Leadership
Thomas Almli
Artistic Director
Thomas Almli Is a Full Professor and Director of Choral Music Activities at Bellevue College in Bellevue, WA. He also serves as the Chairman of the Bellevue College Music Department. Almli is the acclaimed director of the award-winning Bellevue College Jazz Singers, Celebration and The Bellevue Chamber Singers.
Prior to Bellevue College, Mr. Almli was the Director of Choral Activities at Pierce College in Tacoma, WA. While at Pierce College, he established nationally recognized and award-winning concert choirs and vocal jazz ensembles, also giving multiple IAJE and MENC performances. In addition, Thomas has been involved with multiple prestigious opera companies including Dorian Opera Theater Everett, Tacoma and Seattle Opera Companies. Thomas continues to perform as a vocal jazz artist, as well as in opera and musical theater productions. Thomas is an active conductor, performer, clinician, adjudicator, arranger, and composer. He has been an invited conductor and clinician in Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Alaska, and Wyoming.
Thomas Almli attended Pacific Lutheran University and Luther College for undergraduate studies (BAE Music & BM Music), and the University of Washington for graduate school (MEd) and is currently completing doctoral studies as a DMA candidate at University of Washington.
Brian Soushek
Associate Artistic Director
Brian Soushek is a music director, teacher, pianist, vocalist, arranger and award winning composer from Kent, WA. He has been the Associate Director of the Federal Way Chorale since 2009. Brian has over 25 years experience in directing instrumental, choral groups and musical theater programs in the Federal Way area. He has been the music director of the Thomas Jefferson High School Theater program since 2007 and worship leader at Federal Way United Methodist Church for 14 years where he was able to fulfill his passion for worship music and the ministry. In addition to teaching both piano and vocal lessons, Brian has shown his exceptional leadership skills in video production for the Federal Way Chorale this past season. He wrote arrangements, played all the orchestrations and led the choir through the complicated process of creating imaginative virtual choir videos.
Kelly Hittle
Soprano Section Leader
Kelly began singing with the Chorale in 2010 and became the soprano section leader in 2016. Her vocal training emphasizing opera performance began at Shoreline College and continued at Western Washington University where her focus was music education. Her passion for choral singing led to participation in multiple groups which include Choir of the Sound and the Seattle Opera Chorus. Kelly’s true joy is to provide positive musical experiences for the young. She developed and continues to lead the children/youth music program at her church where she also participates in choral performances and directs the handbell choir. Kelly has been a member of the Federal Way Chorale Board of Directors since 2014, serving as president from 2018-20. As section leader, Kelly’s high standards encourage all singers to reach their full potential.
Jennie Hendrie
Alto Section Leader
Jennie began singing with the Federal Way Chorale in 2010 and has been the alto section leader since 2011. She developed her dancing, singing and piano skills at a young age. Jennie’s choral experiences include the Federal Way Symphony Singers and various church choirs. Currently, she is also a cantor and soloist at her church. Jennie feels a strong devotion to the Chorale, and has held many board positions, including president and treasurer. Since virtual music has come to the fore, she has emerged as script writer and choreographer for the Chorale’s video productions. Jennie's greatest joy is the harmonious blend of the beautiful and talented ladies of her alto section, who continue to impress with their commitment to beautiful music.