Artistic Team
Troy Meeker
Artistic Director and Encore Conductor
Troy Meeker, Phoenix Children’s Chorus Artistic Director and Conductor of Encore, has taught with the organization since 2011. Mr. Meeker is a graduate of Northern Arizona University, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Music Education, and Master’s degrees in Educational Technology and Choral Conducting while studying under Dr. Edith Copley and Dr. Ryan Holder.
Mr. Meeker taught for 15 years at the middle, high school, and collegiate levels most recently as the Choir Director at Trevor G. Browne High School, a thriving urban choir program which he helped grow to over 350 singers. He has also served as a director for the Church of the Red Rocks Choir and the prestigious Sedona Academy of Chamber Singers.
Mr. Meeker is an in-demand presenter and clinician. He has presented at the Western Division and Arizona Choral Directors Association (AzACDA) Conventions as well as the Arizona Music Educators (AMEA) Convention on topics ranging from rehearsal techniques to technology integration in the choral classroom. He has served as a clinician for Arizona Choral Educators (ACE) and AzACDA, as well as a conductor for various honor choirs throughout Arizona.
Mr. Meeker enjoys the opportunity to serve. Having served the Arizona choral community in a variety of positions he is currently the AzACDA Children’s and Community Youth Choir Repertoire and Resources Chair. He also enjoys mentoring young educators, guest lecturing, and providing professional development workshops for districts throughout the state.
Mr. Meeker was recently recognized for his outstanding teaching winning the O.M. Hartsell Excellence in Teaching Music Award from the Arizona Music Educators Association and the Arts Educator of the Year Award from the Arizona Department of Education. In addition, his choir Encore performed for the AMEA Convention in 2020 marking the 3rd performance appearance of ensembles under his direction.
In his free time, Mr. Meeker enjoys watching movies, cooking, cycling, and studying karate with his son. His home is in Glendale, Arizona, with his wife, Adrienne, and their children Grant and Annika.
E-mail: troymeeker@pcchorus.org
Jennifer Paz
Bravo Conductor & Music Literacy Instructor
Jennifer Paz joined the artistic staff of Phoenix Children’s Chorus in the summer of 2019. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a Bachelors in Choral/General Music Education. Mrs. Paz has been fortunate to use both aspects of her degree as a General Music Teacher for Gilbert Public Schools and then as a Director of Choirs and Piano Lab Instructor for the Paradise Valley Unified School District. Mrs. Paz is certified in Level 1 Orff and Levels 1-3 of the Kodály Coursework.
During her time in the classroom, Mrs. Paz increased the enrollment of the ensembles and the collaboration of the fine arts. The students in her ensembles established a dominant presence in the West Region Honor Choirs and the Arizona All State Choir. Mrs. Paz instructs students in her voice studio in classical, jazz and music theater technique. Mrs. Paz has continued to be an active member for local and state organizations to further the choral music education community. Through her workshops as a music literacy and vocal instructor, Mrs. Paz continues to work with multiple schools and choral groups to successfully utilize techniques to refine the rehearsal process in pursuit of greater literacy and passion for the choral art.
Outside the choral rehearsal, Mrs. Paz enjoys spending time with her husband Roberto, daughter Cecilia and their two dogs.
E-mail: jenniferpaz@pcchorus.org
Andrea Squires
Cadenza Conductor & Music Literacy Instructor
Andrea Squires, Conductor of Cadenza since 2012, is a native of upstate New York. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from the State University of New York at Geneseo. She continued her studies at Arizona State University, where she received her post-baccalaureate certification and Master of Music degree in Choral Music Education.
Ms.Squires runs a private voice studio in Phoenix and loves helping students realize their potential. She previously taught at Desert Canyon Middle School in Scottsdale for 13 years. Under her direction, the size of the choral program doubled and DC Voices was invited to sing at the Arizona Music Educators Association Conference three times. Ms. Squires and the choirs have presented at Arizona Choral Directors Association (AzACDA) conferences and even had one of 2017’s most popular viral videos.
Ms. Squires is an active member of American Choral Directors Association and the National Association for Music Education, having served on both organizations’ boards. She has made conference presentations on topics from teaching music reading to young singers to selecting repertoire. Multiple honor choirs, including Junior High All State and Cantaremos Honor Choir, have invited Ms. Squires as a guest conductor and clinician. Ms. Squires has had the honor of conducting the Phoenix Children’s Chorus Concert Choir at the Oregon Bach Festival, at Carnegie Hall, and at the Sydney Opera House.
In her free time, Ms. Squires loves to hike and spend time with her husband, Nate, and their 3 cats.
E-mail: andreasquires@pcchorus.org
Katie Sheridan
Canto Conductor & Music Literacy Instructor
Katie Sheridan is a proud Illinois native. Ms. Sheridan graduated summa cum laude from Millikin University in 2013, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in vocal music education. Ms. Sheridan continued her education at Northern Arizona University, earning her master’s degree in choral conducting in 2020. Ms. Sheridan previously taught vocal music in rural Oregon, IL. In her five-year tenure, she taught elementary, junior high, and high school choir. Ms. Sheridan also established a handbell choir and directed the spring musical.
Ms. Sheridan is a member of the American Choral Directors Association and previously served as the northwest regional vocal audition chair for the Illinois Music Education Association. In 2017, Katie was recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education’s “Those Who Excel” program.
Ms. Sheridan is happy to call Arizona her home. She loves spending time with her boyfriend, Tanner, and their “barnyard crew” of two cats and a dog.
E-mail: katiesheridan@pcchorus.org
Janel Huyett
Presto/Vivo Conductor & Music Literacy Instructor
Mrs. Huyett began working with Phoenix Children’s Chorus in 2006. Her first role with the organization was as a Prep Choir parent and music literacy instructor. She became the Prep Choir director in 2008.
Mrs. Huyett is originally from the mid-west but considers Arizona her home. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the University of Iowa and a Master of Arts in Education: Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix.
Additionally, Mrs. Huyett serves as a general music teacher in the Mesa Public School District. Mrs. Huyett is a member of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, the
National Flute Association, the American Choral Directors Association, and the Arizona Music Educators Association. She has presented conference sessions on elementary vocal warm-ups and has had both her elementary band and choir perform at state conferences.
E-mail: janelhuyett@pcchorus.org
Caia O’Toole
Encore Accompanist & Music Literacy Instructor
Caia O’Toole attended Northern Arizona University on full scholarship from 2009-2013 earning dual degrees in Choral Music Education and Piano Performance with collaborative emphasis. She moved to the valley in early 2014 to begin her teaching career. She is currently in her 7th year teaching choir, general music, and piano in DVUSD. Joining the artistic staff of Phoenix Children’s Chorus in July 2014, Mrs. O’Toole has accompanied Bravo through Spring 2018 and is now in her third year as accompanist for Encore. Mrs. O’Toole also teaches music literacy classes for the organization. With an extensive collaborative background, Mrs. O’Toole has accompanied various groups throughout Arizona. She accompanies several middle school and high school programs in Deer Valley as well as vocalists and instrumentalists for various state/region festivals and performances. In her spare time, Mrs. O’Toole teaches group fitness, private piano and voice lessons, and enjoys spending time with her husband, Brett, and her dog, Archie. Mrs. O’Toole and her husband are expecting their first child in February.
E-mail: caiaotoole@pcchorus.org
Lori Woods
Bravo Accompanist & Music Literacy Instructor
Lori Woods joined Phoenix Children’s Chorus in 1996 as the accompanist for the newly formed Encore Choir. Over the years, she has worked as the Encore Choir Director, the Prep, Concert, and Encore accompanists. She is currently enjoying working with Mrs. Paz in Bravo as her assistant.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Choral Education and has worked in the Mesa Public School District since 1996. Her work as a vocal coach, and accompanying choirs gave her opportunities at Summit Academy, Poston Jr. High, Dobson and Mtn View High where she is currently working. Her work also included 15 years in the Maricopa Community Colleges, in Scottsdale, Mesa and Chandler. She also accompanies many Regional Honor Choirs, both in the Junior High and High School Divisions.
Lori runs a professional vocal studio from her home in Mesa since moving here in 1995. She has extensive expertise in teaching languages and sightreading. She prepares numerous students for successful auditions for the Regional and State Honor Choirs, and for Musical Theatre.
She started her studies as a pianist at age six, spending four of her early years enrolled with the Royal Schools of Music, and the Trinity College of Music through the British system. Lori is married to Scott Woods and three of her four children are PCC alumni.
E-mail: loriwoods@pcchorus.org
Jennifer Griffith
Cadenza Accompanist & Music Literacy Instructor
Jennifer Griffith has taught since 1997 for Noah Webster Schools in Mesa and Scottsdale where she teaches General Music, Orchestra and Ukulele, as well as Yearbook and Student Council. She also works with the Trevor G. Browne High School choir program as their collaborative pianist. Mrs. Griffith has taught private piano, voice, violin, and music theory lessons since 1988. She also performs with “Cinematic Pop”, a group that appeared on “America’s Got Talent”. Mrs. Griffith has been with the Phoenix Children’s Chorus since September 2000. Jennifer was married on 11-11-11 to her husband, Gravity and they live in Glendale with their three dogs.
E-mail: jennifergriffith@pcchorus.org
Chris Granger
Canto Accompanist & Music Literacy Instructor
A native of Pennsylvania, Chris Granger obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education with a concentration in Piano Performance from Westminster College in rural New Wilmington, Pennsylvania and his Master’s in Choral Music Education From Kent State University. Mr. Granger is currently the Choir Director at Horizon Honors High School in Ahwatukee and has been there since 2018. As an active collaborative pianist, he has performed with several school ensembles, chamber ensembles, and soloists in the Phoenix Metro area. He is also the Pianist in Residence for the La Forza Chamber Orchestra. Mr. Granger is an active member of the National Association for Music Education (NafME), Arizona Music Educators Association (AMEA), and Arizona Choral Educators (ACE), and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). He currently serves on the AMEA Board as the Vice President of Junior High Activities and serves as the ACDA Board Secretary. In his spare time, Mr. Granger enjoys spending time being outdoors camping, fishing, boating, and hiking.
E-mail: chrisgranger@pcchorus.org
Brenna Dorsey
Prep Choir Accompanist
Brenna Dorsey graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in Music Education with a Choral Emphasis where she studied under Dr. Edith Copley, Dr. Ryan Holder, and Rita Borden. She has taught at various elementary and middle schools in Paradise Valley and currently works at Boulder Creek Elementary School in the Paradise Valley Unified School District where she teaches choir and general music. A long-time accompanist for vocal, musical theater, and instrumental music, she is thrilled to be working as an accompanist with the Phoenix Children’s Chorus. Ms. Dorsey also enjoys teaching private piano and voice lessons in the North Phoenix area at Bender Performing Arts. She is currently an active member of the American Choral Director’s Association.
E-mail: brennadorsey@pcchorus.org
Stephen Wibe
Poco Voce Instructor
Stephen Wibe, Poco Voce Instructor, began his involvement with Phoenix Children’s Chorus in 2018. Mr. Wibe holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Truman State University (Kirksville, Mo) and a Master’s in Music Education with an emphasis in general music from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He also received certification in Kodaly I and Orff I from Arizona State University.
Since 2002, Mr. Wibe has been a music teacher for Mesa Public Schools. From 2007-2013, he had the pleasure of serving as the district’s general music specialist. In this position he designed curriculum, presented in-services, and advised other district general music teachers. In the fall of 2013, he returned to full time teaching for Mesa and now serves as the general music teacher for O’Connor and Salk Elementary Schools. In addition to his public-school teaching, Mr. Wibe is also an adjunct faculty member at Paradise Valley Community College. He teaches the Movement and Music for the Young Child class as part of the college’s Early Childhood program.
In his free time, Mr. Wibe enjoys watching Arizona Cardinals football, University of Illinois basketball, and BattleBots. He lives in Mesa, Arizona, with his wife Tina and their son Tyson.
E-mail: stephenwibe@pcchorus.org
Benny Dominguez
Vivace Conductor
Benny Dominguez has been on staff with Phoenix Children’s Chorus since 2017 as the Prep Choir Assistant. He is thrilled to begin another season of watching the youngest in the organization grow as musicians. In 2019, he took a new position as Director of Middle School Choirs and Orchestras at Sossaman Middle School in the Higley Unified School District. In his previous position at Veritas Preparatory Academy, the extracurricular choral program nearly tripled and their Elite Choir became the first middle school choir in Veritas and Great Hearts history to receive Superior ratings at AzACDA Festivals. Outside of teaching, he performs regularly as a chorister and a cellist. He sings with MCC’s Canto Vivo Chorale and the CGCC Chamber Singers, plays in pit orchestras, and loves performing cello obbligato with choirs all around Arizona.
E-mail: bennydominguez@pcchorus.org
Emily Smith
Vivo/Vivace Accompanist
Emily Smith earned a degree in Piano Performance from Arizona State University where she studied under Dr. Baruch Meir. She has also had the privilege of studying solo and collaborative piano performance, as well as vocal performance at the Accademia Europea di Firenze. Emily has years of experience performing and collaborating with various choirs, vocalists, and other instrumentalists. She is a member of the Arizona State Music Teachers Association and has a passion for teaching. Emily has had the opportunity to teach piano to children ages 3-17 and currently maintains a rapidly growing piano studio. In addition to teaching, Emily also serves as an organist for her church. Emily lives in Mesa with her husband, Hayden. In her spare time, she loves baking, exercising, and spending time with family and her dog, Sophie.
E-mail: emilysmith@pcchorus.org
Ashley Corbitt
Poco Voce Instructor
After excelling as both a musician and educator in her youth, Ashley Corbitt decided to study child development and education more broadly and earned a degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University in 2012. During this time, she also took additional time to study music theory, piano, voice, and conducting. As an accomplished pianist and vocalist, she studied and practiced music extensively before, during, and after her University experience. She worked and volunteered as a pianist, accompanist, vocalist, choir director, and teacher in a variety of institutions and organizations. In 2015 Ashley began her own music studio in Utah where she taught dozens of students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to become accomplished and enthusiastic musicians. She continued this private music education until 2019 when she moved to Arizona.
In addition to her work as a music teacher, Ashley has experience teaching traditional elementary classes and as a lead teacher for a Primary Montessori school. She has a passion for educating the whole child with a fun and nurturing environment and is convinced music education is vital to a child’s mental, emotional, and social development. She is thrilled at the opportunity to become more involved in developing confident, enthusiastic, well-rounded musicians by working with Phoenix Children’s Chorus.
E-mail: ashleycorbitt@pcchorus.org