Brighton High School Director - Phil Johnson
Phil Johnson is the Brighton High 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.
Scranton Middle School Director - Sydney Timmer
Sydney Timmer is the Scranton Middle School Choir Teacher. She graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Vocal Music Education in 2022. Ms. Timmer has previously taught at Airport Community Schools as the 5-12 Choir Director. She also teaches drama at Scranton and is the music director for the SMS Spring Musical. Outside of teaching, Ms. Timmer sings in several professional choirs across Southeast Michigan. When she is not singing and conducting, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, reading, baking various goodies, and petting her cat, Lucy.
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, and 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.