LYCNA Leadership

Staff

PHILIP SPENCER, Founding Conductor and Festival Artistic Director (email)
Philip Spencer is the Lutheran Youth Choir’s founding conductor and a member of its board of directors. He has more than two decades of experience conducting choirs of all ages in college, church and community settings. Mr. Spencer is Professor of Music and Director of Choral and Vocal Music at Joliet Junior College, and Chancel Choir Director at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Naperville, Illinois. He and his wife Pamela have been members of Faith Lutheran Church since 2002. Learn more about Mr. Spencer.

ALLAN CHESHIRE, Executive Director and Festival Business Manager (email)
Allan Cheshire is the choir's executive director and president of its board of directors. Originally from Long Island, Allan Cheshire has passions for teaching, international business consulting, travel and vocal music. He and his wife Susan have been members of Faith’s Sanctuary Choir for 30 years, and their daughters, Jennene and Kimberly grew up in the congregation. The Cheshires have three grandchildren. Learn more about Mr. Cheshire.

TODD CARRICO, Associate Conductor and Accompanist (email)
Todd Carrico serves the Lutheran Youth Choir as accompanist & assistant conductor and as a board member. He is Director of Music Ministry at Faith Lutheran Church in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, where he directs three children's choirs and five adult ensembles. Learn more about Mr. Carrico.

PASTOR JAMES HONIG, Chaplain
Pastor Jim Honig provides pastoral leadership as the Lutheran Youth Choir’s chaplain. He is also a member of the choir's board. He is Senior Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church. He has been involved with youth and adults in music ministry in the parish, community and national organizations. Learn more about Pastor Honig.

Other Board Members

Sandy Becker, Treasurer
Sandy Becker grew up at Faith Lutheran Church and has been active since 1959. She was a member of the choir throughout grade school and high school and now plays hand bells with the Hallelujah Choir. Her three daughters participated in the choir program, Midweek Miracle, and Sandy was the leader for several years and directed four of their annual musicals.

LARRY JOHNSON, VP, Secretary, Logistics and Tour Planning
Larry Johnson and his wife Karen have been members of Faith for 35 years, and currently are members of one of the handbell choirs. Larry also has enjoyed planning and working on seven Faith mission trips to the Gulf Coast to help with housing rehab work. He also looks forward to planning the choir's tour. Larry and Karen have four grandchildren who are involved with music.

KRISTINE SUBLETTE, Development
Kristine Sublette is an advocate for strong sons and daughters of faith. Her own son and daughter attend St. Olaf College. She is an eighth grade Sunday School teacher, a member of the Sanctuary Choir at Faith Lutheran Church, a participant in bible studies, president of Faith’s Women of the ELCA (WELCA) organization, and founder of Helping Mom. She feels music helps us to become true light.