Director - Phil Johnson
Phil Johnson is the Brighton High School and Scranton Middle School Choir Teacher. He graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Vocal/General Music Education in 2001. He received his Masters Degree in Choral Conducting in 2007, also from MSU. Mr. Johnson joined the Brighton Choir Team in 2012, after teaching for a year in Kingsley, MI, and 10 years in Traverse City Public Schools. He conducts the orchestra, and prepares the chorus for the Brighton Musical Theater Program each year, which in 2017 won the Sutton Foster Award for “Best Musical” for their production of “Honeymoon in Vegas”, as well as an award for “Outstanding Music Direction” for their production of “Guys and Dolls” in 2023. He is also enjoying his 3rd year as co-music director for the Scranton Musical Program. He conducted the 2011 SATB, 2015 TTB, and 2022 SSAA Michigan State Honors Choirs. Mr. Johnson has directed Choirs and Ensembles at numerous Michigan Youth Arts Festivals, and All-State concerts. Phil sings baritone, and is a music director for the award-winning semi-pro “TBD a Cappella”. He and his wife, Dianne, have three children, Ethan, Maxwell and Adeline.
Accompanist - Sarah Hamilton
Sarah Hamilton is the pianist for the Brighton High School choirs and orchestra. She also plays the piano for Walled Lake United Methodist Church, the Livingston County Chorale and Youth Choir, and the Premier Big Band. She holds degrees from Oakland Community College, Michigan State University, and Eastern Michigan University where she completed her Master of Music in piano in 2014. When Sarah is not playing the piano, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, traveling, and lounging in the pool.
Accompanist - Kim Kingshott
Kim Kingshott is a guest pianist for the BHS choirs. She graduated from Hope College in 1989 with a degree in Biology, and received her certification in Medical Laboratory Science in 1990. After working at the University of Michigan Medical Center for 10 years, Kim chose to leave the work force and stay home to raise her children. During that time, she played piano for her first BHS musical, West Side Story, in 2002. That experience led to increasing involvement in the choir and musical theatre programs until she eventually became the full-time pianist for the Brighton Choirs from 2008-2021. Kim returned to the medical field in 2021 and now works in the laboratory at Gift of Life, Michigan's organ and tissue recovery program. She and her husband Kevin have two married daughters and are enjoying their empty nest by traveling whenever possible!
Accompanist - Alex Oseland
Alex Oseland is a 2022 graduate of Brighton High School. She is currently working on her degree and has a passion for music and performance. She loves working with SMS Choirs and as a co-music director for Scranton Musical Theater. When Alex is not playing the piano, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, spending time outside, and hanging out with friends and family.