This season we are pleased to have added a number of accomplished new singers to our ranks. We asked them to share a bit about themselves so that other singers and friends of the SCC can learn more about them. Look for additional member profiles in the future.
LELAND JOHNSON, BARITONE
Prior to singing with the SCC, Leland sang with the Chancel Choir at Saint Andrew's Church in Bellevue. During college, he sang with the choruses of VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, and before that, with the choir of Holy Cross Church in Libertyville, Illinois.
When not singing, Leland works as a software developer for IMDb (the Internet Movie Database).
He is most looking forward to singing Bob Chilcott’s Advent Antiphons. “It's one of the most interesting and technically challenging pieces I've done in the past few years,” he said. “It's also one of those pieces that sounds completely different once you're in the concert space.”
JIM HOWETH, TENOR II
Prior to moving to Washington this past summer, Jim sang with several groups in Southern California—the Long Beach Chorale & Chamber Orchestra, Men Alive, Bel Canto (a subgroup of Men Alive), and the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles. He also performed as a guest singer for a number of different church, college, and community choral groups.
When not singing, Jim is enjoying and caring for his infant twin sons, born in June of this year.
He enjoys working hard at rehearsals and learning how to be a better singer each and every week. “I'm most looking forward to feeling like I am able to contribute something positive to SCC's overall sound when we perform for a paying audience,” he said. “Plus, the repertoire for this season is all very interesting, so I'm excited to have the opportunity to sing it with such a talented ensemble.”
CHERYL WHITENER, ALTO II
Prior to joining the SCC, Cheryl sang with The Washingtonians, Cambialaria, Broadway Salutes Lincoln Center at Avery Fisher Hall, and the Nathan Eckstein Senior Choir.
When not singing, she spends her time as a mother, daughter, sister, golfer, actress, singer, and dancer (in her youth).
She is most looking forward to making beautiful music with SCC!
GREG BLOCH, TENOR II
Prior to singing with the SCC, did graduate work in historical musicology at UC Berkeley, and sang with the University Chorus and occasionally also with the Chamber Chorus.
When not singing, Greg reports that he is looking for a job. He has done freelance graphic design and copywriting work, and enjoys cooking and baking.
He is particularly looking forward to singing Bruckner’s Mass No. 2 in E minor in the spring. He is also looking forward to singing again after taking a break after graduate school.
JUSTIN FERRIS, TENOR I
Justin graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 2010 with a BA in philosophy. At PLU, he sang in the Choir of the West, PLUtonic, and the University Men's Chorus. In addition to the SCC, he also sings with the Tacoma Symphony Chorus, Illumni Men's Chorale, and Choral Arts, as well as in various operas and musicals when time presents itself.
In the very little time he has when not singing, Justin likes to dance. He also plays the harp, when one is available.
He is most looking forward to the unique opportunities offered to the SCC, which he hopes will include more work for movies, video games, and ballet productions.
MICHAEL KELLY, TENOR I
Michael is joining the SCC after an eight-year hiatus from singing. “I can't tell you how excited I am to be involved in choral music again,” he said.
When not singing, Michael is a commissioned officer of the United States Public Health Service, currently detailed to the Bureau of Prisons as a clinical pharmacist at the Federal Detention Center in SeaTac. He loves spending time enjoying the outdoors, backpacking, and fishing.
He is most looking forward to having a great creative outlet and being part of a wonderfully talented group of singers who share his love for music and singing.
CLARK MCGUFFIE, BASS II
Clark most recently sang with the Esoterics, and has also sung with The Washingtonians and the Seattle Opera Chorus. In addition to choral music, he has performed around the region in musical theatre productions at the Village Theatre and ACT.
When he’s not singing, Clark is food service director for the Google campus in Kirkland. He has worked extensively in the restaurant field for 22 years.
Clark is looking forward to joining the SCC because it is an established musical organization and has a good rehearsal schedule.
