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Mr. Theodore Thorpe III, returns to the Kennedy Center Concert Hall stage in his tenth season as Artistic Director and conductor of the Alfred Street Baptist Church Christmas Musical. Considered by many as a gifted multifaceted musician, he is one of the leading voices and contributors to the music field in the Washington Metropolitan area and throughout the country. His life-long experience in musician education brings richness to his leadership, as he draws on celebrated talent as a conductor, clinician, professor, musical director, vocalist, pianist, organist, composer, arranger, and choral master. 

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Theodore Thorpe III began his musical training studying piano at the age of four. In May 2006, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in music: Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Oakwood University in Huntsville, AL, serving as president, student accompanist, soloist, and student conductor of the renowned Aeolians. In May 2009, he received his Master of Arts degree in music with emphasis in choral and orchestral conducting from Morgan State University. Mr. Thorpe’s musical talents have been recognized for exemplifying musical excellence throughout the years. He has performed as an artistic director, conductor, and soloist at major historical performing arts centers including Carnegie Hall, the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, the Strathmore Music Center, and the John F. Kennedy Center.

He presently serves in his nineteenth season as music director and staff musician at the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA, his eighth season as an Artistic Director for Washington Performing Arts, and in his fifteenth season as Director of Choral Activities at Alexandria City High School (formerly TC Williams High School). Noted by the Alexandria Times as “Inspiring students to soar!”, Mr. Thorpe was recognized for his leadership and the choral programs’ excellence throughout the years. Over the last fourteen years, the choral program has consistently received superior ratings, and ratings of Gold at every local and national music festival in which they’ve performed. The choir has performed for the President of the United States and First Family in “Christmas in Washington” and “Kennedy Center Honors” nationally televised productions. The choir has performed for the Alexandria branch of the NAACP, opened for the cast of the television show “Glee”, and in 2016 performed for the opening ceremony of the African American Museum of History and Culture. In 2017, the choir was also selected to perform for the Virginia Music Educator Association Conference in Hot Springs, VA. The Alexandria City High School Choir was also one of twelve choirs selected nationally to perform at the 2019 “Music For All” National Choral Festival. Recently, the choir received superior ratings, gold, and grand champion awards for the highest scoring ensemble at both the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Busch Gardens, Dorney Park, and Orlando-Fest music festivals in Williamsburg, Virginia, Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Orlando, Florida respectively.

Mr. Thorpe is a member of the National Association for Music Education, Virginia Music Educators, Virginia Choral Directors, American Choral Directors, and Chorus America professional musician associations. He was listed in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, and has served as High School Music Repertoire and Resource Chair for the Virginia chapter of ACDA from 2021-2023. Recently, he was selected as one of the 40 educators to be featured in the Yamaha “40 under 40” Class of 2023 for his outstanding contribution to music education. He is also husband and father to the former Jennifer Alexander and Anaya Nicole respectively, and they reside in Ft. Washington, MD. Mr. Thorpe believes strongly in excellence without excuses. He continues to look to make a difference in education, in the lives young people, while blazing a trail for upcoming musicians.

Yolanda Adams triumphantly carries the torch for contemporary Gospel & inspirational music. With 13 releases, Yolanda has earned a multitude of accolades including four Grammy Awards, four Dove Awards, five BET Awards, six NAACP Image Awards, six Soul Train Music Awards, two BMI Awards, and sixteen Stellar Awards. Not only is Yolanda a phenomenal vocalist, she is also an Author, Designer, Record Company Executive, Mother and Actor. She has shocked many, playing the role of Denita Jordan in “Kingdom Business” on BET. Yolanda is one of the best-selling Gospel artists of all time, having sold over 10 million albums world-wide.

The Alfred Street Baptist Church Music and Worship Arts Ministry is honored to have her presence once again, and back by popular demand, at this year’s Christmas Celebration.

Anika Sampson-Anderson, a celebrated soprano born in Maryland, embarked on her musical journey from a young age. She began to hone her skills in elementary school and received vocal training during her academy and undergraduate years earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music. While in pursuit of a Master in Vocal Performance at Catholic University of America, she performed the role of Madame Glavari in Franz Lehár’s Merry Widow.

With a career marked by notable performances, Anika has graced esteemed venues like the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and the Meyerhoff in Maryland. Her versatile repertoire spans from opera to gospel, and she has been a dedicated voice for Christ across various denominational churches.

Performance highlights include soprano solos in Handel's Messiah and collaborations with esteemed choral groups, contributing her vocal gift to various recordings and lending her voice to perform the soprano solo for Wynton Marsalis’ All Rise at the Strathmore in Maryland. She has wowed audiences with her lilting singing and can be seen on Hope Channel as a featured soloist in the Love at Work Ten Commandments Musical at the National Cathedral and the Love Me Bible Study Series.

Anika's voice has reverberated globally, reaching audiences in the United States, Canada, the Czech Republic, France, Russia, Suriname, Bermuda, and various Caribbean islands. Her unique ability to infuse "soul" into classical singing has endeared her to diverse audiences worldwide, and she sees her gift as a privilege to glorify God.

Duawne Starling is a sincere, insightful, and passionate person whose genuine zeal for life and mission to use his gifts for God are compelling. His resume is virtually a who’s who in music; he has worked with artists such as Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Fred Hammond, Nicole Mullen, Michael W. Smith, Sandy Patti, Michael Jackson, Patti Austin, Dolly Parton, Michael M:cDonald, Kelly Price and countless others.

Starling’s captivating tenor voice earned him the opportunity to sing “We Shall Overcome”, the theme song of the Civil Rights Movement, at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dedication. He also sang the finale at Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy’s 77 th Birthday Celebration, and he was the first and only man to sing for the Vital Voices Global Leadership Awards. He performed a Negro Spiritual for Let Freedom Ring; a musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and was a featured soloist for the concert series Joyful Sounds: Gospel Across America, all hosted by The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. He released his debut self-titled CD in 2004, his sophomore CD, “Deeper Faith” in 2015, and is currently composing his third CD.

Duawne began his journey in Petersburg, Virginia where he lived until attending boarding school at age 13. “My father was a singer and died of cancer when I was seven. It was then that music became my sanctum; my escape from that reality.” Now, it’s simply his passion. Ultimately, Duawne describes himself as a “simple man” and has one goal. “I just want to be all that I am intended; a man of honor, a faithful husband and a loving father. I want my life to bring light to the world around me”.

Sean Tillery is a gifted singer, song-writer, and choral director. He began singing and developed a precise ear for music at an early age and his love for music was fostered in church and school. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy from Oakwood University. His repertoire is rich, having performed many works such as Messiah, Creation, Samson, Elijah, Le Roi David and an adaption of The Magic Flute entitled Papageno.

While a skilled classical musician, Sean has a great passion for Gospel music. He founded his choir, Changed, in 2004. As the sound and style developed, Sean began writing and arranging songs. The very first recording endeavor was the “Joy to the World “, released in 2011. In 2013, Sean Tillery & Changed released the first live recording, “The Live Experience”. This debut album hit the Top 20 Billboard Gospel Chart. Sean Tillery & Changed won “Song of the Year” for the hit single, “Blessed Assurance”, at the 2013 Rhythm of Gospel Awards. In recent years, they have released two singles, “I’ll Take Jesus” and “Mighty God”. Sean Tillery & Changed have also appeared on BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel show with Kurt Carr and Pastor Shirley Caesar and were the featured choir on “He Got Up” by Vashawn Mitchell.

He embarked on another musical journey in 2016, with the inception of The Hillside Singers. The Hillside Singers joined forces with Sean Tillery & Changed for the first time, in 2018, for a tribute concert to Walter and Edwin Hawkins. In June 2023, Sean Tillery presented Changed + The Hillside Singers in a live recording.

Sean has had the pleasure of sharing the stage in ministry and working with artists including Hezekiah Walker, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Jonathan Nelson, Byron Cage, Richard Smallwood, Ricky Dillard, Vashawn Mitchell, James Hall, Chrystal Rucker, and Keke Wyatt.

Roderick Giles is a native Washingtonian who began singing at age 5. He attended Eastern High School and was a member of the world renowned Eastern High School Choir. He credits his musical expertise to the highly esteemed Dr. Joyce Garrett, his mentor. He is the Founder and Leader of the group, "Roderick Giles & Grace" and a member and a lead soloist of Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music.

Roderick has performed with countless greats including Diana Ross, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark Cole, Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark collectively known as "The Clark Sisters," Kierra Sheard, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin, Take 6, LaShun and Duranice Pace of "The Pace Sisters," Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Beverly Crawford, BeBe Winans, Kelly Price, Mary Mary, Ted Winn, Stephen Hurd, Kim Burrell, Sheri Jones Moffett, Le’Andria Johnson and many others.

Roderick is a remarkable singer, composer, clinician, director, vocal producer and vocal coach. He has composed music for Sheri Jones Moffett, Isaiah Thomas & EOP, Patrick Lundy & MOM and Charles Butler & Trinity. Roderick and "Grace" also released music of their own: The European Experience, Amazing Grace, Be Made Whole, Black Lives Matter Anthem, A Graceful Christmas and Sovereign. In September 2013, Roderick served as the vocal producer/arranger on the 52nd recording for gospel great Dorothy Norwood. Because of the success of that recording, she asked Roderick again to be the vocal producer for her 53rd recording.

Roderick and "Grace" successfully completed several European Tours (starting 2014 to present). Roderick and "Grace" recorded "Overflow" with Bryan Andrew Wilson which received 2 Stellar Award nominations. He continues to work as a clinician both nationally and internationally.

Roderick serves on staff at the historic Alfred Street Baptist Church as director for The Gospel Inspirers and is the CEO of the company Giles Music Group, LLC.

Ms. India Williams hails from Minden, Louisiana, by way of Los Angeles, where she studied under the tutelage of gospel music pioneer, Dr. Margaret Douroux. India’s vocals have been featured on projects with Sirius XM Satellite Radio and in the Kennedy Center Honors and Christmas in Washington televised programs. Her talents have allowed her to share stages with several music artists, including acclaimed “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin.

She continues to share her gift of song as a member of the Washington Performing Arts Men and Women of the Gospel Choir and Alfred Street Baptist Church’s Music and Worship Arts Ministry.

Elycia Woodham is a senior mezzo soprano at Spelman College pursuing a Bachelor's

Degree in Music with a Minor in Political Science. Her academic pursuits laid the foundation for a deeper understanding of various artistic forms and their historical significance.

Her resilient dedication to the arts and academic excellence has earned her accolades and recognition in the National Association of Teachers Singing at local and regional competitions. Inspired by the transformative power of music, she aspires to continue exploring and challenging artistic boundaries, making a meaningful impact through my creativity and scholarly pursuits.

Aspiring to the legal sector, she aims to advocate for justice for music artists. Eager to leverage her passion for law and problem-solving skills, she envisions a future as a dedicated attorney striving to make a positive impact on artists' lives.

Lakisha Shavonn Goldsberry is a native Washingtonian where she still currently resides. It was at Mt. Calvary Way of the Cross Church that she discovered her gift of song at the tender age of four. By the age of 5, Lakisha had discovered her life’s passion, singing!

In September 1994, she became part of the internationally acclaimed Eastern High School Choir under the esteemed direction of Dr. Joyce Garrett. As both student and alumni, she has toured and traveled nationally and abroad, performed for three United States Presidents: William Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, two Catholic Popes, and has performed on several major television networks with such prestigious talents such as: Patti Labelle, Aretha Franklin, Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton, and Yolanda Adams, among many others.

In 2001 Lakisha became a founding member of the gospel group "EXTOL,” founded by Roderick Giles. They served as one of the DMV'S most celebrated music ministries for 13 years and performed stellar background vocals for gospel greats such as: Shirley Caesar, Dorothy Norwood, Twinkie Clark, Karen Clark-Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Kim Burrell, Kathy Talyor-Brown, Erica Campbell (Mary Mary), Beverly Crawford, BeBe Winans, Crystal Aiken, Jessica Reedy, LeAndria Johnson, and Donald Lawrence, to name a few. She is a former member of the Harlem Gospel Choir, DC edition.

She currently serves as Co-Director of the Judah Praise Team and Director of the Children's Choir and the Youth and Young Adult Choir at the Southern Baptist Church in Washington, DC. She's a singer, songwriter, vocal arranger, and vocal coach in the DMV and highly acclaimed for her dynamic singing. She maintains that "she's just a small and imperfect vessel being used to bring glory to a GREAT and MIGHTY God"!

Described as "passionate, electrifying, and innovative," Billboard-charting, international recording artist Chelsey Green breaks down stereotypes of traditional violin and viola playing. A native of Houston, Texas, Dr. Chelsey Green is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, entrepreneur and educator that combines Classical and Contemporary to make music uniquely her own.

Her ensemble, Chelsey Green and The Green Project, has released five studio projects, debuted on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart (Top 30), appeared in the Top 5 albums of iTunes Jazz chart and performed live shows, jazz festivals and educational workshops around the world; including shows throughout the United States, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Japan, Haiti and more.

Past solo and group performance highlights include Carnegie Hall with Rick Ross, Capital Jazz Festival, Austin City Limits with The War and Treaty, the GRAMMY Awards with Lizzo, Songs In The Key Of Life Tour (D.C.) with Stevie Wonder, Mid-Atlantic Jazz Festival with jazz violinist Regina Carter, NPR Tiny Desk with Maimouna "Mumu Fresh" Youssef, Black Thought and Wu-Tang Clan, the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival with Terri Lyne Carrington, The Green Project ensemble debuts with the National Symphony Orchestra, The United States Air Force Band and the Prince George's Philharmonic and a nationally syndicated Walmart commercial produced by BET Networks appearing alongside Kirk Franklin and Estelle.

Committed to music education and arts advocacy, Dr. Green regularly performs educational concerts, community workshops and artist residencies to audiences of all types. Her writing has been featured in the New York Times and she has delivered keynote and Commencement addresses at colleges, universities and conferences in both the US and abroad.

Dr. Green completed her Doctorate of Musical Arts (D.M.A) degree in 2017 at the University of Maryland College Park and was appointed Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music in August of that same year. Dr. Green also serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Recording Academy (The GRAMMYs).

Dr. Joyce Garrett, a native of Kinston, NC has served in music ministry at the Alfred Street Baptist Church since 1979. A consummate musician and exemplary music educator, Dr. Garrett served as Founder of the “Excellence Without Excuses” youth intervention program she created for the award-winning Eastern High School Choir of Washington, DC.

She was Choral Master for two annual television productions: èßäAVHonors (CBS-TV) and Christmas in Washington (TNT-Cable) for twenty-five years. Dr. Garrett earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bennett College, and a Master of Music degree from The Catholic University. For her impactful work, she received Honorary Doctorates from West Virginia Wesleyan College and Bennett College. Since 2006, she has served as Director of Music and Worship Arts at the Alfred Street Baptist Church, leading a dynamic and talented group of singers, instrumentalists, Liturgical dancers, and actors.  She is married to Deacon James Garrett, and is the mother of two adult children, Rodney Garrett and Melanie Messer, and grandmother to a wonderful young grandson, Jaxson.

Mark A. Prioleau is a native Washingtonian who studied music privately and while completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. As a choral conductor and keyboardist, Mark has served as the director of award-winning church and community choirs. Additionally, he has served as Musical Director for numerous stage, television and concert productions, including various Christian based musicals, Rodgers and Hammerstein's South Pacific, Children of the Gospel, “The Glory of Gospel", NBC Television’s "Christmas in Washington", "CBS National Easter Broadcast" and ABC Television series "A Man Called Hawk".

Mark has successfully merged his musical, technical and organizational skills to serve as a Production and Stage Manager. In this role, he has managed numerous productions held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, The Music Center at the Strathmore, and other national and international venues.

Eboni Jones, originally from Dayton, OH, is an accomplished dancer, choreographer, and educator who has been honing her craft for over 25 years. As a graduate of The Ohio State University (Columbus, OH) with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance Performance, Eboni uses dance as a vehicle for social change, community engagement, and an expression of identity. Eboni is currently the Dance Educator at Mount Vernon High School and the Director of the Liturgical Dance Ministry at Alfred Street Baptist Church both located in Alexandria, VA.

In the Summer, Eboni lends her voice to the Dance Arts Summer Curriculum Development team for Fairfax County Public Schools to develop resources to support teaching and learning in dance across the county. Eboni also has the pleasure of working with McNeil Creative Enterprises, an organizational development consulting firm for the arts and culture sector, as the Operations Manager and with Local Motion Project, a dance and movement studio, as the Assistant Director where she utilize her arts administration skills to support the enhancement of the arts.

Ronita Morsell was born in Maryland and attended Prince George's County Public Schools.  A graduate of Suitland High School, Center of Visual and Performing Arts, she went on to Morgan State University to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre.  From there, she attended Johns Hopkins University and earned a master’s degree in education.  She has written, directed, and produced productions throughout her career.  She has been the assistant director on productions such as “Dreamgirls, The Wiz, and Pippin.”  She is currently the Theatre Department Chair at Suitland High School, Center of Visual and Performing Arts.  She is also pursuing her Doctorate in Education Administration at Capella University.