Peggy Aerisolphal has been a member of DMVAE for 17 years. She is also an alto section leader for the Cathedral Church of St. Paul. Peggy shares the same hometown, Hastings, NE, as two other members of the Vocal Arts Ensemble. She graduated from Benedictine College in Atchison, KS with a degree in Elementary Education. Now in her 37th year of teaching, Peggy currently teaches Kindergarten at Hubbell Elementary School. She has two married children living in the Des Moines area with her two grandchildren.

Amy Anderson joined DMVAE as a soprano in 2011. Despite growing up in a very small Iowa town, she had the opportunity to begin private voice lessons with soprano Rosemary Gast at age 12. Amy continued in Gast's studio for ten years, including four years at Wartburg College, where she earned a music degree and sang with the Wartburg Choir under Dr. Paul Torkelson. Following a year of volunteer work with AmeriCorps for an arts-based youth organization in Seattle, Amy moved back to Iowa to pursue an MA in School Counseling. She currently works as a 6th grade counselor for the Southeast Polk school district. Amy has been a lifelong accompanist of church choirs and soloists, and playing piano is one of her favorite pastimes, along with reading, trying new restaurants, and traveling to see family and friends.

Jennifer Beach-Buda, a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University, studied voice in college. She sang with the Masterwork Chorus in the greater New York City area with many performances given at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. After moving to Des Moines and starting a family she enjoyed singing in the chorus of Des Moines Metro Opera productions and in DMMO Guild fundraisers. She was a frequent soloist with the Des Moines Choral Society and St. Paul's Music Academy and is one of the original Howells Scholars at St. Paul's Cathedral in Des Moines. Jennifer has been the soprano section leader at St. Paul's since 1995. She was the soprano in the High Holy Days Quartet at Temple B'nai Jeshurun from 1997 to 2010. Jennifer is DMVAE's web site developer and has served on the board for five years.

Emily Chafa began singing with the Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble during the 2010-2011 season. She also sings in the Plymouth Church Chancel Choir and the Chorale. For many years, Emily was a singing member of the Des Moines Choral Society and served 2 years as President of that organization. During the day, Emily is an administrative law judge for the State of Iowa's Department of Inspections and Appeals. Emily and her husband Brad live in Johnston with their son Shane. She spends her free time attending Shane's baseball and football games and track meets, Iowa Cubs games and enduring Cyclone football. She serves on several nonprofit boards, including the Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus; Proteus, Inc.; the Polk County Bar Association and the Iowa State Bar Association. She occasionally sings the national anthem for Iowa Cubs games and other events.

Erin Davison-Rippey, a Des Moines native, spent her formative years singing in the Des Moines Children’s Chorus. She left Des Moines to study musical theatre at the University of Tulsa, spending two years in Tulsa before her career took a different path. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Metropolitan State in Denver, a master’s degree in Public Administration from Drake University, and works as a program manager at State Public Policy Group. Erin is a member of Westminster Presbyterian where she sings in the Chorale and plays handbells. Her recent vocal performances include solo work in Handel's Messiah and Faure's Requiem and as Lucy Brown in The Threepenny Opera at Westminster, and she performed as the alto soloist in the Des Moines Community Orchestra's 2010 Messiah. Erin has also sung with the Howells Scholars at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, and has been a member of DMVAE since 2010. Erin lives in Beaverdale with her husband Brad.

Lori Fenton is proud to be a native Iowan, having grown up in Sioux City and attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, where she received an Accounting degree and studied voice for two years. Her senior year she participated in the Met Opera auditions in Indianola. She has lived in Des Moines since the fall of 1994 and has held several positions within the Insurance Industry, currently working for Aviva. She is an active member of Westminster Presbyterian church where she sings in the chorale and is a frequent soloist, including most recently Handel's Messiah and Gounod's St. Cecilia Mass. She is also a current member of the Howells Scholars at St. Paul's Cathedral. Outside of singing, Lori enjoys playing handbells, traveling, and reading. Lori joined the ensemble in the fall of 2007 and has served as the ensemble's president since 2009.

Megan Fitzgerald is graduate of Evangel University and has been a member of DMVAE for two seasons. A seasoned performer, involved in stage productions for over fifteen years, Megan also traveled abroad with the Evangel University Concert Choir, singing through the Balkan States of Europe. With a passion for creativity, Megan currently works as a reporter and producer with the Des Moines Register and Photography Assistant with Meredith Corporation. Her all time favorite job is being a full-time mom to a beautiful little girl, named Tenley.

Tim Fitzgerald has been a member of DMVAE for 10 years and serves on the board. He started his musical career as a young boy performing and touring with the YMCA Boys Chorus and Bell Ringers under the direction of Fran and Marlow Cowan. A graduate of Lincoln High, Tim attended Grandview College and studied vocal music. Tim has sung with many churches in the Des Moines area, including Plymouth Congregational, Westminster Presbyterian, St. Luke's, Highland Park Presbyterian, St. Ambrose, and the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, also singing with the Howells Scholars under the direction of Carol Stewart. Tim has also participated in clinics with Robert Sundt, Ken Fleet, Weston Noble, Matt Oltman, Moses Hogan, and John Rutter. Tim had the pleasure of singing with Andy Williams, Simon Estes, Dave Brubeck and his Quartet, and in the "Star Wars" chorus with the Des Moines Symphony.

Jade Fox joined DMVAE as a soprano in the spring of 2009. She graduated from Simpson College in 2008 with a Music Education degree and currently teaches K-5 General Music in Urbandale and directs the adult choir at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in West Des Moines. She also has a private oboe and voice studio. She is currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Choral Music Education at the University of St. Thomas. Although music is a huge part of her life, she enjoys kickboxing, riding horses, and running, although not simultaneously, and has high aspirations to go skydiving before she turns 30. She lives with her adorable cat, Lucy, who is mildly obese and has an obsession with flickering lights (and yes, lives WITH the cat, as Lucy thinks she is head of household).

Mary Giese is an alto with DMVAE.

Paul Hayes is a member of the bass section and has sung in the Ensemble since 1991. Prior to that he sang in the Society of Orpheus and Bacchus. A CPA and investment manager, Paul enjoys the opportunity to do something very different from his day job. "Rehearsals are a learning experience . . . Concerts are an opportunity to share with family, friends and the community."

Erik Horak-Hult has been a member of the DMVAE since 2006. He holds music degrees from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN as well as the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Erik is a Training Specialist employed in the Learning & Performance division of Allied Insurance in Des Moines. In his free time (besides DMVAE) he enjoys serving as piano accompanist to his wife, soprano Jennifer Horak-Hult, and spending time with his two children.

Sue Hoss has been singing with DMVAE since her arrival in Des Moines 13 years ago. Originally a soprano, she had to agree to sing alto in order to join, but has enjoyed herself so much she's hasn't left the section, except for a few occasions when she's been asked to sing "up" a few notches. Originally from California, Sue went to college in Minnesota, sang with the Gustavus Choir, and has made it her mission to sing wherever she has lived (including Tokyo, Japan). Sue is currently a writer, editor, cook, recipe developer and business owner and the "mother" (also known as the buyer of the food) of two cats.

John Kelly received music degrees from the College of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN and the University of Iowa. He has taught in high school and college, and has directed the Keesler (AFB) Male Chorus, MS, 314th Air Division Male Chorus, Osan, Korea, Des Plaines Park District Senior Citizens' Chorus, IL, Heartland Singers, Mitchellville, IA, River City Mixed Chorus, Omaha, Des Moines Men's Chorus, Za-Ga-Zig Shrine Chanters, Des Moines, Des Moines Concert Singers, church choirs in Chicago, Altoona, Ames, and Des Moines, and was music director for Timberlake Playhouse, Mt. Carroll, IL. He has also directed several musicals including Trial by Jury, Company, South Pacific, Bye Bye Birdie, and Guys and Dolls. He has sung with several choruses including the Des Moines Choral Society and the Drake University Community Chorus. John joined DMVAE in 2011.

Anita Lindfield - I have been a member of Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble for ten years. I have a BM from Bethany College, Lindsborg, Kansas and an MST from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. I taught elementary music in the Des Moines Public Schools district for 35 years. I am also a member of Des Moines Choral Society and Plymouth Congregational Church chancel choir in Des Moines, Iowa. I am enjoying retirement subbing for music teachers and working in guest services at the Des Moines Civic Center.

Sarah McDougal is a member of the soprano section and has sung with DMVAE since 2004. A lifelong musician, Sarah minored in voice and violin at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She currently sings with the Chancel Choir and Chorale at Plymouth Congregational Church and is also a member of the Howells Scholars at St Paul’s Cathedral. Outside of singing, Sarah enjoys a career at The Principal Financial Group, Husker football and living in Beaverdale with her cat Tosca. Sarah has been on the DMVAE board for five years and currently serves as Secretary.

Dan Montgomery   Prompted by the message in the movie "The Bucket List," Dan Montgomery joined DMVAE three years ago. A member of St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, Dan sings in the choir there and serves as cantor. In college, many long years ago, he sang at Iowa State University. A lawyer with a small company in downtown Des Moines, Dan and his wife Jana, have two children in college, Ned and Lucy. They live in Clive.

Shawn Mullen is in his third season with the DMVAE. As a percussion performance major at Drake University, he graduated with a degree in music business. After completing a two-year management internship with the Des Moines Symphony, he went on to serve as Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Louisville Orchestra in Louisville, KY for two and a half seasons. Returning to his hometown of Hastings, Nebraska, in 1985 to join his family’s business, he was active as principal percussionist and was a board member of the Hastings Symphony Orchestra. Since returning to Des Moines in 1987, he been active as a member and musician at Grace United Methodist Church. He currently serves as chair of DMVAE’s marketing committee and is in his second year as a member of the board. Shawn is also an active Rotarian and serves on the board of the Rotary Club of Des Moines.

Jon-Philip Olson, Director of Music and Worship Arts at Grace United Methodist Church, has been a church music director for the past thirteen years. He holds both the Bachelor of Music and Master of Music from Oklahoma City University. He also studied Musical Theater at The Boston Conservatory and is a Certified Director of Music in the United Methodist Church. He is a member of The American Choral Director's Association, The Fellowship of United Methodists in Music and Worship Arts, The American Guild of Organists, Chorister's Guild, and The Handbell Musicians Guild. In addition to church music and worship arts, Jon is also an accomplished musical theater actor having been in over 100 plays and musicals. Jon has been a member of Oklahoma City's Symphonic Chorus, Canterbury Choral Society and has sung with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic. Jon has been an Adjunct Instructor of Voice and Class Voice at Bossier Parish Community College in Bossier City, LA and Director of Music Ministries at Asbury United Methodist Church.

Carol Palmer became a member of DMVAE in 2010. She is an audience favorite at many local theaters around town having appeared in over 40 musicals since the early 80's. Carol and her husband, Dan Chase, are professional actors for Jest Murder Mysteries and perform in a five state area. She is a regular singer with the Howells Scholars at St. Paul’s and currently works at Principal Financial Group. Carol and Dan have a 16 year old daughter, Madeline, who is also a singer/actress.

Pat Palmer has been singing with DMVAE since 2004. Pat attended Luther College and sang in the Nordic choir. She completed her bachelor of music education at Drake and taught vocal music in the DMPS for 26 years. During that time she sang in the Plymouth Chancel choir for many years. She and her husband live in West Des Moines and have one daughter, Brooke.

Julia Preseau began choral singing and private voice study during her high school and University of Michigan years. While living in Germany in the 1990s, she intensified her pursuit of vocal music, studying with Margaret Peckham and singing in the Choir of Christ the King Frankfurt, with opportunities for major solo work and choral performances in Dresden, Amsterdam, and Rome. She has since sung with eight groups in Michigan and New Jersey, most with a small ensemble, a cappella, and/or early music focus (Ann Arbor Grail Singers, Jefferson Street Chorale, Arbor Consort, and Harmonium’s Chamber Singers) as well as continuing private study and solo work. Before even arriving in Iowa, Fall 2009, Julia was pleased to find DMVAE with the aid of connections in the East Coast vocal music community, including a link between her NJ choir (Harmonium) and DMVAE, each having commissioned parts of the same work by Des Moines composer Ben Allaway. (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5159728 This NPR story about choral singing closes to Julia’s solo line in a NJ Harmonium concert.)

Earl Sides has been with the Vocal Arts Ensemble from 1991-93 and 1994-present as assistant conductor and a member of the bass section. A graduate of La Porte City (IA) High School, Earl received a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa and a Master of Music degree in choral conducting from Drake University. He has sung with the Luther College Nordic Choir, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Metropolitan Chorale, Drake Choir, Drake University-Community Chorus, Des Moines Choral Society and Howells Scholars. He served as conductor of the Fort Dodge Choral Society from 1989-1993 and the Knoxville Community Chorus from 2002-2004, as well as numerous church choirs. Earl has worked at Cokesbury Bookstore in Des Moines since 1998 and currently lives in Des Moines with his wife, Kathy, and their four children.

Adam Skog - My name is Adam Skog, I attended Simpson College where I studied music education and participated in a very challenging performance schedule. While at Simpson I studied under Tim McMillin, it was there I forged the relationship that transferred over to being a part of DMVAE.

Chuck Smith is an actuary and worked for Principal Financial Group for many years. He attended Oberlin College in Ohio where he sang with the Oberlin College Choir. Since moving to Des Moines he has been singing bass in the Plymouth Congregational Church Chancel Choir and Chorale. He joined DMVAE in 2004. He is the Treasurer for the Ensemble and a member of the Board. In his spare time he enjoys jogging, ballroom dancing, piloting airplanes, and traveling.

Paul Stageberg has been a choral singer since childhood, growing up in a Lutheran church with a strong choral tradition. He currently sings with the St. John's Lutheran Cathedral Choir in addition to the Vocal Arts Ensemble. He has also sung with the Howells Scholars and Des Moines Choral Society. In his professional life he holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice Administration and is Administrator of the Division of Criminal and Juvenile Justice Planning in the Iowa Department of Human Rights.

Susie Stageberg has been singing in choirs since her school days in Champaign, Illinois. She moved to Des Moines in 1988 and has had the privilege of singing with several choral groups in Central Iowa. She currently serves as soprano section leader in the St. John's Lutheran Church Cathedral Choir. She has also sung with the Howells Scholars and the Des Moines Choral Society. Her "day job" is as a reader advisor for the Iowa Department for the Blind. Susie lives in Clive with her husband, tenor Paul Stageberg, their children, and her Seeing Eye dog Camden.

Karl Stratemeyer has a degree in music education from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa and is a first year member of DMVAE. Currently he works at Nationwide Insurance in Information Technology and resides in Johnston Iowa. He enjoys music, working out, theatre, concerts and sports.

Becky Strope has been a member of DMVAE since January 2008. She currently serves as Vice President of the ensemble's board of directors and chairs the fundraising committee. She has been singing in auditioned and unauditioned ensembles of various types and sizes since second grade, from premier chamber ensembles to 100-voice community ensembles. She spends her days working as an administrative assistant for Kiesling Associates, LLP, a public accounting firm in West Des Moines. She is an active leader in the music and discipleship ministries at her church and is an avid reader and sports fan.

Lori Theilen has been singing with DMVAE for 14 years. She is a graduate of UNI, initially studying voice as a major. She has sung with several groups at Carnegie Hall. She has also been doing solo and small group work at Faith Lutheran Church in Clive for 20 years. She has sung with Des Moines Choral Society. Lori currently works at Principal Financial Group and enjoys spending time with her two dogs, CiCi and JoJo.

Garrett Thielking sings in the bass section and has been a member of DMVAE since 2009.

Gloria Thielking is a founding member of DMVAE which performed their first concert in the spring of 1991. Over the years, Gloria has served as treasurer, librarian, and is still on numerous committees. Before DMVAE, she was also an original member of the Des Moines Choral Society in 1979. She has also enjoyed singing in the chorus of several productions with the Des Moines Metro Opera. In real life, Gloria and her husband, Armin, have two adult sons, Garrett and Aaron. She is a physician assistant at Heartland Dermatology.

Mark Truesdell, an attorney at a Des Moines law firm, is a wannabe tenor who has morphed over the years into a wannabe baritone. Mark has sung in the Westmar Chorale at Westmar College, LeMars, then the Chorus at the University of Iowa, where he took both his academic degrees. He and his wife Cathy have resided for thirty-four years in Des Moines, where Mark has sung with several church choirs, the Des Moines Choral society and the pop quartet “Octangle.” A supporter of the choral arts, Mark is an alumnus of the Board of the Des Moines Children’s Choruses, where he served as Chair of the first Des Moines International Children’s Choir Festival and the Board of Carol Stewart’s Alliance for Arts and Understanding.

Tim Vermillion grew up in Omaha and studied piano. As a 5th grader, he became piano accompanist for the school orchestra and choir. Tim did not take singing seriously until inspired by a great high school choir director, Dr. Jim Elsberry. Since then, he has sung with many ensembles and choirs, and presently sings for four local congregations. Between rehearsals, he sometimes finds time for his engineering career. Tim and wife, Bobbie live in Des Moines. They have four married children and 8 grandchildren.

Lauren Walters has been a member of DMVAE since August 2008. She grew up in a very musical family in Cedar Rapids and continues to sing whenever she gets the chance. She graduated from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa with a degree in Vocal Music Education. Currently, she is the K-5 vocal music teacher at Walnut Hills Elementary in the Waukee school district and teaches piano on the side. In the summer, she keeps busy with lots of reading, walking on the many trails near her home and enjoys having time to herself. After all, summers are the best part of being a teacher.