Meet Espressivo!
John Weatherspoon - Artistic Director/Co-Founder
With a teaching career spanning over thirty years, John Weatherspoon’s impact on the music community cannot be overstated. For thirty years, he has served as choral director at Lake Worth Community High School. His greatest joy in teaching is to foster connections between his students and music. He has conducted honors choruses, acted as both an adjudicator and a clinician, and currently serves as the Artistic Director of Espressivo. He holds a bachelor's degree from Southeastern Louisiana University, a master's degree from Florida Atlantic University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Kentucky. He and his wife, Althea, whom he claims is responsible for helping him to come out of his shell, have four incredible children who help fill their home with laughter. John has also served our country in the United States Marine Corps.
Steven Fabian - Pianist
Steven has been playing classical piano since 1993 and has lately been studying the style of early 1700s classical composers (no pedal, for any music enthusiasts out there). He went to Florida Atlantic University in 2001, and he has hopes to return to school at Barry University for continued learning of the great classical masterpieces within the next few years. A graduate of Lake Worth Community High School, Steven has been working with John Weatherspoon (albeit with a 7 year hiatus from graduating) for over 23 years. He has worked with Espressivo for quite a few years, as well as helping out with the Lake Worth High School chorus program accompanying. He wishes to thank his family for their continued support, and would like to acknowledge the singers of Espressivo for their amazing dedication to singing as an art form.
Rana Agaoglu - Alto
To follow her passion of studying and teaching music, Rana Agaoglu moved to the United States from Turkey in 2005. After completing her internship with John Weatherspoon at Lake Worth High School, she received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Florida Atlantic University, and is presently pursuing her Master of Music Education degree from Mississippi State University. Currently she is enjoying her position as the Choral Director of Santaluces High School and teaches private lessons in the central Palm Beach County area. Rana is an active member of American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, Florida Music Education Association, and Florida Vocal Association. She is also a professional photographer focusing on nature and landscape photography.
Brett Bailey - Tenor
Brett has sung with Espressivo since 2021. He is the choral director at Wellington Landings Middle School, was previously the director of choirs at Emerald Cove Middle School from 2012-2024, and he directed the Quail Ridge Chorus from 2016-2020. Among his achievements are a GRAMMY-nominated recording with Seraphic Fire and the Professional Choral Institute. Outside of singing, Brett is an avid runner and aspiring home chef. He lives in Royal Palm Beach with his beautiful children Grant and Quinn.
Jessica Beauleaux - Alto/Soprano
Jessica has sung with Espressivo since 2022. She currently serves as the music specialist at Pine Grove Elementary School. Before teaching in Palm Beach County, Jessica spent her first two years as a music educator in Hillsborough County. Her favorite memory was being able to perform at Carnegie Hall with Espressivo in June of 2023!
Fiona Begley - Soprano
Fiona joined Espressivo in 2024 to reconnect with her passion for music. A lifelong student of the Palm Beach County School District, she spent her entire K-12 education in chorus and loved every second of it-- from All State to musical theatre productions and everything in between! After completing her multidisciplinary Bachelor's in Fine Arts at Florida State University, Fiona returned to Palm Beach County as a teacher of the digital arts. Aside from music, Fiona is a passionate animator, game designer, and illustrator who loves all creatures big and small.
Brittany Burnett - Alto
Brittany Burnett first joined Espressivo in 2020. She has a bachelor degree in Music Education from Palm Beach Atlantic University and studied voice under Dr. Moon-Sook Park. Brittany spent four years teaching elementary music at Atlantic Christian Academy. She has held the role of music director for several musicals, been the director of her school's elementary concert choir and led music for chapel. Brittany enjoys working with her students in extracurricular activities and has also been involved in coaching various sports after school. Brittany has been a teacher for seven years total and currently teaches 5th/6th grade history. She has always had a deep love for music and is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this group.
Bonnie Butterfield - Alto (Vice President)
Bonnie Butterfield, originally from Virginia, has truly enjoyed making Florida her home. She is the chorus director at Watson B. Duncan Middle School in Palm Beach Gardens. One of her favorite things about the job is watching students grow from beginning musicians to capable and mature ones in just a few years. She also teaches Vocal Technique through the choice program at her school. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree at Bridgewater College in Virginia, and her Masters of Education at Auburn University. She has loved being part of this group since its inception and continues to learn and grow as a singer. She loves the beach, going to shows, exploring Florida, and spending time with her daughter, Violet, and husband, Matt.
Catherine Briggs - President and Co-Founder
As an impetus of the conceptual group that founded Espressivo, Catherine is driven by a desire to produce quality choral music. After graduating with her bachelor's degree, she went on to pursue a master's degree in Choral Conducting through Florida Atlantic University and received her Kodaly certification at Silver Lake College. Catherine is the choral director at Bak Middle School of the Arts, and previously served as the choral director at West Boca Raton Community High School and adjunct music education faculty at Florida Atlantic University. Catherine enjoys both the joys and challenges of her profession. Catherine serves as President on the Espressivo Board of Directors.
Kallina Chin - Alto
Kallina Chin joined Espressivo in 2023, relocating from Orlando, Florida to Palm Beach. She currently serves as the Chorus Director at Oxbridge Academy. Her academic journey includes the completion of both a Bachelors and Masters in Music Education from the Florida State University. Whether in a classroom setting or one-on-one, Kallina prides herself in making every student feel comfortable and valued for their differences, while developing confidence through mastering techniques. Her students have been seen actively performing in the community, competitions, and on stage at the Dubai Opera. Her deep enthusiasm for cultural enrichment has led her to teach music abroad in international schools in Seoul, South Korea, and most recently in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Monica Ciudad-Real - Soprano
Monica Ciudad-Real was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. She studied the piano starting at age 7, and proceeded through the Royal Conservatory of Music Program by completing performance and written exams, receiving her Piano Performance Diploma at age 18. Monica also played (and loved) the alto sax in the High School Concert and Jazz bands, but chose to study the piano at University. She started her Music Education degree in Ontario, but transferred to the University of Miami. Later, she received her Masters of Arts in Piano Pedagogy from Florida Atlantic University. Monica has been involved in teaching music her entire adult life. She expanded the chorus and keyboard programs while teaching at Miami Lakes Middle. She has played concerts, performed in churches, and accompanied regional Honor Choirs and professionals, as well as hundreds of Solo and Ensemble high school and Middle School students throughout the years. For 20 years now, she has been teaching music at Pine Crest School in Boca Raton. Monica loves instilling the joy and excitement of music into her students and welcomes opportunities to be creative in her work. In January of 2022, Monica accompanied the All-State Elementary Chorus in Tampa, which was a thrill and a career highlight!
Kaleb Coicou - Baritone
Kaleb Coicou is the Choral Director at Congress Community Middle School in Boynton Beach, FL. Mr. Coicou has a Bachelor’s degree in Music with a performance concentration, a Bachelors of Science Degree in Health Science from the University of South Florida, in Tampa, FL, and is currently pursuing a Master of Music Education degree from Mississippi State University. Kaleb began singing when he was 5 and knew even then that it was an innate gift given to him. Kaleb grew up primarily singing in church where he was able to grow in his gift and he has not stopped singing. With the encouragement of his family, church, and a college professor; after several back and forth degree changes, Kaleb went on to pursue a degree in music. Kaleb performs professionally and has been able to have noteworthy experiences and opportunities which include singing at Busch Gardens, Disney World’s Epcot, St. Petersburg Opera, and now he sings with Palm Beach Opera. Kaleb has sung on a Florida Tour with Josh Groban twice and has sung the National Anthem for the Tampa Bay Rays. Kaleb indulges himself into his craft and stays very busy. Additionally, Kaleb directs his church choir and teaches vocal lessons. Kaleb is a proud member of the Florida Music Education Association, and the Florida Vocal Association. A fun fact about Kaleb is that he has over 20 cousins, many of whom who are in involved in music and singing. Kaleb is excited to be singing in concert with Espressivo.
Ron DeStefano - Tenor
Ron is in the Florida music scene "snowbird-style" after spending the last 25 years based solely in New York City. He has sung with Espressivo since 2022. Born in Clewiston and raised in Royal Palm Beach, he found his way into choral music as an eager student at Cardinal Newman, earning gas money by working three church services every Sunday (two as a professional chorister at Bethesda-By-The-Sea in Palm Beach and afternoons accompanying the youth choir at St. Rita's Church in Wellington). Private lessons with former Dreyfoos educator Arlene Sparks led to acceptance at Florida State University, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa with degrees in Vocal Music and Chemistry. On the national stage, Ron appeared opposite Academy Award nominee Theodore Bikel in the Broadway tour of Fiddler on the Roof, and his acting resumé includes roles at some of the most well-reputed venues in the US including New York City's Lincoln Center (Babes in Toyland), Connecticut's Goodspeed Opera House (No, No, Nanette) and New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse (Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella). His current endeavors include running two entertainment companies: EPIC Arts Management (a talent agency) and Extraordinary Performers In Concert, a production house responsible for four acts familiar to South Florida audiences - Two on Tap, Shades of Bublé, NYC3, and Bachelors of Broadway.
Madeline Florence - Alto
Madeline currently serves as the music teacher at West Riviera Elementary School, where she is the proud conductor of her “Mustang Musicians.” Born and raised in the Palm Beach County School District, she is happy to be back after graduating to sing with the amazing singers of Espressivo. During her time in college, Madeline participated in a variety of ensembles: the University Singers, where she was able to tour in France, as well as a barbershop quartet she created with her sisters in Sigma Alpha Iota. Madeline is excited to continue her musical journey back in her hometown.
Karen Fowler - Soprano
Karen was born and raised on Long Island, New York. She enjoyed singing in the Church Choir and Community Singing Groups in her home town. Karen received a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education from SUNY Geneseo. Karen moved to Palm Beach County in 1984. She received a Master’s Degree in Special Education from Florida Atlantic University. Karen has worked for the Palm Beach County School District since her move to Florida and is currently a Special Education Coordinator for the district. Karen met her husband, Steve, while singing in a local Community Group. They have been married since 1989 and have 2 grown sons. They both started singing with Espressivo in January 2022. Karen continues to enjoy singing, she sang 12 years at Bethesda-by-the-Sea and has sung with the United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches since 2000. She is thrilled to have joined this group of wonderful people and to have the chance to grow as a singer.
Steven Fowler - Tenor
Born and raised in Palm Beach County, Steven began studying piano at age 6 and was active in chorus, band and orchestra programs growing up. He performed with Robert Shaw and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus on numerous occasions while earning a Bachelors in Music Education in Choral Music degree from Florida State University. He has sung with the Master Chorale of South Florida, and has sung professionally for Palm Beach Opera and various local churches. He and his wife, fellow Espressivo singer Karen, have two sons and live in Wellington. He enjoys reading, bonsai and playing golf.
James Gedge - Tenor
James H. Gedge has enjoyed a musical journey of over 60 years. Born in Rochester Minnesota, he was mentored under the musical skills of Lloyd Ketterling, Roy Brottland, Bonnie and Kenneth Fenton, Sister Sixtus and Gerald Near. He graduated Lawrence University Conservatory of Music in Voice Performance (Mari Tanaguchi, James Ming and Kenneth Bozeman) and later, a master's degree in Education from Queens College, New York. Mr. Gedge was a professional Actor until 1988 (Broadway, Radio City, National Tours, Regional Theatres, Dinner Theatres) and then began a 30-year career teaching Choral Music, Dramatics Programs and Music for Special Needs students in the Eastchester School District, New York. Mr. Gedge was the Assistant Music Director for the New York City Gay Men's Chorus under Gary Miller, Barry Oliver, Jeffrey Maynard and Charlie Beale and is featured on numerous recordings of the chorus. He made his conducting debut at Carnegie Hall in 1996 as well as performed on "America's Got Talent" with the group. In 1998, James was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study Music Education in Japan; he collaborated with the Metropolitan Student Education Program and the Lincoln Center Artists Program during his tenure in Eastchester. James continues to sing in churches, (Scola Cantorum @ St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Delay) at the PBO in the chorus on occasion, and sings frequently for weddings and funerals. James met his husband, Michael in 1990 and they love being snowbirds along with their beloved yellow Labrador, Princess Grace Jelly.
Carmen Gonzalez - Alto
After graduating from Florida Atlantic University in the Fall of 2022, Carmen joined Espressivo in the Spring of 2023. She presently serves as the choral director at Lake Worth Middle School. As a lifelong lover of music and learning, Carmen finds joy in singing alongside the many teachers who inspired her to pursue a career in music education. When she's not making music, Carmen enjoys spending time with her loved ones. From kayaking to baking, she views life as an adventure that has just begun.
Elisa Hallilely - Soprano
Elisa has been singing since she could speak, however, her first choral experience took place in high school where she had the privilege of being selected for All State as well as Honor Choir. Elisa briefly studied at The University of Alabama where she was honored to sing with University Singers, a premier audition only vocal ensemble under the direction of John Ratledge. Elisa completed her degree in Music Therapy at Florida State University. Since her graduation in 2011, she has worked in South Florida as a music therapist in hospice and palliative care. She founded the music therapy program at MorseLife Hospice and Palliative Care in 2019 where she currently serves as Manager of Bereavement and Integrative Therapies. Outside of her love of music, she also enjoys kayaking, snorkeling, and spending time with her family. She is grateful to have found her musical community in Espressivo.
Lauren Healey - Soprano
Lauren has had a lifelong passion for music, performing with various choirs throughout her education in the Palm Beach County school district, including notable performances at National ACDA and Carnegie Hall, as well as being a member of the Palm Beach Opera Studio. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music and German from Florida State University in 2021, where she sang with the prestigious FSU Chamber Choir (2020-2021). Following her graduation from FSU, Lauren pursued a career in hospitality and is currently an Event Planning Manager at The Singer Oceanfront Resort. She is excited to continue expressing her passion for choral singing with Espressivo!
Scott Houchins - Tenor
Scott A. Houchins has sung with Espressivo since 2019. He is a 20+ year veteran of teaching in Palm Beach County, and has been the Director of Choral Activities at Palm Beach Central High School for 20 years. An active clinician and adjudicator, Mr. Houchins teaches Voice and Piano privately. He also serves as the Director of the Palm Beach Coastmen Chorus, a chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Scott holds both the Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Arts in Educational Leadership degrees from Palm Beach Atlantic University in West Palm Beach, FL. He has also studied at Florida State University, Palm Beach State College, and Florida Atlantic University. From 2004-2006, Mr. Houchins served as District Chair for District 14 of the Florida Vocal Association, and in 2011, he conducted the High School District Honor Choir at the Spotlight on Young Musicians at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. He is happily married to his high school sweetheart, Diana. Together they have three wonderful, grown children - Alexandria, Jessica, and Joshua.
Dawn Hutchins - Alto
Dawn, a Florida native, was raised in the John I. Leonard music program. She worked as a percussionist in the band and served as a student leader/section leader and soloist in chorus. With a heavy background in church music, Dawn sang in various choirs and ensembles and toured throughout the South with family and ensembles. She eventually became a choir director/worship leader for several area churches. Dawn still sings in various ensembles. Dawn has an Associate of Arts Degree in Biology from Palm Beach State College and a Bachelor's Degree in History from Florida Atlantic University. She then earned a Master of Arts in Early American History, with an emphasis on Indian Removal, the study of the early American family, and Early Republic America. Dawn, thereafter, worked as the historian for the Seminole Tribe of Florida's Tribal Historic Preservation Office. She is currently on sabbatical as a PhD student at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville where she explores Native American removal on the Trail of Tears. She has published several academic articles, book chapters, and writes encyclopedia entries for academic compilations. She also finds her passion in teaching students at Palm Beach State College and Palm Beach Atlantic University, tutoring students from elementary to college in many subjects, and proofreading/editing. Richard and Dawn have homeschooled their nine children and have five grandchildren. Dawn enjoys reading, intellectual challenges, is an avid South Florida sports fan, and anything family-related! This is Dawn's seventh season with Espressivo.
Richard Hutchins - Bass
A Florida native, Richard was raised in the Lake Worth music system from middle through high school. He was involved in band as a percussionist, bassist, and pianist. He was also a member of chorus and the show choir. Richard is an alumni of Lake Worth High School. He then pursued his college degree in General Education at Palm Beach State College with an emphasis on jazz instrumental ensembles. He now plays piano, keyboard, and bass at various Palm Beach County churches. Richard sings bass for Espressivo and is finishing up his eighth season with the ensemble. His passion is for family time and the loves the great outdoors! He enjoys hunting, fishing, and teaching the younger generation proper wildlife conservation and hunger safety. He is married to fellow Espressivo member, Dawn, and they have nine children and four grandchildren together.
John Kelly - Baritone
Born in Syracuse, New York, John started singing and playing trumpet in third grade and has played the male lead in many musicals throughout his life. John has performed with several barbershop quartets and male acapella groups. In college, he sang with Hendrick’s Chapel Choir (Syracuse University). John has also sung with many other choirs before joining Espressivo, including the Newburyport Choral Society, the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale, the Robert Sharon Chorale, Holy Trinity Church Choir, and the Nova Singers. John is an actuary and enjoys cooking, cycling, chess, fly fishing, and traveling.
Adina Kerr - Alto
Adina Kerr has been a proud member of Espressivo since 2020. She is the Chorus Director at West Boynton Middle School, and previously served as the general music teacher at Citrus Cove Elementary School. She earned her Bachelors of Music in Music Therapy from Immaculata University, in Pennsylvania. She sang in the University Chamber Singers and Choir which traveled the US and Europe. She resides in Boynton Beach with her two amazing children Jake and Ryleigh.
Alex Kovalsky - Baritone (Secretary/Webmaster)
Alex Kovalsky is the Chorus Director and Fine Arts department chair at Spanish River High School where he teaches chorus, keyboard, and AP music theory. Additionally, Alex is a Teaching Artist for the De George Academy for Performing Arts in West Palm Beach, and has previously taught at both the elementary and middle school levels. Alex serves as coordinator for the Palm Beach County District Honor Choir and Spotlight on Young Musicians, and has served as a coordinator for the American Choral Directors Association honor choirs at both regional and national levels. In 2024, Alex was named the inaugural Educator of the Year by the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. He is an active pianist, has served as a Florida Vocal Association adjudicator throughout the state, and has presented professional development sessions for the School District of Palm Beach County, Florida Music Education Association, and Florida chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. Alex holds a Master of Music degree from Kansas State University and a Bachelor of Music Education degree with a minor in Spanish from the University of Montevallo. Alex resides with his amazing wife, and fellow Espressivo member, Katie, and their sons Aaron and Eli, in Greenacres. Alex has sung with Espressivo since 2013, and is grateful for the privilege of making music with so many talented individuals.
Katie Kovalsky - Soprano (Librarian)
Katie Kovalsky is the music teacher at Royal Palm Beach Elementary School, where she teaches general music, handbells, and chorus classes to students in grades K-5. Previously, Katie has been on the faculty of The Conservatory School at North Palm Beach and Turtle River Montessori School, where she taught classes in preschool music, elementary music, junior high band, and junior high choir. Katie has sung with Espressivo since 2014, and credits the collaboration with these accomplished musicians as the main reason for her success as an educator. She was the 2022 recipient of the William T. Dwyer Award for Excellence in Elementary Education. Also an instrumentalist, Katie's primary instrument is the clarinet, and she has also performed on the bassoon, saxophone, and flute. Katie holds a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Florida and a Bachelor of Music Education degree, summa cum laude, from the University of Montevallo. Katie and her husband, fellow Espressivo member Alex, live in Greenacres, Florida, with their sons Aaron and Eli.
Lucilla Leger - Soprano
Having previously sung in John Weatherspoon’s High School Choir for four years, Lucilla joined Espressivo in the fall of 2023 as a way to continue her love for music and performance. She is currently enrolled at Palm Beach State College and is thrilled to be performing alongside many talented musicians she’s looked up to.
Barbara Louis-Jean - Alto
Barbara has been in choir since middle school. Her most influential experience has been her time at Lake Worth Community High School with John Weatherspoon as her director. She is currently enrolled at Palm Beach State Community College pursuing a bachelor's degree in Literature to become a book editor, and has sung with Espressivo since 2023.
Vanessa Louis-Jean - Soprano
Vanessa has been in chorus since middle school, however her most memorable years were her 4 years at Lake Worth Community High School, being a student under John Weatherspoon. She is currently enrolled at Palm Beach State College. Vanessa is majoring in psychology and plans to pursue a doctorate degree to become a clinical psychologist. Vanessa joined Espressivo in 2023.
Bree Lukosavich - Alto
Bree has studied voice since she was a child and has sung in school, church, and community settings for 30 years. Following her graduation from Nazareth College in Rochester, NY with a Bachelor's degree in Music Therapy, Bree moved to South Florida for an internship in hospice care. With a degree and board certification in Music Therapy and 13 years experience working in medical and community settings, Bree is highly respected for her clinical work as well as her success in creating jobs in the field of creative arts therapies. Bree has served as the co-owner and clinical director of Creative Arts Therapies of the Palm Beaches since 2012, staffing and developing clinical music, art, and drama therapy programs for over 100 organizations throughout South Florida. Bree has also worked as a freelance church musician throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties for 13 years. When not working, Bree enjoys spending time with her husband, 3 children, and golden retriever.
Michael MacMullen - Bass
Michael MacMullen recently retired after over 26 years teaching Choral and Vocal music at Palm Beach State College (and also Department Chair from 2008-2020). Besides teaching voice and directing the Concert Chorus, he formed the vocal jazz ensemble Troubadours, who performed at Carnegie Hall in 2006 as part of a vocal jazz festival. During these years, Michael was active with the Florida State College Activities Association where he was Music representative to the state Executive Council from 2010-2019 and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020. Michael has a BA in Theatre from CSU Long Beach, studied music at CSU Fullerton, and has two Master of Music Degrees from Arizona State University. In California, he sang with the Opera Pacific chorus and Pacific Chorale as well as performing in many musicals with local companies. Since moving to Florida, Michael has sung at Royal Poinciana Chapel, Saint David in the Pines, and Lost Tree Chapel as well as performing with Bel Canto Singers, Florida Philharmonic Chorus, Palm Beach Light Opera, and South Florida Opera (also chorus master). He can currently be seen as announcer for Orchid City Brass Band and Palm Beach Gardens Concert Band as well as singing at St. Luke and St. Matthew’s Catholic Churches. His work as a musical director/accompanist in musical theatre encompasses work in high school, college/university, community, and professional theatre as well as 6 shows at PBSC - including 2 with his wife Lisa, who he first met performing in a production of Bernstein’s Mass. Michael is especially proud of the accomplishments of his many students, who include several current and former members of Espressivo.
James McInnis - Bass
Jim loves to sing and that’s a common thread in his family: His father was the premier soloist in the church choir at Lakeview Baptist Church in Delray Beach, FL for more than twenty five years, as was his uncle at his church near Ocala, FL, and his younger sister has that title at her church in Alabama. Jim sings as much as he can and continually works to improve his skills. He currently sings in the choir at First Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, FL. He also shares his talents with Espressivo. Jim’s other interests include playing golf and taking drum lessons.
Keandra Mentor - Alto
Keandra's passion for music ignited at a very young age. She honed her skills through the Lake Worth Middle and High School music programs, where she sang and played instruments under the direction of Dr. Weatherspoon and Dr. Cox. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Florida Atlantic University in August 2023, Keandra is currently teaching her first year as the Music teacher at North Grade K-8, nurturing the musical talents of elementary and middle school students.
Gloria Morales - Alto
Gloria Morales joined Espressivo in 2024 as a way to connect with the community and continue her love for singing. Gloria is originally from Palm Beach Gardens, Florida and recently graduated from Florida State University. She earned her bachelor's degree in music therapy and completed her clinical internship with MorseLife Hospice and Palliative Care. Gloria is now a board certified music therapist (MT-BC) and works with MorseLife Hospice and Palliative Care providing music therapy services to older adults with cognitive impairments and terminal illnesses. Gloria originally started her journey in music at Dreyfoos School of the Arts, focusing on clarinet studies and performed in various bands and orchestras throughout her high school and college life. Gloria then began playing guitar and taking vocal lessons, her first choir experience being in 2023 through the FSU Women's Glee directed by Kari Adams. Gloria is thrilled to be a part of such a talented group of people!
Lisa Moss - Alto
Choral music has been a big part of life for Lisa, either as an accompanist, singer, or both. She worked for many years as a church musician and while in college participated in University Singers, University Concert Choir, and musical theatre at Auburn University. She received a graduate degree from The University of Alabama before moving to Florida with her husband and two sons. Lisa enjoys working as a collaborative artist with local middle and high school choirs and teaching piano lessons. She serves as a board member of Grace Notes Music Foundation working to provide music education to underserved young people in Palm Beach County.
Nina Motta - Alto
Music has always been a significant part of Nina’s life. Having grown up in a family of accomplished musicians, she studied piano and cello and sang four part harmony with her brothers. They had every Beatles song down pat. Directed by Dr. Lee Kjelson, Nina sang at the University of Miami for 10 years with the Miami Civic Chorale, a large community chorus which performed regularly with the Florida Philharmonic, American Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic, the New World Symphony, Israel Philharmonic, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. She sang with the Dekalb Choral Guild in Atlanta Georgia directed by Dr. William Oliver Baker, The Master Chorale of South Florida, with directors Dr. Michael Schibe and Dr. Joshua Habermann, and The Choral Society of the Palm Beaches directed by Mark Aliapoulous. As part of the founding Palm Beach County chapter of the Threshold Singers, Nina sang with a small a cappella ensemble bringing comfort to the dying in local Hospice centers. In and around singing, Nina was the Administrative Director of an all adult art school in Boca Raton and is a figurative artist as well. As a retired registered nurse, Nina worked in the operating room, recovery room, and as a kidney transplant perfusionist. Nina very happily joined Espressivo on the heels of the pandemic in 2022.
Carlos Plaza - Tenor
Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Carlos obtained his Bachelors of Arts degree in Music from Palm Beach Atlantic University, and his Master’s in Vocal Performance from the Shenandoah Conservatory under the instruction of Dr. Byron Jones. Carlos is currently working as a music educator at
St. Joseph Catholic School and is responsible for the elementary program, the middle school choir, and the St. Joseph Catholic School church choir. In addition, he is also the principal cantor at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles and sings for St. Edwards Catholic Church.
Brianna Repetti - Alto
Brianna grew up in Palm Beach County and currently serves as the Choir Director at her alma mater, Park Vista Community High School. She attended the University of North Florida where she pursued her Bachelors in Music Education. She sang in three different choirs including the UNF Chamber Singers, Osprey Treble Chorus, and UNF Chorale. She is so excited to be in a choral ensemble in Palm Beach County again after graduating in 2022 to continue her passion for singing!
Veronika Rojas - Soprano
Born and raised in South Florida, Veronika is a first-generation Venezuelan-American who has always felt a very strong calling to music from as early as she could talk. She has been studying music for 14 years, studying vocal performance privately at age 9 under the tutelage of Dr. Sally Brown. Aside from being a vocalist, she has played the bassoon and clarinet, participating in ensemble performances in her symphonic bands in middle school and high school. Veronika is currently attending Berklee College of Music, in progress of attaining her Bachelors degree with a focus in music business and performance. During her time on the Boston campus, Veronika has dedicated time to maintaining her skills in classical music, as well as learning more latin and jazz style music. Outside of being a performer, she enjoys visual arts and studies new languages in her free time.
Forest Rose - Tenor
Born in West Palm Beach, a true Florida native, Forest has lived solely in Palm Beach County. His love of music was born in sixth grade when he learned to play the trumpet, enjoying years of participation in marching and concert bands throughout junior and senior high school. Following graduation, an apprenticeship in the electrical trade as a Journeyman Electrician resulted in a sixteen-year gap in his musical career. Ready to return, he switched instruments and joined the choir at First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach (now known as Family Church). That choral experience spanned thirty years, including intensive musical preparation for and participation in the popular Singing Christmas Tree, a South Florida tradition requiring months of rehearsals and more than a dozen performances each season. Singing in the choir on Sundays led to a friendship with John Weatherspoon, who subsequently invited him to join Espressivo. He is honored to be part of this amazing group of "semi-professionals" as a 2021 inductee. When he is not practicing for Espressivo, Forest enjoys helping others with his professional skills as a retired Journeyman Electrician, serving at church, playing golf, bicycling, photography, and nature hikes with his wife, Linda.
Mary Catherine Salo - Alto
Mary Catherine is thrilled to be a part of Espressivo! Originally from Massachusetts, she attended the New England Conservatory of Music, earning degrees in both Applied Voice and Music Education. Her first job was at the Musicana Supper Club right here in West Palm Beach. Dinner theater and national tours followed, eventually leading her to a dream job on the luxury ship, MS Sagafjord. Onboard, she sang, served as the social directress, sailed literally around the world and met her husband, Steve, who was a music teacher and drummer from Fort Lauderdale. After the wedding they returned to Broward County where she began Act 2, as a chorus teacher at Coral Springs High School. She had a wonderful time teaching hundreds of students every year while also continuing to travel with the USYE to concerts in Europe, assisting the Florida Vocal Association in administering music education opportunities for all Florida students and singing at St. Paul’s Delray for the past 30 years. As she begins Act 3 (retirement!) she would like to thank John and all the wonderful board members and singers of Espressivo for welcoming her so graciously to their magical music making!
Sarah Sparrow - Soprano
Sarah has sung with Espressivo since 2021 and believes in sharing fine arts of the highest caliber in one’s community, as a lifestyle and an act of worship. Graduating from East Carolina University (2011) with a BM in Music Therapy, Sarah studied voice with Sharon Munden as a principal concentration and piano with Charles Bath as a minor concentration. She sang under the choral direction of Dr. Daniel Bara with the East Carolina University Chamber singers, who recorded an album with Gothic Records entitled Eternal Light in 2009 and were chosen to perform at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Convention in 2010. Sarah has been a board-certified music therapist since 2012 and is employed at Creative Arts Therapies of the Palm Beaches (CATPB), creating treatment plans utilizing music therapy interventions for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer’s, substance abuse, neurological impairments, medical conditions, and end of life care. Sarah is happily married to a musician and loves reading, cooking, and homeschooling her three children.
Kaitlyn Wallace - Soprano
Kaitlyn Wallace is the Chorus Director at Boca Raton Community High School in Boca Raton, Florida, where she teaches chorus, keyboard, and AP music theory. She did her undergraduate studies in Music Education with a Vocal Concentration at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton and is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, the Florida Music Education Association, the Florida Vocal Association, and the Florida Schools of Music Association. Kaitlyn joined Espressivo in 2023 and had the honor to sing with them at Carnegie Hall. She is absolutely ecstatic to sing with such an incredible group of people and create beautiful music!
Allen Webber - Bass
Mr. Allen Webber was Professor of Music at Palm Beach State College from 1989 to 2024, where he directed the PBSC Concert Chorus. He also served as the Visiting Director of Choral Activities at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia from 1986-1988. Allen has also been an integral part of the Palm Beach Post Pathfinder Scholarship program, serving as a vocal music judge for nearly thirty years. In 2013 and 2018, he taught choir and music theory at week-long summer music camps in St. Marc, Haiti. Allen has had various comprimario roles with the South Florida Opera Company (2000-2006), and sang the role of Dr. Spinnelloccio in the Palm Beach Atlantic University Opera Workshop's production of Puccini's Gianni Schicchi in 2006. Allen has worked with a variety of churches as a professional choral section leader and soloist, and since 2021 has sung with the choir of Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Palm Beach. He was a percussionist and founding member of the Orchid City Brass Band. Allen was a member of the first-place Palm Beach State College Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee team (2005, 2013; participant 2001-present). He is the author of The History of Music Expounded in Verse, (Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt, 2010). He has a Bachelor of Arts in church music from Cedarville University, a Master of Music degree in music theory from Miami University, and has completed doctoral coursework toward a PhD in music theory at The Florida State University.