CORO VOCE DIRECTOR

Caitlin is so excited to join the wonderful OYC community! She graduated with a Bachelor's of Music Education emphasizing in general, choral and instrumental music. She also received her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction. Caitlin has been teaching choir at North Thurston High School for eleven years, with five of those concurrently at Chinook Middle School. She is an active member of ACDA and WMEA as we as co-facilitator for the secondary vocal teachers in her district. Caitlin strives to bring energy and enthusiasm to the classroom to inspire musicians, and works hard to foster a welcoming community for all to grow. Caitlin enjoys spending time outside with her husband and six year old son. In her down time she likes to play soccer, compete in billiards, go camping, and snuggle up with a good book with her two dogs.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, CANTABILE DIRECTOR

An OYC alumna, Nadine is passionate about sharing her love of music with young singers and musicians! After 9 years teaching music and choir in the Olympia School District, she left the classroom to pursue her local business, Sweet Francis Sewing Co.

She still finds her way to the music classroom by providing workshops and clinics, adjudicating for local choir festivals, and accompanying.

Nadine is an active member of NAfME, and serves as Children and Community Youth R&R Chair on the WaACDA Board. As a soprano soloist and collaborative pianist, she loves an opportunity to make music with local arts groups!

BEL CANTO DIRECTOR

Jarred is ecstatic to join the Olympia Youth Chorus as the director for Bel Canto. Born in Miami, Florida, he was introduced to music by his grandmother who was a music educator in Cuba. He was raised in the Florida choral scene and participated in different organizations including the Miami Children’s Chorus, the Florida Grand Opera, and received his Bachelors in Choral Music Education from Florida State University. He has been a music educator in the Puget Sound beginning in 2019 and a public music educator for North Thurston Public Schools since 2021at Evergreen Forest Elementary School. When he is not working, you can find Jarred, his partner James, and their dog Kenai exploring the Kitsap area.

DOLCE DIRECTOR

Jason Brinker brings over twenty years of experience as a passionate music educator and choir director to the team. 

He has directed numerous high school choirs and musical theatre productions in Washington and Wisconsin and is an active member of ACDA and WMEA. He holds Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Education and is currently a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate at Boston University.

In his free time, Jason enjoys exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest, playing board games, and making puzzles with his family. He is excited to be joining the Olympia Youth Chorus team!

COLLABORATIVE PIANIST

Jennifer currently serves as the Education & Community Engagement Director at The Washington Center for the Performing Arts, where she brings her passion for creativity, connection, and community to life through dynamic educational programming and community outreach.

Her previous roles include eight years as the Executive Director of the Olympia Symphony Orchestra and over a decade as an Associate Professor of Music at South Puget Sound Community College, where she taught music theory, piano, music appreciation, and student success. She is a sought-after collaborative pianist, chamber musician, adjudicator, educator, and advocate for the arts.

An Olympia resident since 2001, Jennifer is deeply rooted in her community. Outside of her musical life, she enjoys crocheting, enjoying local food, doting on her cats, and occasionally attempting to dance.

Jennifer believes in the transformative power of the performing arts and is committed to building a more inclusive, joyful, and art-filled world.

COLLABORATIVE PIANIST

Nicole grew up in Wyoming and attended Northwest College, studying piano performance. She has taught private piano lessons since she was 15 years old. She currently accompanies several local choirs as well as soloists for local competitions and plays for church functions. A big believer in the unifying power of music, Nicole is excited to be a part of a group that has such a positive influence in the community! She resides in Olympia with her husband and two children.

COLLABORATIVE PIANIST

Originally from Green Bay, WI Hallie earned a double major in piano performance and mathematics in 2011. She currently teaches math and computer science at Olympia High School. Hallie completed her Master's Degree in Math Education in 2014 and earned her National Board Certification in Mathematics in 2017. Hallie continues to play the piano and loves accompanying choirs, local musical theatre shows, and various bands, orchestras and soloists. She's excited to be part of the team at OYC!

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jamie is the Director of Healthy Aging Initiatives at the Health Care Authority and long time 4-H leader and volunteer in Mason County, and recent past OYC parent volunteer(many of those experiences will come with her as Executive Director of OYC!). 

She is passionate about supporting organizations that promote youth development while also building a strong and creative community.

CHOIR MANAGER

FINANCE MANAGER

A native of Tucson, Arizona, Adeline is passionate about music, education, and health. She earned a Bachelor's in Health Science from BYU-Idaho and has a certification of accounting, but music has always been her passion. When she isn't singing, Adeline can often be found hiking local trails with her husband and three daughters.  

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Lauren Hays is an Olympia native, CHS alum. She graduated from Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington with a degree in Music Education, with a focus in choral music and vocal performance. She has taught music in both the public schools and in private vocal coaching for the past 14 years. Lauren currently teaches for the Shelton SD in Shelton, Washington. She is a current member of NAfME, as the Elementary Representative in the ChinookMEA district. She is also a member of AOSA and ACDA. Serving in the past on the SWWMEA and Evergreen Orff boards. On her own time Lauren loves to sing at church, play the ukulele, hike, and spend time with her nephews. She is so excited to be a part of the OYC organization supporting and celebrating the students and staff as the Social Media Manager.