Staff & Board of Directors

Brandon Johnson, Artistic Director

Brandon Johnson, DMA, took the position as Artistic Director of Detroit Performing Artists, Inc./Detroit Concert Choir in 2015. With extensive experience in conducting youth and adult choirs, he moved to Michigan in 2014 to become Director of Choral Activities at Eastern Michigan University. Prior to coming to Michigan, he was Director of Choral Activities at Houghton College in New York.

Christine Rouce, Executive Director

Christine Rouce has extensive background in Fine Arts management and not-for-profit organizational administration. She has helped nurture and develop the world renowned Detroit Concert Choir by serving as the organization’s Executive Director from 1993 to the present.

Sandra Cooper, Administrative Assistant

Sandra Cooper performs numerous administrative office tasks to ensure efficient office operations for the organization and the distribution of music to all choir members. A lifelong love of all types of music brought Sandy to the Detroit Concert Choir as a singer in 1991.

Gerrie Ball, Accompanist

Gerrie Ball, an accompanist and talented pianist and organist has shared in the Detroit Concert Choir's artistry since 1988. He has contributed to their rising success and growing reputation worldwide as their premier accompanist.

Stan Harr, Board President

Stan Harr is the President of Detroit Performing Artists, Inc. He served as Detroit Concert Choir’s Interim Director for the 2014-2015 season and continues to serve as Assistant Director. Stan joined the choir as a section leader in 1996.

Joseph Wanchik, President Emeritus

Joe Wanchik is the President Emeritus and Chairman of Annual Giving of the Detroit Performing Artists, Inc./ Detroit Concert Choir. Joe joined the Choir 30 years ago.

Richard Aude, Vice President

Richard Aude has participated as a member of the Detroit Concert Choir since 1996. He has traveled with the DCC for 5 international competitions, and was a relatively new member when the choir won the prestigious "Choir of the World" title in Llangollen, Wales.

Veronica Smith, Treasurer

Veronica Smith joined the board of Detroit Performing Artists, Inc. in 2010. She has been very involved with the choir since joining in 2006. Veronica served as the Chair of the Search Committee that led to the Choir hiring Dr. Brandon Johnson as the new Artistic Director. Veronica has loved singing all her life. Singing the Verdi Requiem in college was a peak experience.

Michele Fredericks, Board Member

Michele Fredericks joined the Detroit Concert Choir in 1996 as a soprano section leader and soloist. She is an active member of the board of directors, helping with fundraising and educational outreach with area high schools. Michele received her Bachelor of Music degree from Wayne State University and a Master of Music degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Toledo.

Michelle Metes, Board Member

Michelle Metes is the organization’s Event Chairperson and has organized many special events and Auction Galas. Michele joined the Detroit Concert Choir in 1993 and has traveled with the group to numerous international competitions.

Ashley Heidrich, Board Member

Ashley Heidrich joined the Detroit Concert Choir in 2010 and serves on the board, is on the event planning committee and helps with graphic design. Ashley is a fitness entrepreneur.

Rev. Edward Dunn, Board Member

Rev. Edward Dunn joined the board in April 2018 and has also served as a facilitator for the organization. He is from Rochester Hills, Michigan and serves as Pastor at Grosse Pointe Woods Presbyterian Church.

Deborah Ponds, Board Member

Deborah Ponds, originally from Washington, D.C., moved to the Detroit area in 1980. Ms. Ponds began her active work as a church musician at an early age, and currently serves as the Director of Music at St. Aloysius Church in Detroit.

Joy Crawford, Recording Secretary

Joy Crawford serves as the Recording Secretary for the Detroit Performing Artists, Inc. Joy is also a member of the choir and has been the group’s primary Travel Coordinator for international competitions. Joy has a background in music that is primarily instrumental and has performed with a number of recorder and early music ensembles.

Staff & Board of Directors

Brandon Johnson, Artistic Director

Christine Rouce, Executive Director

Sandra Cooper, Administrative Assistant

Gerrie Ball, Accompanist

Stan Harr, Board President

Joseph Wanchik, President Emeritus

Richard Aude, Vice President

Veronica Smith, Treasurer

Michele Fredericks, Board Member

Michelle Metes, Board Member

Ashley Heidrich, Board Member

Rev. Edward Dunn, Board Member

Deborah Ponds, Board Member

Joy Crawford, Recording Secretary

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