MSHAA Award of Excellence two years in a row. During that time, she was also elected president of the choir program, section leader, and sight-reading captain. In her free time, she enjoys reading and hanging out with her friends and her two sisters. (She is a triplet!)
MEMBER SINCE: 2025
Jennifer Stammers

Originally from Denver, CO, Jennifer Stammers teaches choir and piano at Nixa High School in Nixa, Missouri. She holds degrees in journalism and music education from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, is a Level 3-Certified Kodaly Educator, and is working toward a master’s degree in music education from Missouri State University. She has taught choir and general music at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, and has served as a clinician for honor choirs at all levels. Stammers is the recipient of Missouri House Resolution No. 2598 recognizing her work with children’s choirs at Platte County (MO) R-3 where she was also named Teacher of the Year in 2014. She was a finalist for the St. Joseph (MO) School District Teacher of the Year and received the St. Joseph Mayor’s Arts Award for Educator of the Year in 2018. Before moving to Springfield in 2020, Jennifer served as the Artistic Director of the St. Joseph (MO) Chamber Choir and Community Chorus, and as the Choirmaster at Trinity Episcopal Church in Atchison for 26 years. In addition to teaching private voice and piano lessons, Stammers has several sacred anthems published with St. James Music Press, and recently published her first secular piece – She Who Could Bind You – with Endeavor Publishing. Jennifer joined the Springfield Chamber Chorus in 2921, sings in the choir of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Springfield, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Sewanee (TN) Church Music Conference. She and her husband Jon are proud parents of adult daughters Jessica and Jordan.
MEMBER SINCE: 2021
Sarina Textor

While still in high school, Sarina Textor began singing with Ozarks Lyric Opera as a chorister and was soon after hired for a time as a Young Artist (vocalist) with OLO upon attending Drury University. Although she continued singing in the elite auditioned choirs and performing in many productions, she discovered a love of costuming. After gaining honors and leadership at Drury, having been the President of Alpha Psi Omega (theatre honors society) and since obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, she has since become a professional Costume Designer for Ozarks Lyric Opera- blending her love of music and eye for design.
MEMBER SINCE: 2026
Daphne Tholen

Daphne Tholen is a graduate of Missouri State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Music Education in 2024. During her time at MSU, she sang with Women’s Chorus, Choral Union, and Chorale. With Chorale, Daphne toured internationally to Spain, South Africa, Canada, South Korea, Chile, and Argentina, as well as regionally in the United States. Passionate about choral music and music education, she is beginning her first year as a K-5 music teacher in the Clever School District. In her free time, Daphne loves to read, bake, play video games, and hang out with her husband and puppy! She is so excited and grateful for the opportunity to sing in SCC!
MEMBER SINCE: 2025
Tenors
Eli Cook

Eli Cook joins SCC from Battlefield, MO, where he resides with his wife (and fellow SCC member) Laura Cook. Eli is a graduate of Evangel University, with a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, and Southwest Baptist University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology, where he participated in multiple choral ensembles and minored in vocal performance. Aside from performing in local choral ensembles, Eli helps lead worship at Hill City church in Springfield, MO. He spends his free time running long distances and working on cars.
MEMBER SINCE: 2024
Brad Groves

Brad Groves has been a member of the Springfield Chamber Chorus since its second season and has had the privilege of serving as section leader and music librarian for the ensemble. He attended Missouri State University as an instrumental music major and later pursued massage therapy. In his spare time, Brad enjoys kayaking and hiking.
MEMBER SINCE: 2009
Shawn Kochevar

Shawn Kochevar is from Hibbing, Minnesota, where he first developed a love of music and snow. He currently teaches K-4 music at Ozark South Elementary. He received his Bachelor of Music Education from Missouri State University in 2024. Despite being an instrumental major who was in many bands, he fell in love with elementary music and choirs. This led him to get his Kodaly certification, which he plans to become an instructor for after completing his Master of Music Education. In his free time, Shawn likes to compose, rock climb, and play board games and online games with his friends. He and his fiancé plan to one day migrate north into the cold and own many cats.
MEMBER SINCE: 2026
Jonathan Schott

Jonathan Schott is a native Michigander who moved to Missouri in 2021. A twice-graduate of Central Michigan University, Jonathan currently teaches music at the Stockton R-1 School District. He is also an experienced pianist, having served as accompanist for choirs, soloists, church, and in pursuit of Dalcroze certification. Aside from music, Jonathan is a published author, and his interests include video games, swimming, weightlifting, cross-stitching, dancing, and baking cookies for the chorus. He currently lives in Bolivar with his feline friend, Garnet
MEMBER SINCE: 2021
Dustin Surber

Dustin Surber is in his first year with SCC. He is originally from Niangua, Missouri. Dustin graduated from Southwest Baptist University in 2016 with a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Education. While there, he performed with the SBU Chorale and Concert Choir. He teaches music at Willard Intermediate South.
MEMBER SINCE: 2016
Ethan Sykes

Ethan Sykes, E.dD has sung with the Milwaukee Master Singers and the Missouri State University Concert Chorale, performing in venues across the world, including New York, Paris, Austria, Washington D.C., and Germany. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Springfield Chamber Chorus, where he also contributes his skills as the group’s web designer and supports publicity efforts. Beyond music, Ethan is the Director of Housing and Residential Programs at Drury University, where he oversees housing operations and student engagement initiatives. A lifelong lover of musicals, he never misses a chance to belt out a favorite tune—whether on stage, in rehearsal, or even in the car.
MEMBER SINCE: 2018
Shawn Vomund

Shawn Vomund graduated from Missouri State University in 2017 and is currently teaching band and choir in the Fordland school district. Shawn serves the ensemble as the tenor section leader. Outside of work, Shawn serves on the music staff at University Heights Baptist Church, performs with the Missouri State University Community Band, and plays clarinet in The Brandon Street Stompers Dixieland Band.
MEMBER SINCE: 2016
Basses
Bryan Berry

Bryan Berry is a native of Mount Vernon, MO, where he was selected to the Missouri All-State Choir before graduating from William Jewell College (B.A.) in Liberty, MO. He was an auditioned member of Jewell’s Chamber Singers and Concert Choir under the direction of Dr. Arnold Epley. He studied and sang at Oxford University and was privileged to perform in the great cathedrals of England and Scotland, including York, Coventry, Lincoln, Ely, St. Giles in Edinburgh, and London’s Westminster Abbey. Bryan graduated from Southern Seminary (M.Div.) in Louisville, KY, and the University of Missouri-Columbia (J.D.), where he was senior editor of the Missouri Law Review. He has practiced law locally since 2002 and served on the board of directors of the Boys Choir of Springfield. Bryan is a long-time leader of his church’s choir and front-line worship team and the proud parent of Rachel, Emma, and Caleb, who share his lifelong love of music, and two dogs, who do not.
MEMBER SINCE: 2023
Aaron Coleman

David Everett is a Mississippi native and currently lives in Aurora, MO, where he is the piano accompanist for the Aurora Junior High and High School choirs. He is also the pianist and choir director at the First Presbyterian Church in Aurora. He has also sung in the choruses in several productions with Ozarks Lyric Opera and appeared in several community theatre productions in Southwest Missouri. He is married to his wife of 30+ years, Jan, and they have two children, Shane and Miz.
MEMBER SINCE: 2019
David Everett

David Everett is a Mississippi native and currently lives in Aurora, MO, where he is the piano accompanist for the Aurora Junior High and High School choirs. He is also the pianist and choir director at the First Presbyterian Church in Aurora. He has also sung in the choruses in several productions with Ozarks Lyric Opera and appeared in several community theatre productions in Southwest Missouri. He is married to his wife of 30+ years, Jan, and they have two children, Shane and Miz.
MEMBER SINCE: 2019
Joe Hamm

Joe Hamm is the proud father of Jessica and Gillian and grandfather of Paisley, the coolest granddaughter on the planet. He holds a BA in Music from St. John’s University, Minnesota, and a Master’s in Choral Conducting from UMKC. His many years of teaching choral music and voice span elementary to community college, as well as a private voice/piano studio. He is thrilled to be a member of this fine choral ensemble.
MEMBER SINCE: 2018
Blake Hosman

Blake Hosman is originally from Ash Grove, MO, and he is currently the choir director and elementary music teacher at Billings R-IV Schools. In addition, Blake assists with the beginning and JH/HS bands. Blake graduated from Missouri State University in 2024 with a double major in Piano Performance and Instrumental Music Education. During his time at MSU, he was a member of Choral Union, Wind Symphony, and the PRIDE Marching Band, where he played the saxophone. In addition, he studied piano under the direction of Dr. Wei-Han Su. Blake was inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda, a music honor society, while attending MSU. Blake currently lives in Clever, MO, with his wife, Sydney, and their dog, Lucy. In his free time, Blake enjoys hiking, camping, and traveling with his family.
MEMBER SINCE: 2025
Josiah Howlad

Josiah Howald is originally from Utah but spent most of his early childhood in Iowa before moving to Missouri and ending up in Marshfield. During his junior year in high school, he decided to join the MHS choir and immediately fell in love with singing. During his high school choir career, he brought multiple solos and small ensembles to state competitions as well as making All-District Choir both years and All-State Choir his senior year. He also received the Outstanding Performer Award which is the highest achievement any artistic performer at Marshfield can receive. He plans to continue pursuing music as well as acting with the hopes of ending up voice acting and maybe performing on screen and on stage. He is excited to be singing with the wonderful musicians of the SCC.
MEMBER SINCE: 2026
Connor Gately

Connor Gately is from St. Louis, MO, and is currently the Assistant Choir Director at Ozark High School and Junior High School. He graduated from Missouri State University in 2020 with his Bachelor’s in Vocal Music Education. While at MSU, he studied conducting under Dr. Cameron LaBarr and voice under Dr. Chris Thompson. While a member of the Missouri State University Chorale, Connor toured with the ensemble to China, Scandinavia, and across the U.S. Along with directing the choirs at Ozark, Connor also teaches private voice, piano, and guitar lessons.
MEMBER SINCE: 2021
Garret Knight

Born and raised in Springfield, Missouri, Garret Knight graduated from Central High School, where he was very involved with the band and choir. He now works as a technician for Coca-Cola while still practicing his love for singing in his free time. Garret has been married to his wife, Madison, for five years, and they have two dogs, Po and Olive. Garret is very excited about having the opportunity to get back into something that he’s passionate about again!
MEMBER SINCE: 2026
Shayne Piles

Shayne Piles is a Missouri-based Baritone who recently graduated with his master’s in Vocal Performance and Literature at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign under the tutelage of Grammy Award winner Nathan Gunn. Piles made his South Bend Lyric Opera debut as The Father in the World Premiere of Paul Herman’s The Gift. While at Illinois, he performed the titular role in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro. He has also performed roles in selected scenes, including Giorgio Germont from La Traviata, Falstaff from Falstaff, Rodrigo from Don Carlos, Rigoletto from Rigoletto, Count Capulet from Roméo et Juliette, and Escamillo from Carmen. He received his BM in Vocal Performance from Missouri State University, studying under Chris Thompson. While at MSU, he performed Jupiter in Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld, Jim in Conte’s Gift of the Magi, F. Scott Fitzgerald in Evan Mack’s Ghost of Gatsby, and Count Carl-Magnus Malcom in Sondheim’s A Little Night Music under the direction of Tony Award Nominee Robert Westenberg. As a Young Artist with the Ozarks Lyric Opera in Springfield, Missouri, under the artistic direction of Sean and Michael Spyres, Shayne was a featured performer at the OLO’s 40th anniversary gala, played Montano and Heraldo in Verdi’s Otello, and Maximillian in Bernstein’s Candide. Other performances include Sarastro in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte and Big Deal in Bernstein’s West Side Story at the Bayview Music Festival in Petoskey, Michigan. Shayne has also been a three-time national first-place winner in the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) Scholarship Competition.
MEMBER SINCE: 2023
Jerry Scott

Jerry Scott is a retired high school choral director and a member of the Missouri Choral Directors Association and the Missouri Music Educators Association. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music Education from Missouri State University, where he sang under the direction of Dr. Guy Webb. In retirement, he enjoys the opportunity to mentor the next generation of choral music educators and clinic choirs in the Springfield area and around the state.
MEMBER SINCE: 2013
Nick Shannon

Nick Shannon is entering his sixth season with Springfield Chamber Chorus, and his third season serving on the Executive Board. A Springfield local, Nick lives here with his wonderful wife, Morgan, and their dog, Teddy. He currently works for Drury University in the office of Records and Registration, and volunteers his time at Schweitzer Church. He graduated from Missouri State University in 2021 with his Bachelor’s in Music Education. While attending, he sang under the leadership of Dr. Cameron LaBarr, studied voice under Dr. Carol Chapman, and trombone under Dr. Jason Hausback. Along with SCC, Nick also occasionally performs with the Queen City Chorale, the Springfield Little Theater, and various gigs playing trombone.
MEMBER SINCE: 2021