D. Patrick Michel: Artistic Director, Cantabile Director

D. Patrick Michel has long upheld a tradition of excellence in music performance and education. Serving as director of choral programs at Gov. John R. Rogers High School from 1992-2008, his choirs toured extensively in the United States, Canada and Europe, performing in some of the world's most historic cathedrals including St. Paul's Cathedral in London and Saint Denis in Paris. In addition to 30 years of teaching at the junior and senior high school levels, Patrick served at Pacific Lutheran University, conducting the University Singers from 1981-1989. As a performer, Pat sang with the Tacoma Symphony Chorus and was a featured baritone soloist with the Tacoma Symphony. Pat is a frequent adjudicator and clinician throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Nancy Nole: Executive Director, Cherubim Director

Ms. Nole is in her 34th year as an elementary music specialist for the Puyallup School District. Nancy is a graduate of the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. She has received her Level III Orff-Schulwerk certification (1982) from Hamline University in Minnesota. Since receiving her master’s degree in Creative Arts in Learning (1999) from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, she has written a number of music programs which integrate the arts into the elementary academic curriculum. Fruitland Elementary in Puyallup has three choruses under her direction where she also teaches twenty general classroom music classes. She has been the manager of the Washington State Elementary Honor Chorus for two years. She is an adjunct professor in music education at Pacific Lutheran University. As president of PLU’s Choral Union, she has participated in two European tours in the past few years. The Puyallup Daffodil PTA Council honored her with their Outstanding Educator Award for the 2006-2007 school year. Nancy is a positive force in music education in our state and she has made it her life’s passion to promote the arts for all students in our state.

Lauren Whitham: Intermezzo Director, Boy Choir Director

Ms. Whitham earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree, summa cum laude, from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, WA. Lauren is currently the choral director at Spanaway Junior High in the Bethel School District. This year she sent 62 students to the regional solo/ensemble contest where all eight ensembles received superior ratings, and one of her vocal students received first alternate in the baritone category for the state competition. Most recently Lauren was the guest clinician for the elementary honor chorus at the Bethel District Choral Festival.