Lavender Calhoun, mezzo-soprano, is from Detroit and is currently studying Computer Science at Wayne State University. The youngest member of the Choir, she has been singing with the Chancel Choir since May of 2023. She enjoys drawing and painting in her free time.

Kurt Frank, bass, earned a Master of Music degree in vocal performance from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Business Administration and Finance from Eastern Michigan University. Kurt has sung over 70 different operas at the Detroit Opera House; for the past 18 years he has sung at The Henry Ford Museum, and has been singing at the Kirk since 2014. Hobbies include remodeling, gardening, cooking, writing poetry, fitness, stock analysis, and training his bunny Chewy and dog Charlie.

Regis Haynes, tenor, is from Detroit and attended the University of Michigan, where he studied Choral Music Education. He teaches at a National Academies School named Great Oaks Academy, and is pursuing a masters in higher education administration at the University of Michigan. He has been singing at the Kirk since 2022.

Leslie Mason, spinto soprano, is based in Detroit and regularly appears with Opera MODO and Detroit Opera. Leslie holds a Masters of Music in vocal performance from Bowling Green State University and a Bachelor of Music in vocal performance from Eastern Michigan University. Leslie also performs classic jazz with her husband Jesse. They have four children who, according to Jesse, “have their mother’s pipes.” Leslie is a private voice instructor of nearly 30 wonderful students and has also enjoyed spending the past 12 summers on the voice faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp teaching young students about singing and opening their hearts through sound. She has sung at the Kirk since the fall of 2022.

Daniel Paradowski, baritone, was born and raised in the Detroit area, Daniel has been singing at the Kirk since 2004. He graduated from the University of Michigan in 1998 with a bachelors in music. Daniel sang a few seasons with the Detroit Opera before the birth of his fourth son in 2007. Daniel enjoys cooking, reading, and loves being in church or with his family. Daniel leads the choir in the Chorister’s Prayer after each Thursday rehearsal and is always ready to pray with or for anyone at any time.

Keith Peters, tenor, is married to Martha with three wonderful children.  He graduated from Michigan State with a degree in Liberal Arts; Keith played the tuba in marching band and sang in the choir. He has an MBA from University of Detroit.  Keith worked in financial reporting before becoming a stay-at-home parent. Currently a Trustee at the Kirk, Keith recently chaired the organ committee. He has sung in the Chancel Choir since 2008. Keith spent so much time on the organ project at the Kirk, that he learned to play the organ.

Judith Premin, Soprano - grew up in Fenton, MI.  Judy began studying music at Western Michigan University and transferred to the University of Michigan graduating with a Bachelor of Music in voice performance and Music Education, followed by a masters in vocal performance at U of M.  She taught in Mt. Clemens, Dearborn and Wayne-Westland Community Schools.  Judy has also been a staff singer at St. John's in Detroit, St. Colette in Livonia, as well as First Presbyterian church, Birmingham, and has been at the Kirk since 2012. Judy has an Airedale that rules the other 15 dogs Judy owns, which makes daily walks a challenge.

May Wang, soprano, was born in China and grew up in a city called Dalian.  May has sung with the Chancel Choir since 2020. She studied Computer Science and is a Healthcare IT Admin. May is choir mom to most of the choir and keeps us all in line.

Diane Kay Wheeler, soprano, received a B.S. in Accounting from Indiana University, as well as a B.M.E. in Music Education with concentrations in piano and organ from Indiana. She sang with the Chancel Choir for five years previously and has recently returned. Diane loves to travel and is currently building a canoe so that she can travel solo around the world.

Chantel Woodard, soprano, grew up in Detroit. She earned a B.M. in Music Performance from Virginia State University, an M.M. in Voice Performance from Wayne State University and has been singing at the Kirk since September of 2021. Her interests include weightlifting and gardening. She has performed the Witch from Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel and Madame de la Haltiere from Massanet’s Cendrillon. Chantel has an infectious laugh which can cause others around her to laugh so hard their insides cramp up and they can’t function for an hour. A dangerous skill, to be sure.