Circle Of Friends

Christian

Syracuse

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS (COF)
Home: St Paul’s United Methodist Church
Valley Drive, Syracuse NY

Band Members

Bill Andrews’ first start was in elementary school where he played Hand bells, Guitar, Drums and Violin, so well on violin that he was in All District, All County, and All State in school. He played drums for a short time in his Jr. High School marching band. Eventually he traveled with a hand bell choir over most of the eastern seaboard including the Rotunda of the Senate Office Building in Washington DC. Now Bill is happy to strum rhythm guitar, and play the congas in COF and the band Mid Life Crisis (M.L.C).

Ellen Dethloff first began her singing career in high school starring in a number of Musicals. From there she continues to sing in the shower, at church and at work where she leads a choir of nurses that sing at special events around central New York. She is an original member of COF.

Steve Dethloff currently enjoys playing lead guitar in COF and jazz/variety with M.L.C. He preformed locally with several bands over the past 30 years. He has two CDs to his credit, one by COF of which he is an original member, and a jazz instrumental CD by Tradewind. Original instrumental compositions have aired on NPR radio and have been recorded onto three national distributed compilation discs. He is currently working on a second Tradewind disc and expects to start recording projects with COF and M.L.C this year.

Kasey McHale is currently a student at Lemoyne College, and a member of the schools’ vocal jazz and concert choirs. In addition she has appeared in several starring roles in both drama and musical productions in high school and now in college. She has been a vocalist with COF for five years.

Paul Powers attended Oswego College, studying music before moving to Syracuse to start his professional career. First playing bass and guitar in the folk duo “Sweet Breeze that regularly played at SU’s Jabberwocky, Shifty’s and Hungry Charlie’s. This duo later evolved into a five-man group that played many colleges and other venues along the eastern seaboard. Paul recently revived his passion for performing music. Paul sings and plays bass and acoustic guitar.

Leonard Octave Renaud started playing drums at 12 years old in Orchestra, Concert, and Marching Bands through to High School, including the Halftime Show at the SU Football game in Old Archibold Stadium. While attending college he played with several rock bands and later in ‘Erie Street” and “Wizards Of Sound” through the 70’s and 80’s. Currently he enjoys playing contemporary Christian music with COF and light jazz and rock with M.L.C. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, gardening, and golf.

Beth Schwartz has been singing in different groups for 26 years, including a Select Choir and Show Choir that won National Awards. She was chosen for All-State Choir and performed in several musicals while in high school. A classical pianist for 31 years, she won several awards for piano competition and taught piano for 4 years. In addition she played French horn in various bands over 15 years. She volunteers her talents for the past 22 years, as a camper and counselor for Music Camp. She is an original member of COF and states: “I am thankful for the opportunity to continue doing something I love”

Mary Shirley’s love for singing began in elementary school and continues through today. Her most memorable moment is singing in the play “Hair” while in high school. She also enjoys sewing and volunteering with many local civic organizations. She plans on sewing and singing for her first grandchild due this spring.

Robin Wensel Began her musical career at age five singing accapella ‘Jesus Loves Me” at her home church. In high school she sang in several musical productions and played the Jane Russell role in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes". Since age eight she has played the flute in church and the marching band leading to a prestigious spot in the high school jazz band. Her level of competence took her to New York State competitions for both voice and flute. Other engagements included halftime shows for college games and professional football games both in the U.S. and Canada.

http://www.syracusebands.net/cof

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January 03, 2009 @ 7:36pm

October 23, 2007 @ 6:17pm

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