Charles Bruffy and the Kansas City Chorale

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	Paula Brekken, mezzo –soprano, is a native of Casper, WY. Upon completion of a Music Education degree from UMKC she taught for 7 years in the Missouri and Kansas public schools at the middle and high school levels. She is the recipient of the very first Prelude Award given to exceptional music teachers from the Missouri Choral Directors Association, and the Outstanding First Year Teacher Award, given by the Missouri Teachers Association. Currently, Paula is director of music at Crossroads Church in Overland Park and has been a member of the chorale since 2001. In January 2007 Paula had the opportunity to participate in the professional choral workshop in New York through the Carnegie Hall Weill Institute of singing Bach’s “St. Matthew Passion” with conductor Helmuth Rilling. She lives in Olathe, KS with husband Mike and their 2 daughters, Sonia 5, and Risa 2.

	Elaine Carpenter, alto, has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Wichita State University and a Master's Degree of Special Education - Gifted from Emporia State University. She has sung as a member of the WSU Madrigals, Concert Choir, San Diego Symphony Chorale and the Gulf Coast Chorale. She resides with her husband and 3 children in Olathe, teaching gifted education at Olathe South High School. In April, 2008, she will complete her administrative licensure. This is Elaine's fifth season with the Chorale.

	Stacy Tholen, mezzo-soprano, received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Texas at El Paso where she studied voice under J. Prentice Loftin. She was a section leader and soloist for seven seasons under the direction of Donald Pearson at Saint John's Episcopal Cathedral in Denver. While in Denver, Stacy was twice a finalist in the regional Metropolitan Opera Competition and received an honorable mention in the vocal competition sponsored by the Denver Lyric Opera. Stacy has appeared as soloist with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and the Maui Symphony Orchestra. Stacy lives in Brookside with her husband Tim and their dogs Lucy and Desi.

	Meredith Barreth, soprano, is embarking on her first year in Kansas City Chorale. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Vocal Performance at Jacksonville State University. She holds the Master's of Music degree from Florida International University where she served as the graduate teaching assistant for the vocal area. Several roles to her credit include Filia in Jephthah, Carolina in Il Matrimonio Segreto, as well as being a featured soloist for Rutter's Requiem. While in Miami, Mrs. Barreth taught at the prestigious all-girls school, Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart. She and her husband Ben are delighted to now call Kansas City their home.

	Erin Keller, an Iowa native, planted her choral roots early as a member of the internally acclaimed Des Moines Children's Chorus. She has recently finished a Bachelor of Music Degree in voice performance from the UMKC Conservatory of Music under the instruction of Dr. Gustavo Halley. She has worked with many conductors including Eugene Wilson, Westin Noble, Eph Ehly, Charles Robinson, Matthew Lata and Bodo Igesz. She has won the Iowa Choral Director's Association Award, and Outstanding Performer Award at State Solo Contest for two years. She performed for three years with the Iowa All-State Chorus and the UMKC Heritage Chorale. In addition to performing with the Chorale, Erin also enjoys composing, piano singing solo vocal jazz, and helps the Chorale with graphic design.

	Barbara Meyer, contralto, is beginning her 25th season with the Kansas City Chorale. She also has served on the Chorale Board of Directors. Barbara is employed by Hallmark Cards, is a former choir director for Antioch Community Church, and currently is a co-director of Children's Choirs and section leader at Rolling Hills Church. Ms. Meyer is featured on the Chorale's Nimbus CD “Alleluia, An American Hymnal.” Meyer has been a featured soloist with the Kansas City Chorale and the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra and performed for several years with the Robert Shaw Festival Singers.