Shades of Praise Gospel Choir

"His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me..."

The Shades of Praise celebrated its
40th Anniversary in 2020

Hand-clapping, drums, horns, piano and stringed instruments are a vital part of the celebration at the 12 noon Sunday liturgy at St Therese Parish, Seattle. 

With an inspirational repertoire of gospel, spirituals, jazz, acapella, and Latin-influenced service music, the Shades of Praise Gospel Choir, continues to uplift and energize the St Therese community in song.

Under the leadership of music director and founder, Kent Stevenson, the choir also shares its musical ministry within the wider community with seasonal concerts, ecumenical activities, memorials, weddings, celebrations, performances, recordings and even The Argosy Christmas Ship.

The Shades of Praise Choir also demonstrates a commitment to peace and justice through its participation in multi-cultural, interfaith and immigrant services and events, as well as hospital, prison and shelter visits.

Current Members

• Music Director: Kent Stevenson

• Conductors: Michael Allen; Kenya Léger

• Musicians: Kent Stevenson and Orlando Morales, Piano; Hank Phillips, Bass; Joey Phillips, Drums; BJ Montoya, Violin

• Altos: Sr. Chauncey Boyle, Yvonne Brandon, Carole Crowder-King, Sharon Dobie, Ayanna Eagan, Michele Edwards, Daron Edwards, Bertha Elfalan, KT Fajardo, Mary Frizzell, Vicky Garner, Theresa Halzle, Cezanne Hardy, Bernadette Harris Judith Hightower, Loretta McIver, Andrea Rye, Dawn Tuason

• Sopranos: Deborah Brockway, Mary Lou Colasurdo, Raedene Copeland, Terri Gallagher, Beth Gobich, Julia Greenlee, Patti James, Sarah Jane Johnson, Darcy Keller, Jamie Najera, Peggy Noll, Shannon McCarty, Jillian Redosend, Trileigh Tucker, Sharon Wilcox

• Baritones: John Lewis, Russell Salazar, Dave Tawatao

• Tenors: Michael Allen, Steven Dever, Kenya, John Lewis, Lisa McIver, Orlando Morales, Damaris Pearson, Helena Stephens, Gail Thomas, Phillip Villanueva