Born and raised in Walla Walla, Jim Bock has been a local radio broadcaster for 30 years. An alumnus of Walla Walla University and San Diego State University he and his wife, Ester, remain involved in many local activities and events.

Mary Tuuri Derby began her world of classical singing at Bemidji State University and continued studying with the Wesley Balk Opera Institute.

Soprano Jennifer Goltz-Taylor specializes in new chamber music, opera, and cabaret. Her reputation for interpretive sensitivity, vocal virtuosity, musical precision, and creativity as a performer has inspired Michael Daugherty, Robert Morris, Andrew Mead, Evan Chambers, Forrest Pierce, Stephen Rush, and many others to compose for her.