Director - Phil Johnson

Phil Johnson is the Brighton High School Choir Teacher, and also teaches AP Music Theory. 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” in Michigan. He conducted the 2011 SATB and 2015 TTB Michigan State Honors Choirs. 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 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!