STAFF BIOS

Local conductor and native of New Haven, MI, Jeremiah Kraniak holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Saginaw Valley State University. Prior to studying choral music, Mr. Kraniak spent six years studying solo and orchestral flute. As a tenor, he studied voice under the guidance of Dr. Julie Meyer, and his performance credits include numerous performances with the Saginaw Valley State University Department of Music. 

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He has been featured as a soloist with the Saginaw Choral Society under the batons of Mr. Robert Sabourin and Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout. Mr. Kraniak is an active participant in the annual Baroque on Beaver music festival on Beaver Island under the direction of conductors Kevin Simons and Robert Nordling. He has been featured in theatrical productions through the SVSU Department of Theatre as a pit musician and as an actor/singer. In addition, Mr. Kraniak was cast in three seasons of performance with the SVSU MUSE and Brunch. Most recently, he served as the orchestra conductor for the SVSU Department of Theatre’s production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
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Jeremiah serves as the Choral Assistant at St. John’s Episcopal Church under the music ministry of Mr. Kevin Simons. In addition to his appointment as the Music Director for the Saginaw Choral Society, he serves as a Graduate Assistant  while pursuing a M.M. in conducting from Central Michigan University, under the mentorship of Dr. Nina Nash-Robertson.

As the former instructor of the Voice/Keyboard Concentration at Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy, Mr. Kraniak taught solo and choral vocal technique, basic piano skills, music theory and music history. His choirs have performed as featured guests with the Saginaw Choral Society and the Saginaw Valley State University choirs. Many of his students perform solo work throughout the Tri-City community in various capacities. Through a well-developed knowledge of music, his students came through the program prepared for collegiate study in music and performance. Mr. Kraniak is an active member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing and the American Choral Directors Association.

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Tamara Grefe has served as Executive Director for the Choral Society since 2003, after serving as its pianist for twenty-four years. She held similar positions with Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra as Executive Director from 2000-2003 and as symphony pianist for many years prior. Under her leadership, the Choral Society continues to expand its role within the arts and cultural community as an advocate for the joy and fulfillment that singing together brings to all people.

Bonnie is the newest full-time staff member with the Saginaw Choral Society, serving as our Project & Marketing Director. Hailing from the Frankenmuth area, she has previously worked for the Saginaw Symphony Association as their Executive Director, Frankenmuth School District as Community Education Director and Production Manager for the Bronner Performing Arts Center, also in Frankenmuth, MI.  She looks forward to expanding new programs with Saginaw Choral Society and connecting with the community through music. 

Catherine McMichael, pianist, composer, arranger, teacher, and clinician has had a friendly association with the Saginaw Choral Society since 1981, when she moved to Saginaw from Ann Arbor.  During her years as a singer with the SCS she was alto section leader and occasional arranger and composer.   After the singing years came the composing years.  SCS has premiered two of her large-scale choral pieces:  The Seven Saints and Sinners in 1998 and Le Porte del Paradiso in 2004.  SCS also commissioned a portion of Paradiso, which was premiered with acclaim to a full house at the Temple Theatre shortly after its renovation.  

Catherine’s B.M. in piano performance and M.M. in chamber music are from the University of Michigan. She has taught applied piano at the University of Michigan-Flint and was an adjunct instructor of composition at Saginaw Valley State University.  In addition to teaching, she directs Bells On High, the handbell choir at First United Methodist Church, Saginaw.  You can learn more about her music by visiting www.catherinemcmichael.com.

Emerald Joiner-Christensen was born and raised in Saginaw and is the extremely proud director of the Saginaw Youth Choir. Emerald is a graduate of Saginaw Valley State University. She completed her degree in music education in 2016 and immediately began teaching in local school districts. She is the SASA Voice/Keyboard instructor as well as the music director of SASA Steelers. In addition to teaching, Emerald teaches private piano and voice to young students in the area.  Though Emerald has been involved in many projects and organizations in her lifetime she is the most proud of her involvement with the SYC. Emerald’s favorite aspect of the SYC is being able to watch students who begin as strangers grow to become close friends through music. It holds a very special place in her heart.