Staff & Board of Directors

Dr. Michael A. Mitchell, DMA began his position as the Artistic Director of the Detroit Concert Choir in June 2019. He is the Director of Choral Activities at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, where he directs the university’s three chorale ensembles and supervises the graduate-level choral conducting program.

Christine Rouce has an 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 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, an accompanist and talented pianist, and organist have 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) 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.

Bonnie Lawrence (Vice President: Strategic Planning, Fundraising) joined the Detroit Concert Choir in 2017 in the soprano section. She is an active member of the board of directors focusing on strategic planning.

Veronica Smith (Treasurer: Database and Bookkeeping Consultant) joined the board of the Detroit Concert Choir. in 2010. She has been very involved with the choir since joining in 2006.

Joy Crawford serves as the Recording Secretary for the Detroit Concert Choir. Joy is also a member of the choir and has been the group’s primary Travel Coordinator for international competitions.

Stacey Carlson (Marketing) Joined the Detroit Concert Choir board in 2020 and assists the executive director in marketing the choir.

Rev. Edward Dunn (Director: Facilitator, Community Engagement) 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.

Michele Fredericks (Director: Educational Outreach/Fundraising) 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.

Michelle Metes (Director: Special Events/Fundraising) 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.

Benson K. Woo (Director: Strategic and Financial Development) has served as CFO and treasurer in both public and private equity industrials, including Gibson Guitar, Rayonier Advanced Materials, Prestolite Electric, Tower Automotive, TriMas, Metris, York, and Case New Holland.

Joe Wanchik is President Emeritus and Chairman of the Annual Giving Campaign of the Detroit Performing Artists, Inc./ Detroit Concert Choir. Joe joined the Choir in 1986.

Richard Aude (Immediate Past President: Endowment/Scholarship/Foundation Planning) 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.

Volunteers

Dawn Surma

IT Manager

Dawn has been a member of the DCC since 1999 and is honored to be part of such an esteemed organization. Dawn developed the DCC website, and helps with all the technology aspects of the choir.

Bob Weig

Concert Logistics

Bob joined the Detroit Concert Choir in 1988. Bob leads the concert set up team and transports and stores the choir's risers and production equipment.

Holiday music returns - "A Joyful Noel!"

Our popular holiday tradition returns, A Joyful Noel! on December 12 and 19, 2021, featuring the live premiere of Dr. Mitchell's arrangement of Silent Night. Buy tickets online. Safety policies will be in place. Learn more.

Join our Circle of Friends

Keep the music alive! Join our Circle of Friends and make your gift to the DCC today! Your donation enables us to delight and enriches the lives of all who appreciate the magic of beautiful choral artistry. Together we make the music.

Community Outreach

In addition to our concert series, DCC enriches the cultural offerings for the city by singing for community events and by collaborating with fellow arts groups such as children's choirs, dance groups, young instrumentalists, and more!