Kathleen Brown has enjoyed a richly varied musical career as a conductor, educator, and performer. She graduated from Weber State University with a Bachelor of Arts Composite Degree in Choral Music Education. While at Weber State, she was a member of the Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and Vocal Jazz Ensemble. She has taught choir in junior and high school settings and was the guest conductor for two district honor choirs. She also sang and toured with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for eight years. Currently, she is the musical director for the St. George Interfaith Choir. Kathleen loves the outdoors and being with her family most of all and has recently developed a passion for scuba diving.
Lisa Farr grew up with a love of music, playing both the violin and piano in her youth as well as performing in her high school choirs and musicals. She attended Brigham Young University, where she sang in the BYU Women’s Chorus, was a member of the International Folk Dance Ensemble’s Performing Arts Company, and sang with the Mormon Youth Chorus. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from BYU as well as a master’s degree in Reading & Literacy Education from Boston College, and she is a practicing reading specialist. Lisa and her husband enjoy traveling, pickleball, and hiking the many wonders of Southern Utah.
Christin Olson has been a lifelong singer and performer. She began studying piano at age five and currently plays the organ for her local congregation. She studied music for two years at Utah State University and then transferred to the University of Utah, earning a Bachelor of Arts in music. She has taught piano and voice lessons off and on for over fifteen years and currently teaches fifth grade at Paradise Canyon Elementary. She enjoys living in Santa Clara with her husband, Jerry, and their five children.
Elizabeth Prescott teaches singing and has sung professionally in virtually every genre, including Grammy-winning L.A. Jazz Choir and extension stage, film and television recording credits. First in the U.S. certified in MDH Breathing Coordination following years of specialized training in Lausanne, Switzerland (featured in best-selling book “Breath” by James Nestor), Elizabeth helps singers and non-singers find greater ease and efficiency at every stage of life and wellness. In 2017, she completed work on the highly acclaimed book “The Path of the Voice: A Functional Approach to the Human Instrument” published by Editions Favré in Switzerland.
Kathy Ruiz, section leader, received a MA in musicology from the University of Oregon in 2015. While at University of Oregon, she sang in the prestigious UO Chamber Choir, where she traveled internationally and took second place at the Marktoberdorf Chamber Choir competition and performed in the annual Oregon Bach Festival under the direction of Helmuth Rilling and Matthew Halls. Kathy has had the joy of performing as a soloist in Handel’s Messiah with the Southwest Symphony and has received recognition in concerto and aria competitions. Kathy lives in Cedar City and enjoys mountain biking and hiking when she’s not making music.
Mary Illions Wilde has been a member of the St. George Chamber Singers since its second season. She previously sang with the Minnesota Chorale, World Voices, and the Radio Choir for NPR. She has had the opportunity to participate in many musical productions, such as Verdi’s Aida, Mahler’s Symphonies, and world premier pieces composed and conducted by Eric Whitacre. Wilde has also done solo performances and recordings, including a series at Grace Episcopal Church benefitting the community soup kitchen. She and her husband are parents to eight sons, who also enjoy and actively participate in music. Professionally, Dr. Wilde is a pediatrician and owner of Imagine Pediatrics.