Performers

The Christian Brothers High School Honors Chorale

The Christian Brothers High School Honors Chorale has been gaining recognition as one of the premiere high-school chorale ensembles in Sacramento. This auditioned group of highly motivated singers performs a variety of chorale literature, bringing a youthful energy and mature sound to genres varying from Renaissance to contemporary.

During the past three years, ensembles from Christian Brothers High School have performed at the inauguration of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and at the 2005 Jammies Evening of Classical Music. In June of 2006, the chorale program will be embarking on its first-ever performance tour of Europe.

Imam Mohammed Abdul Azeez

Imam M.A. Azeez, born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1975, graduated from Ain Shams University as a medical doctor, came to the United States in 2000, and studied social sciences at the Ohio State University and received his B.A. in 2002. Imam Azeez then attended the University of Chicago and received his M.A. in social sciences in 2004. Imam Azeez has been involved in Islamic activism and education for the past 10 years. He has worked and volunteered with the Islamic Society of Greater Columbus, the Muslim Students association at OSU, CAIR-Ohio, the Noor Islamic Cultural Center, the Muslim American Society, and became the full-time Imam of the Sacramento Area League of Associated Muslims (SALAM) in June of 2005. Imam Azeez is married to Kauthar Fattouh, of Ottawa, Canada, and has one daughter, Zeyneb.

Perfected Praise

Performing together since 1999, Perfected Praise, Center of Praise Ministries, is a musical ministry designed to usher God’s people into His presence by making a melody of praise. They strive to become more active within the community, proclaiming the uncompromised word of God through ministry in music and participation in community events. They performed at the California State Fair, sang during Christmas at Arden Fair Mall, recorded an album for Jus-B-Cuz records, and volunteer at Loaves and Fishes.

First Slavic Baptist Church Morning Choir

Music, especially choir music, is very important in the spiritual life of the Slavic community. Church services, funerals, weddings and anniversary celebrations always include music. The First Slavic Baptist Church believes that music contributes to a sense of unity because it speaks directly to peoples’ hearts. Music breaks through language barriers and is especially important in a multicultural community like Sacramento. The members of the Morning Choir of the First Slavic Baptist Church come from different areas of the former USSR. In 2001, the choir began singing under new conductor Vladimir Mysin, who continues to be their leader.

The Reverend Seicho Asahi

The Rev. Seicho Asahi is a head minister of the Northern California Koyasan Temple in Sacramento. He was born in Hiroshima, Japan. He studied Shingon Buddhism at the Koyasan University in Japan and came to California as a minister in 1981. He has been active in peace activities in many areas and has been a representative of the board of directors of the Interfaith Council for the United Nations from 1988 to 1991. He has been a board member for the Interfaith Service Bureau since 2004.

The Valley Choral Society

The Valley Choral Society consists of singers from throughout the greater-Sacramento valley and foothill area. The mission of the society is to break down barriers and create a common bond between people by performing music that brings God’s light to the community and elevates the human soul. The Society performs several concerts each year. The fall concert series traditionally features “Part I” of the Messiah and beautifully arranged Christmas carols. The spring concert series typically features a major work, which may be drawn from contemporary or classical music. In addition to choral members, other individuals volunteer their talents to sustain the Society’s missions and goals. Support for the Society comes from membership fees, paid by members of the chorus, and donations from other individuals and organizations. The Society has regularly dedicated its spring-series performances to Sacramento Habitat for Humanity. For more information, please visit www.valleychoral.org.

St. Mark’s Singers and Band

St. Mark’s Singers were formed 16 years ago as the choir for the contemporary service at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. Jean and Jim Strathdee were hired as directors, and the group grew from 12 members to a roster of 60. In addition to singing for the Sunday service, the members of this group volunteer their time to sing at benefits throughout Northern California. The most recent event was April 24, 2005, at the Crest Theatre, when the Strathdees and the Singers produced an event called Healing God’s Earth. The event raised $17,000 for the new homeless family service organization called Family Promise. The Strathdees continue to share their music throughout North America (they are well known in Canada and have sung in Cuba, Honduras and Nicaragua). St. Mark’s allows them to travel once a month to share their music with conferences and other congregations.

Performer names

Valley Choral Society
Violin 1st: Debbie Morse, Grant Willis Violin 2nd: Sara Heitmann Viola: Margie Hartung, Shauna Meyer Cello 1st: Barbara Preciado, David Snyder Bass: Dale Disney Flute: Patty Maddox, Marsha Williams-Miller Oboe: Linda Johnson Clarinet: Lonna Johnson, Daina Nishimoto Bassoon: Herbert Johnson French Horn: Sue Forster, Diana Haynie Trumpet: Bill Dager, Steve David, Byron Roope Trombone: David Cashdollar Tuba: Rudy Stubbs Percussion: James Stewart Choir: Lori Ackerman, Chris Allen, Perri Ann Allen, Clayton Allen*, Sydney Allen*, Kayla Armstrong*, Marina Bair, Mary Bair, Ron Bair, Ginny Baldauf, Lana Bonar, Gary Buck, Winston Burke, Hailey Busath*, Robby Busch, Rick Caulk, Justin Christensen, Richard Clinger, Sarah Crandall*, Kristin Cunningham*, Deisha Cyrus*, Courtenay Davis*, Eileen Degruccio, Charla Elliot, Karen Farnbach, Kenni Fayette*, Darron Flagg, LaMar Fullmer, George Gettys, Tyler Gillen*, Tyler Grimsman*, Vivian Gundestrup, Carli Hall*, Marty Hansen, Chenoa Hayward*, Cassidy Hilton*, Austin Hodnett*, Joey Hogge*, Tim Jackson, Marc Jay*, Andera Jukes, Marie Jukes, Richard Jukes, Tami Larson, Kathy Marshall, John McCormack, Miriam McCormack, Elizabeth Miller*, Julia Mosby*, Christine Moses, Monika Neal, Brenda Newbold, Lisa Newbold, Elle’ Nielson*, Rebecca Nuttall, Erin Olpin, Ruth Olpin, Larry Olson, Laura Olson, Lauren Parker*, Dixie Petty, Pam Pinkston, Andrea Rasmussen, Dario Rebosura, Byron Roope, Ron Rowan, Christopher Sant*, Marc Sant*, Monica Schumacher*, Ellen Sedgwick, Erwin Shaltes, Lari Smith, Michael Smith*, Paul Smith*, Carolyn Snowden, Sharlene Sorensen, Kathy Visher, Lisa West, Travis Whitted*, Ashley Williams, Chrys Wormley *Galena Street East Singers

Christian Brothers High School Honors Chorale
Director: Ron Slabbinck Francesca Arostegui, Jennifer Ary, Colin Ballou, Adam Boles, Jessica Bond, Vanessa Buzgheia, Haley Cavanaugh, Jonathan Chaffin, Alexander Cooper, Britton Cope, William Finan, Kristina Guerrero, Alexandra Haines, Kimberly Harvey, Laine Himmelmann, Amanda Johnston, Peter Kassel, Alex Kemper-McCall, Brittany Liverett, William Martin, Roberto Mata III, Lauren McCrea, James McMillan, Priscilla Murphy, Anthony Padilla, Briana Perez, Justin Perez, Paloma Pompei, Andrea Rincon, Anne Rosensteel, Mark Rossow, Jaclyn Ruiz, Kaitlin Ryder, Kiana Salazar-Thompson, Aliza Santos, Joshua Silver, Alyssamarie Smith, Anthony Tavianini, Kelsey Thompson-Briggs, Ashley Thorne, Kathleen Tucker, James Waterhouse, Margaret Waterhouse, Briana Wilborn, Sarah Willis