Beth Prins is a seasoned music educator with over thirty years of experience in public and private schools. Known for her vision, energy and love for her students, choral groups under her direction have performed in Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Chicago Symphony Hall and the Notre Dame Cathedral in France. Several of her choral alumni are currently teaching music in local schools. Mrs Prins is an accomplished pianist and instructor who has been featured at major concert halls throughout the tri-state area, including Carnegie Recital Hall and Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center. Academic Credentials: B.M. in Music Education from Houghton University M.A. in Music from Westminister Choir College. Graduate Assistantship - Montclair State University: Piano and Harpsichord Professional memberships include the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), Music Educators National Conference (MENC), Music Educators Association (MEA).

Daemon is a classically trained percussionist with a Bachelor of Music in percussion performance from Jersey City University. He has performed in major halls including Carnegie Hall as a soloist with the Greater Shore Concert Band. His love for world percussion led him to participate in and host drum circles across central New Jersey. Daemon’s proficiency extends beyond traditional percussion to culturally distinctive instruments such as the kashaka, cajon, bodhran, congas, and djembe. He is excited to share his faith and music with the Fine Arts Academy.

Kristen Houser is an experienced and passionate music educator with over a decade of teaching experience and a degree in Music Education (P–12 General Music), with concentrations in voice and band instruments. She has worked with students from elementary through high school in general music, choir, and instrumental ensembles, and has extensive experience teaching private lessons in piano, voice, beginning guitar, and ukulele. She is committed to helping students grow as confident, well-rounded musicians by developing strong foundational skills, musical independence, and an appreciation for the art and language of music. Mrs. Houser strives to create engaging learning experiences that help each child discover their unique strengths and enjoy the process of making music. As a faith-driven educator, she believes music is a gift that can be used to worship God, serve and bless others, bring joy to those around us, and share the love of Christ through song.

Joel is the owner of Music Goals by Joel, where he has taught private music lessons for over 12 years in guitar, piano, voice, and drums. A former NJHSA chorale member, Joel has also served for many years as a church worship leader and multi-instrumentalist. He is passionate about helping students grow in both musical skill and confidence, and is currently pursuing national certification through the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA). Outside of music, he enjoys volleyball, hiking, and spending time with his friends and family.

Robert Davis is Conductor and Music Director of the Brass Factory. An exponent of the Aspen Music Festival his conducting came under the critical analysis of Maestro John Nelson where he also studied with Bradley Bloom. His style reveals the clarity and precision of that school. Mr. Davis’ studied and coached with Richard Westenburg, Thomas Dunn, and Carl Bamberger which has provided him with a technique and understanding of a variety of musical genre. Currently a freelance musician, promoter/producer, and educational consultant he is also Chairman and CEO of the Consortium for Educational Advancement, a think tank serving Christian education. Mr. Davis has held music professorships at three colleges, three preparatory schools and been a visiting lecturer at Fordham University.

Maegan Hoogerhyde holds degrees in voice from Montclair State University and New England Conservatory, and maintains an active performing and teaching career. This season, she appeared as Gilda (Rigoletto) and the title role of Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah in scenes with Opera Atlantic, and was chosen as the winner of the MusicFest Northwest Vocal Competition. Other recent highlights include Mimì (La Bohème) and the title role of Thaïs in scenes with the Manetti Shrem Opera Program at Festival Napa Valley. She has performed with Boheme Opera NJ and New Jersey Opera Theater, and as a soloist with the Blackburn Music Academy Orchestra, Orchestra 201, and New Jersey Vocal Arts Collaborative. Her roles include Britomarte (L’arbore di Diana), First Lady (Die Zauberflöte), Asteria (Tamerlano), and First Conversa (Suor Angelica), with scene work as Servilia (La clemenza di Tito), Elvira (L’italiana in Algeri), and Blondchen (Die Entführung aus dem Serail). She also runs a thriving voice studio in North Jersey.

Betty Ann Mirabella Yates is a veteran homeschooling mother of six with more than 33 years of experience and has been a dedicated member of NJHSA since 1988. A gifted pianist, accompanist, artist, educator, and recently certified holistic health practitioner, Mrs. Yates is deeply committed to student-focused instruction that nurtures both skill and confidence. Mrs. Yates studied piano pedagogy at the Carmela Cecere School of Piano Pedagogy and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art from Caldwell University. She also pursued studies as a Music Major at Montclair State University and continues her education there. Throughout her musical career, she has performed as a soloist, accompanist, and ensemble member in recital halls, including Carnegie Hall, and has served as a pit musician alongside her husband in local and regional theaters, including the Paper Mill Playhouse. She especially cherished performing with the Yates Musical Theatre for Children, the repertory theater company founded by her in-laws, Bill and Peggy Yates. Since joining NJHSA’s Choral Music program in 2000, Mrs. Yates has continued to grow as an educator while collaborating with Mrs. Prins, Mr. Davis, and many outstanding musicians and teachers within the program. In addition to her work with NJHSA, she has provided private piano instruction since 1977, sharing her love of music with generations of students.