CORO VOCE DIRECTOR

Caitlin is so excited to join the wonderful OYC community! She graduated with a Bachelor's of Music Education emphasizing in general, choral and instrumental music. She also received her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction. Caitlin has been teaching choir at North Thurston High School for eleven years, with five of those concurrently at Chinook Middle School. She is an active member of ACDA and WMEA as we as co-facilitator for the secondary vocal teachers in her district. Caitlin strives to bring energy and enthusiasm to the classroom to inspire musicians, and works hard to foster a welcoming community for all to grow. Caitlin enjoys spending time outside with her husband and six year old son. In her down time she likes to play soccer, compete in billiards, go camping, and snuggle up with a good book with her two dogs.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, CANTABILE DIRECTOR

An OYC alumna, Nadine is passionate about sharing her love of music with young singers and musicians! After graduating in 2009, she began teaching in the Olympia School District, where she taught choir and general music for 9 years. In 2019, she started Sweet Francis Sewing Co, and left the classroom to pursue her business full time. Nadine is an active member of NAfME and ACDA, and still finds her way to the music classroom by providing workshops and clinics to local music teachers, adjudicating for local choir festivals, and accompanying. As a soprano soloist and collaborative pianist, she loves an opportunity to make music with local arts groups. When she’s not singing or sewing, you can find her spending time with her husband, Deron, and their five fluffy hens.

FORZA DIRECTOR

John Guarente is Professor of Choral Ensembles and Music Theory at SPSCC. He leads the SPSCC Choirs and teaches courses in music theory, popular music, and music appreciation.

John is the founding artistic director of Vox Olympia, South Puget Sound's premier chamber choir. An active composer and arranger, John has fulfilled commissions for colleges and universities including Florida International University and Hawai'i Pacific University, and South Puget Sound Community College.

John received his doctor of musical arts degree from the University of Miami, and holds a master of music in choral conducting and a bachelor of arts degree in music from Rutgers University.

BEL CANTO DIRECTOR

Angi grew up in a musical home and started singing and playing piano at an early age. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s in Music Education, earned her Kodaly certification at the University of St. Thomas, and completed her Masters in Music Education at Kent State University. She has taught elementary music, private piano and voice lessons, and has held organist, bell choir, adult and children’s choir director positions in various churches and community choirs. Angi is a K-5 general music teacher in the Olympia School District, the accompanist for Masterworks Choral Ensemble, and a worship team musician at First United Methodist Church of Olympia.

DOLCE DIRECTOR

Julie brings magic and warmth to every Dolce rehearsal. Her mission is to instill a love for music and cultivate joy in her young singers. Combining technical expertise with a focus on emotional connection, Julie creates an environment where each singer feels valued and inspired, fostering both musical excellence and a lifelong appreciation for singing.

COLLABORATIVE PIANIST

Laura McBride has worked as a professional accompanist for over 20 years. She currently teaches elementary music in the North Thurston Public Schools, and coaches instrumentalists as a teaching artist for the Student Orchestras of Greater Olympia. When not making music she enjoys spending time with her teenage sons, cat, dog and military musician husband!

COLLABORATIVE PIANIST

Nicole grew up in Wyoming and attended Northwest College, studying piano performance. She has taught private piano lessons since she was 15 years old. She currently accompanies several local choirs as well as soloists for local competitions and plays for church functions. A big believer in the unifying power of music, Nicole is excited to be a part of a group that has such a positive influence in the community! She resides in Olympia with her husband and two children.

COLLABORATIVE PIANIST

Originally from Green Bay, WI Hallie earned a double major in piano performance and mathematics in 2011. She currently teaches math and computer science at Olympia High School. Hallie completed her Master's Degree in Math Education in 2014 and earned her National Board Certification in Mathematics in 2017. Hallie continues to play the piano and loves accompanying choirs, local musical theatre shows, and various bands, orchestras and soloists. She's excited to be part of the team at OYC!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Lorraine is a former K-12 music educator and school district music department coordinator with 19 years of service in public schools. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education/Music and a Master of Arts in Educational Administration/Music from Pacific Lutheran University. Her post-graduate study included a fifth-year program at Oxford University and a practicum in an English primary school.

Lorraine is an active volunteer and leader in several non-profit organizations in Thurston County and enjoys giving back to the community through service. She is the current President of the Washington State Governor's Mansion Foundation Board of Trustees and the Past President of the Olympia Hutch Guild, supporting the Fred Hutch Cancer Center in Seattle. She is also a Sustainer of the Junior League of Olympia.

Lorraine and her husband have five grown children and nine grandchildren and enjoy skiing and boating in our beautiful state of Washington.

CHOIR MANAGER

FINANCE MANAGER

A native of Tucson, Arizona, Adeline is passionate about music, education, and health. She earned a Bachelor's in Health Science from BYU-Idaho and has a certification of accounting, but music has always been her passion. When she isn't singing, Adeline can often be found hiking local trails with her husband and three daughters.