ARTISTIC AND
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAMS
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, BRETT RANSOM
​Originally from Williamsville, NY, Brett Ransom holds his Master of Music degree from Ithaca College and his Bachelor of Music degree from Ohio University, both in Music Education (Choral Emphasis). He has been a music educator in Western New York for 20 years, and is currently a general music teacher for students in kindergarten through sixth grade at International School PS #45 in the Buffalo Public Schools. In addition to working with students, Brett has been a choir director of various adult community choirs. He has been directing the Red Blazer Men's Chorus since 2008, and is proud to be the second director for the chorus in its 76 years of existence. During his time directing the Niagara Men's Chorus (2014-2017), from Niagara Falls, Ontario he collaborated with not only choruses from across Ontario, but also from Vancouver, BC and Cornwall, England. He has also directed the Friends of Harmony Barbershop Chorus. These adult choruses have allowed Brett to express his passion for conducting and lifelong learning. In 2023, he had the honor of directing the Senior High SATB All-County Chorus for the Niagara County Music Educators Association. Brett has sung with many choral groups around Western New York including the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus, the Buffalo Philharmonic Chorus Chamber Singers, the Amherst Male Glee Club, the Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus, and Harmonia Chamber Singers. He lives in East Amherst with his wife, Melissa, and their two children.
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COLLABORATIVE PIANIST, HEATHER DIETSCH
Heather Dietsch is an accomplished pianist and organist, recently retired from teaching music in the East Aurora school district. She currently is the organist of the First Presbyterian Church of Warren, PA, where her husband, Barry, is the music director.
Heather earned the Master of Music degree in Piano Performance from Bowling Green State University where she studied with Virginia Marks and received the Outstanding Graduate Assistant Award for her work as accompanist for the university’s opera department. She also earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from SUNY Fredonia where she studied with Robert Jordan and received the Amy Bromley Piano Scholarship.
Heather is a proud resident of East Aurora with her husband and daughter, Natalie, a high school senior. While not at the piano, Heather keeps busy playing pickle ball and traveling.
Board of Directors
Joseph Gawron— President
Christina Paul – Vice President
Sonja Rieder— Secretary
Paul Grucza — Treasurer
Brian Waldrop
Deborah Waldrop
Bruce McCausland
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