About Us

Conductor, vocal coach and vocalist, Jeremy D. Matheis has been the Artistic Director for Choir of the Sound since March, 2011. Using an energetic and unique approach to teaching vocal technique, Jeremy has quickly gained recognition for his work with choral ensembles. He is based in Seattle, Washington and his experience in music is broad, embracing conducting, barbershopping, teaching, singing and Church music. He received his B.A. in Music from Trinity Christian College while pursuing advanced studies in voice pedagogy and conducting. Jeremy then relocated to Seattle for graduate study at the University of Washington to work with Dr. Geoffrey Boers and Abraham Kaplan while acquiring vocal instruction with Gregory Carroll. He then joined the St. Mark’s Compline Choir in 2006 and was able to learn from and sing for its founding Director, Dr. Peter R. Hallock.

A man with diverse musical interests and talents, Mr. Matheis is currently Director of Music at Bothell United Methodist Church, where he directs the Chancel Choir, Chant Choir, Bell Choir, and Worship Ensemble, overseeing an eclectic music department with voice and instrumental ensembles for all ages. Previously he was Director of Music at Sand Point Community United Methodist Church. He was also recently Director of the Seattle SeaChordsmen, a Barbershop chorus in the Barbershop Harmony Society, helping them achieve the distinction of Most Improved Chorus at the 2010 Division II Competition. Before joining Choir of the Sound, Jeremy was the Artistic Director/Conductor for the Cascade Foothills Chorale in Enumclaw from 2007-2010. Mr. Matheis’ work as a teaching conductor has brought him increased distinction, focusing on building technique through increased knowledge and engagement. Singers appreciate the freshness he brings to familiar music and the way in which he connects with his choir using his natural, infectious energy.

In addition to an expanding conducting career, Jeremy continues to sing weekly and is the Associate Director of The Compline Choir at Saint Mark’s Cathedral. He is also a Festival Co-Chair for the Greater Seattle Choral Consortium’s biennial festival, Seattle Sings!

Jeremy lives in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle with his husband Jeffrey Ricco, who also sings in many of his choirs.

Miriam Anderson has been involved in music her whole life and started studying voice and percussion at the age of 10. She began her studies in both choral and orchestral conducting during her undergraduate years at UC Berkeley. After earning a bachelor’s degree in music and peace and conflict studies, she was hired to assistant direct the UC Berkeley Chamber Chorus, and to play principal timpani and run the percussion section for the UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra. In June 2017 she completed a master’s of music degree in choral conducting from the University of Washington.

Miriam is passionate about using choral music to build community and connection, and as a form of outreach, integrating her backgrounds in music and peace studies. As a percussionist, she focuses on orchestral timpani, and in spring 2017 played principal timpani for Seattle Opera. Currently Miriam directs the Northminster Presbyterian Church choir, the Piccolini ensemble of Seattle Girls Choir, and the Foundation House Sound of Music choir. She also serves as the Associate Director for Seattle Youth Opera, and as the Chorus Manager and a singer with Choral Arts Northwest. Miriam also frequently gigs in the Seattle area as a percussionist, vocalist, and conductor.

When she is not making music, Miriam enjoys dance, yoga, reading, cooking, and playing with her cat.

Avery Groenmann began accompanying at the tender age of 13. With extensive training and a lifetime of experience in both piano and voice, he prides himself on his musical versatility. A graduate of Shoreline Community College with a degree in Piano Performance, he currently works as Staff Accompanist for the Shoreline Voice Department. He also acts as Music Director for local high school drama productions (including Shorecrest High School’s Into the Woods and Les Miserables among others), as well as choral accompanist for Terrace View Presbyterian Church.

Avery particularly enjoys musical collaboration, and is very grateful for this opportunity!