Kirsten Sharer
SOPRANO
Kirsten Sharer can't remember a time in her life when she wasn't singing. Beginning with the Colorado Children's Chorale at age 8, she has sung in choirs from large ensembles to small a cappella groups, classical to modern folk styles. She sang in the University of Vermont's Catamount Choir as section leader and soloist, several Finnish symphony choirs and folk ensembles, and the Bach Choir and Santa Rosa State chamber choir. She has been a paid section leader and soloist for various church choirs. She sang with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra Chorus for 5 years, she was part of the "Silence and Music” debut and is a charter member of Voices of Light. Kirsten is an interior designer and enjoys life with her husband John and "blond bomber” dog Luna.
Kirsten Sharer can't remember a time in her life when she wasn't singing. Beginning with the Colorado Children's Chorale at age 8, she has sung in choirs from large ensembles to small a cappella groups, classical to modern folk styles. She sang in the University of Vermont's Catamount Choir as section leader and soloist, several Finnish symphony choirs and folk ensembles, and the Bach Choir and Santa Rosa State chamber choir. She has been a paid section leader and soloist for various church choirs. She sang with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra Chorus for 5 years, she was part of the "Silence and Music” debut and is a charter member of Voices of Light. Kirsten is an interior designer and enjoys life with her husband John and "blond bomber” dog Luna.
Leah Tracy
SOPRANO/COMPOSER
Leah Tracy is a composer and soprano, and serves as the Music Director at Columbine Unitarian Universalist Church in Littleton. Leah earned a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Bowling Green State University in 2021, and primarily writes choral and vocal music. She draws inspiration from the people around her, often basing her compositions on current events, childhood recollections, powerful stories, and her most meaningful friendships and experiences. A recent piece of hers entitled "sing to us, cedars" will be performed by Grammy-winning ensemble, Kansas City Chorale in the 2022-23 season. She is an active performer, and has premiered and recorded several works by up-and-coming composers. She has a special interest in performing contemporary choral music, and is excited for this exciting season with Voices of Light!
Leah Tracy is a composer and soprano, and serves as the Music Director at Columbine Unitarian Universalist Church in Littleton. Leah earned a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Bowling Green State University in 2021, and primarily writes choral and vocal music. She draws inspiration from the people around her, often basing her compositions on current events, childhood recollections, powerful stories, and her most meaningful friendships and experiences. A recent piece of hers entitled "sing to us, cedars" will be performed by Grammy-winning ensemble, Kansas City Chorale in the 2022-23 season. She is an active performer, and has premiered and recorded several works by up-and-coming composers. She has a special interest in performing contemporary choral music, and is excited for this exciting season with Voices of Light!
Kyoko Markovsky
SOPRANO
Kyoko Makovsky is a general music teacher at Polton Community Elementary in Cherry Creek School District. She holds a Master of Education degree with a Special Education emphasis from Regis University in addition to a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Colorado. Kyoko has a passion for choral music and has sung with the Augustana Lutheran Chancel Choir, St. Martin's Festival Singers and the Colorado Chorale. She is thrilled to be singing this concert with Voices of Light.
Kyoko Makovsky is a general music teacher at Polton Community Elementary in Cherry Creek School District. She holds a Master of Education degree with a Special Education emphasis from Regis University in addition to a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Colorado. Kyoko has a passion for choral music and has sung with the Augustana Lutheran Chancel Choir, St. Martin's Festival Singers and the Colorado Chorale. She is thrilled to be singing this concert with Voices of Light.
Sarah Billerbeck
SOPRANO
Sarah Billerbeck believes in the power of music to create joy, beauty and community for all people. Sarah spends her days making music with kids of many ages. She is the k-5 music teacher at Stanley British Primary School and directs 3 children and youth choirs at Jefferson Unitarian Church. She is active in the disability rights movement, advocating for the full inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all walks of life.
Sarah Billerbeck believes in the power of music to create joy, beauty and community for all people. Sarah spends her days making music with kids of many ages. She is the k-5 music teacher at Stanley British Primary School and directs 3 children and youth choirs at Jefferson Unitarian Church. She is active in the disability rights movement, advocating for the full inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all walks of life.
Wendy Cromley
ALTO
Singing has always been part of Colorado native Wendy Cromley’s life, and harmonizing is her passion. She holds music degrees from Western State Colorado University and the University of Northern Colorado, where she studied classical and jazz vocal performance. In college she enjoyed singing in concert choirs, madrigal groups, jazz ensembles, and a cappella groups. After college she devoted eleven years to the nationally touring vocal jazz octet Pieces of 8, releasing four albums. She sang and arranged for three years and one album with Denver’s 5280 A Cappella, and now enjoys singing/soloing with the choirs at First Universalist Church. Her business Wend Blend Music spotlights Wendy’s voice teaching, solo vocal work, arranging, and groups she sings in for hire such as the jazz/blues band Freestyle and the a cappella quartet Euphony.
Singing has always been part of Colorado native Wendy Cromley’s life, and harmonizing is her passion. She holds music degrees from Western State Colorado University and the University of Northern Colorado, where she studied classical and jazz vocal performance. In college she enjoyed singing in concert choirs, madrigal groups, jazz ensembles, and a cappella groups. After college she devoted eleven years to the nationally touring vocal jazz octet Pieces of 8, releasing four albums. She sang and arranged for three years and one album with Denver’s 5280 A Cappella, and now enjoys singing/soloing with the choirs at First Universalist Church. Her business Wend Blend Music spotlights Wendy’s voice teaching, solo vocal work, arranging, and groups she sings in for hire such as the jazz/blues band Freestyle and the a cappella quartet Euphony.
Susan Kullman
ALTO
Susan Olson Kullman hails from Chicago, IL, where she received her undergraduate degree in Music Education from DePaul University in 2001. In 2002, Susan moved to Denver, Colorado and taught Vocal Music and Drama for three years at Bruce Randolph Middle School. From 2005 to 2013, Susan was the Director of Choral Activities at Boulder High School, and in 2010 received her Master’s Degree from the University of Colorado in Choral Conducting and Music Education. Most recently, she was hired as the Director of Music at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the Theater and Choir Director at George Washington High School in Denver Public Schools. In addition to her musical career, Susan lived in Mexico for a year where she taught English to high school and middle school children. Susan has two beautiful children, Joshua (12) and Leah (8) and two adorable Mexican street dogs. In her free time, Susan loves to hike, bike, run, and do anything active in this great state of Colorado. She is absolutely thrilled to be rejoining Voices of Light for this concert.
Susan Olson Kullman hails from Chicago, IL, where she received her undergraduate degree in Music Education from DePaul University in 2001. In 2002, Susan moved to Denver, Colorado and taught Vocal Music and Drama for three years at Bruce Randolph Middle School. From 2005 to 2013, Susan was the Director of Choral Activities at Boulder High School, and in 2010 received her Master’s Degree from the University of Colorado in Choral Conducting and Music Education. Most recently, she was hired as the Director of Music at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and the Theater and Choir Director at George Washington High School in Denver Public Schools. In addition to her musical career, Susan lived in Mexico for a year where she taught English to high school and middle school children. Susan has two beautiful children, Joshua (12) and Leah (8) and two adorable Mexican street dogs. In her free time, Susan loves to hike, bike, run, and do anything active in this great state of Colorado. She is absolutely thrilled to be rejoining Voices of Light for this concert.
Becky Dillon
ALTO
Becky Dillon is a Colorado Native with a degree in Vocal Performance from Kansas State University. Most of her vocal adventures have been in the realm of Musical Theatre. Before it's final season in 2008, Becky was a performer at The Crystal Palace Theatre Restaurant in Aspen where she sang political satire and cabaret. She is excited to return to the world of Choral Music after a decade long hiatus. She wishes to thank her husband Tony for his love and support.
Becky Dillon is a Colorado Native with a degree in Vocal Performance from Kansas State University. Most of her vocal adventures have been in the realm of Musical Theatre. Before it's final season in 2008, Becky was a performer at The Crystal Palace Theatre Restaurant in Aspen where she sang political satire and cabaret. She is excited to return to the world of Choral Music after a decade long hiatus. She wishes to thank her husband Tony for his love and support.
MJ Erickson-Eger
ALTO
MJ Erickson-Eger has found joy in expression through music and singing since young childhood. MJ has sung with a variety of choirs, including close harmony, madrigals, church choirs, and the Houston Symphony Chorale. Additionally, MJ has served as accompanist for choral groups and soloists since the age of eleven. She toured with the Dartmouth College Glee Clubs in this capacity, and has had the pleasure of accompanying Voices of Light on several occasions. For most of the past 15 years she has been the accompanist for Columbine Unitarian Universalist Church. MJ is a retired school psychologist but also has a graduate degree and professional experience in geology. She lives with her husband George and is the proud mom of their three amazing adult daughters.
MJ Erickson-Eger has found joy in expression through music and singing since young childhood. MJ has sung with a variety of choirs, including close harmony, madrigals, church choirs, and the Houston Symphony Chorale. Additionally, MJ has served as accompanist for choral groups and soloists since the age of eleven. She toured with the Dartmouth College Glee Clubs in this capacity, and has had the pleasure of accompanying Voices of Light on several occasions. For most of the past 15 years she has been the accompanist for Columbine Unitarian Universalist Church. MJ is a retired school psychologist but also has a graduate degree and professional experience in geology. She lives with her husband George and is the proud mom of their three amazing adult daughters.
Joel Chirhart
TENOR
Since moving to Colorado 20 years ago, Joel Chirhart has been a staple of The Colorado Chorale, performing numerous solos and roles with this musically diverse group. Joel has also performed as a soloist and section leader with numerous Denver organizations including Central Presbyterian Church, High Plains Chorale, the Arvada Chorale, and appeared as King Ahasuerus in “Esther” at Cherry Creek Presbyterian. When not singing, Joel works as a GIS Business Analyst, and is the proprietor of Colorado Haunted History Tours in Golden and Morrison, CO.
Since moving to Colorado 20 years ago, Joel Chirhart has been a staple of The Colorado Chorale, performing numerous solos and roles with this musically diverse group. Joel has also performed as a soloist and section leader with numerous Denver organizations including Central Presbyterian Church, High Plains Chorale, the Arvada Chorale, and appeared as King Ahasuerus in “Esther” at Cherry Creek Presbyterian. When not singing, Joel works as a GIS Business Analyst, and is the proprietor of Colorado Haunted History Tours in Golden and Morrison, CO.
Kendall Bridges
TENOR
Kendall Bridges teaches middle school chorus at Adams City Middle School in Adams County School District 14. Previous teaching experience includes Denver Public Schools and Pittsburg Unified Public Schools in Pittsburg, CA. In addition to Voices of Light Chamber Choir, he is an active singer and board member of the Colorado Chorale. His previous conducting experiences included serving as Minister of Music at Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland, CA, Artistic Director of Mosaic Youth Choir (2007-2012), and a guest appearance with the Community College of Aurora. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Music Education from Kansas State University.
Kendall Bridges teaches middle school chorus at Adams City Middle School in Adams County School District 14. Previous teaching experience includes Denver Public Schools and Pittsburg Unified Public Schools in Pittsburg, CA. In addition to Voices of Light Chamber Choir, he is an active singer and board member of the Colorado Chorale. His previous conducting experiences included serving as Minister of Music at Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church in Oakland, CA, Artistic Director of Mosaic Youth Choir (2007-2012), and a guest appearance with the Community College of Aurora. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Music Education from Kansas State University.
J Ronald DeVries
TENOR/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Ron DeVries joined Voices of Light in its inaugural concert season having returned to his home in Colorado after five years in Arizona where he performed with several groups in Tucson, most notably the Arizona Repertory Singers, and having directed the Mohave Community Choir in Kingman, AZ. While having no formal music education, Ron was coached by his mother, Marilyn Knox, an experienced performer and music educator. Ron has performed with large groups like the Colorado Symphony Chorus and the Turtle Creek Chorale under the direction of Timothy Seelig, to small groups including Canto Spiritus, Awen Rising, and Bel-Canto, a choir Ron started with his college choir director, Sharyn Baker. He has been a featured vocal soloist with the John Philip Sousa Band of Colorado where he played clarinet as well as the Mile High Freedom Swing band as a featured vocal soloist and on keyboards. He has sung with Opera Fort Collins, the Estes Park Oratorio Society as a featured soloist, the Littleton Chorale, the Cherry Creek Chorale, the Colorado Chorale, and Kantorei.
Ron DeVries joined Voices of Light in its inaugural concert season having returned to his home in Colorado after five years in Arizona where he performed with several groups in Tucson, most notably the Arizona Repertory Singers, and having directed the Mohave Community Choir in Kingman, AZ. While having no formal music education, Ron was coached by his mother, Marilyn Knox, an experienced performer and music educator. Ron has performed with large groups like the Colorado Symphony Chorus and the Turtle Creek Chorale under the direction of Timothy Seelig, to small groups including Canto Spiritus, Awen Rising, and Bel-Canto, a choir Ron started with his college choir director, Sharyn Baker. He has been a featured vocal soloist with the John Philip Sousa Band of Colorado where he played clarinet as well as the Mile High Freedom Swing band as a featured vocal soloist and on keyboards. He has sung with Opera Fort Collins, the Estes Park Oratorio Society as a featured soloist, the Littleton Chorale, the Cherry Creek Chorale, the Colorado Chorale, and Kantorei.
David Burrows
BASS/TENOR
David Burrows is the Music Director for the Smithtonians, a community handbell choir, and for Niwot United Methodist Church in Longmont, CO. He has conducted choirs since 2002. David authored several children’s musicals that were performed in Denver and around the country in Universalist Unitarian Churches. He was recognized as a hymn composer in the 2014 & 2018 Silliman Anthem Competitions and awarded as a Vocalist singing Debussy’s “Beau Soir” in the 2006 Vocal Arts Competition at Metropolitan State University. He has a degree in Voice with additional studies in piano. He attended a graduate seminar on Choral Conducting and Literature at CU Boulder. He serves as a therapeutic musician in healthcare settings, serving also as a licensed massage therapist. As a choral singer and Baritone soloist, he has appeared with Evergreen Chorale, Arvada Chorale, Gospel Expressions and One World Singers. As well, he has been a featured saxophonist/flutist with choirs. He has been a guest teacher and musician in India at a school for indigenous children several times since 2011. In 2018, he toured California co-presenting contemplative music services in churches. Voices of Light sings his favorite type of choral repertoire and he loves being in the group.
David Burrows is the Music Director for the Smithtonians, a community handbell choir, and for Niwot United Methodist Church in Longmont, CO. He has conducted choirs since 2002. David authored several children’s musicals that were performed in Denver and around the country in Universalist Unitarian Churches. He was recognized as a hymn composer in the 2014 & 2018 Silliman Anthem Competitions and awarded as a Vocalist singing Debussy’s “Beau Soir” in the 2006 Vocal Arts Competition at Metropolitan State University. He has a degree in Voice with additional studies in piano. He attended a graduate seminar on Choral Conducting and Literature at CU Boulder. He serves as a therapeutic musician in healthcare settings, serving also as a licensed massage therapist. As a choral singer and Baritone soloist, he has appeared with Evergreen Chorale, Arvada Chorale, Gospel Expressions and One World Singers. As well, he has been a featured saxophonist/flutist with choirs. He has been a guest teacher and musician in India at a school for indigenous children several times since 2011. In 2018, he toured California co-presenting contemplative music services in churches. Voices of Light sings his favorite type of choral repertoire and he loves being in the group.
Philip Drozda
BASS
Philip Drozda is the Director of Choirs at Overland High School in Aurora, CO. In this role he works to teach and inspire young people to make beautiful things. Prior to joining the Overland faculty, he taught middle school choir for twelve years at Mesa Middle School, Northglenn Middle School, and from 2011-2019 at Prairie Middle School in the Cherry Creek School District. He holds a Master of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado in addition to a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder.
During his tenure at Prairie, Mr. Drozda's choirs gained a reputation for musical quality and passionate, joyful performance, and were invited to perform at the Colorado Music Educators Association Clinic and Conference three times in the span of five years. In 2017, he was honored as Prairie’s Teacher of the Year in his first year of eligibility. Mr. Drozda has also been actively involved in choral music at the state level. He has served on the board of Colorado ACDA in a variety of roles and is currently the Multicultural Repertoire and Resources chair. He is one of the founding Co-Chairs of the Colorado Middle All State Choir Governing Board and he continues to advise that organization. As a singer, Mr. Drozda sings in the Voices of Light Chamber Choir and is a tenor section leader in the Denver Choir League. He resides in Denver and is proud to be a public school music teacher in the state of Colorado.
Philip Drozda is the Director of Choirs at Overland High School in Aurora, CO. In this role he works to teach and inspire young people to make beautiful things. Prior to joining the Overland faculty, he taught middle school choir for twelve years at Mesa Middle School, Northglenn Middle School, and from 2011-2019 at Prairie Middle School in the Cherry Creek School District. He holds a Master of Music degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado in addition to a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder.
During his tenure at Prairie, Mr. Drozda's choirs gained a reputation for musical quality and passionate, joyful performance, and were invited to perform at the Colorado Music Educators Association Clinic and Conference three times in the span of five years. In 2017, he was honored as Prairie’s Teacher of the Year in his first year of eligibility. Mr. Drozda has also been actively involved in choral music at the state level. He has served on the board of Colorado ACDA in a variety of roles and is currently the Multicultural Repertoire and Resources chair. He is one of the founding Co-Chairs of the Colorado Middle All State Choir Governing Board and he continues to advise that organization. As a singer, Mr. Drozda sings in the Voices of Light Chamber Choir and is a tenor section leader in the Denver Choir League. He resides in Denver and is proud to be a public school music teacher in the state of Colorado.
Jason Golden
BASS
Jason Golden has a lifelong passion for the choral arts at the highest level. While he’s a software consultant by day, at night singing provides balance and engages the other side of his brain. Jason holds his minor in music from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA, where he sang with the Adelphian Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers (now Voci d'Amici), and Underground Jazz. Other choral experience includes the Northwest Repertory Singers and Cherry Creek Chorale. When not singing the lowest notes on the staff, he thoroughly enjoys wine, photography, exercise, reading history and spending time with his family.
Jason Golden has a lifelong passion for the choral arts at the highest level. While he’s a software consultant by day, at night singing provides balance and engages the other side of his brain. Jason holds his minor in music from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA, where he sang with the Adelphian Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers (now Voci d'Amici), and Underground Jazz. Other choral experience includes the Northwest Repertory Singers and Cherry Creek Chorale. When not singing the lowest notes on the staff, he thoroughly enjoys wine, photography, exercise, reading history and spending time with his family.
Clay Cromley
BASS
At the encouragement of a wonderful HS choral teacher, Clayton Cromley took music courses at William & Mary, where he earned a BA in Vocal Performance. His voice can be heard in the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's recording of Carmina Burana; for many years he contributed low-frequency noises to the St. Louis Symphony Chorus and its chamber chorus. He was a founding member of the vocal dectet Random Access. He sang and toured nationally with the vocal jazz group Pieces of 8, recording three albums with them on the Town Crier label. Here in Denver he spent three years singing, arranging, recording, and mixing for 5280 A Cappella, and did post-production work on the Voices of Light holiday CD (which makes an excellent gift and is on sale at concerts!). When not managing I.T. projects in Arvada, he currently sings impromptu duets with his wife Wendy (with neither of them on melody).
At the encouragement of a wonderful HS choral teacher, Clayton Cromley took music courses at William & Mary, where he earned a BA in Vocal Performance. His voice can be heard in the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's recording of Carmina Burana; for many years he contributed low-frequency noises to the St. Louis Symphony Chorus and its chamber chorus. He was a founding member of the vocal dectet Random Access. He sang and toured nationally with the vocal jazz group Pieces of 8, recording three albums with them on the Town Crier label. Here in Denver he spent three years singing, arranging, recording, and mixing for 5280 A Cappella, and did post-production work on the Voices of Light holiday CD (which makes an excellent gift and is on sale at concerts!). When not managing I.T. projects in Arvada, he currently sings impromptu duets with his wife Wendy (with neither of them on melody).
Bradley Becker
BASS
Bradley Becker has been with Voices of Light since 2017 and loves performing with them. He graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in Physics and a minor in Music and hopes to eventually pursue graduate school. Though he is a structural design engineer by profession, Bradley remains active the music community of Denver. Outside of VoL, he is the bass for 5280 Acappella, sings with the Evans Choir and has had the opportunity to be in the chorus for the Colorado Ballet.
Bradley Becker has been with Voices of Light since 2017 and loves performing with them. He graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in Physics and a minor in Music and hopes to eventually pursue graduate school. Though he is a structural design engineer by profession, Bradley remains active the music community of Denver. Outside of VoL, he is the bass for 5280 Acappella, sings with the Evans Choir and has had the opportunity to be in the chorus for the Colorado Ballet.
