About Us

Dr. Nathan Frank

Founder and Conductor

The Johns Creek Chorale has been guided by the vision of its creator, Dr. Nathan Frank, and performed its inaugural concert November 8, 2015.

A dream of many in the community of Johns Creek, GA, this new choral ensemble satisfies the growing need for high-level choral musicianship. The Chorale brings together approximately 70 men and women from diverse backgrounds to experience the joy of singing and to continue a life-long love for choral music.

A board of directors has been elected, by-laws have been written and 501(c)(3) status has been obtained.

The Chorale is one of the premier choral groups in the greater Atlanta area.

Our Mission

The Johns Creek Chorale is dedicated to encouraging people to encounter the joy of singing and nurture the unique gift each person brings to the ensemble

Board of Directors

President

Paul Aase

Paul is the owner of the ASC group of companies specializing in providing innovative senior housing solutions in the Southeast. He loves choral music and has been singing in Johns Creek choirs for over a decade. Paul has worked in the Johns Creek area for 12 years and lives in neighboring south Forsyth County with his wife and two daughters. Paul is a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Chorale.

Treasurer

Tim Jennette

Tim is the son of our church music minister. He started singing in church at a very early age. In college he sang with an audition only ensemble known as the University Singers for 3 years. Tim received instruction from one of the music school’s chorale directors and sang everything from Broadway to spirituals, to classical. He has been active in church choirs most of his life and has enjoyed being a part of the Johns Creek Chorale since 2019. Tim’s day job is as a community banker for Loyal Trust Bank located in Johns Creek. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance and an MBA. Tim is married with two adult daughters and in addition to music, he enjoys running, travel and golf.

Executive Director

Linda Bergmann

Linda has sung with The Johns Creek Chorale since its inception in 2015. She is a founding member of The Johns Creek Chorale Board and served for two years as President of the Board prior to becoming Executive Director. She is a cantor and choir member at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Johns Creek.

Chorale Manager

Cindy Locker

Cindy is a retired teacher, having experience teaching Physical and Health Education at all levels, Middle School, Elementary School, and Pre-K. While living in Illinois, she was a Red Cross Instructor Certified in First Aid, CPR, lifeguarding and swimming and served on the Safety Services Committee as secretary for six years. Her singing experience started in high school and church choir. Cindy has been a cantor and choir member at her church. Cindy is a founding member of the Chorale. She and her husband John have lived in Johns Creek for twenty-three years and have two grown children, Justin lives and works in Asheville, NC and their daughter Caitlin lives in Johns Creek, and works in Norcross.

Secretary

Carolyn Malone

Carolyn Recently retired as the Payroll Manager for a Project and Engineering Services company with offices in the Alpharetta area. Carolyn was involved in Human Resources and Payroll for over 19 years. She is a member of the Board of Directors of The Johns Creek Chorale (active with the Promotions Committee). Carolyn has enjoyed being a consumer of the arts in the Atlanta and surrounding communities – some examples include dancing with the Atlanta Ballet as a child, as an Atlanta Archdiocesan Festival Choir member for nine years, St Ann’s Catholic Church choir member, active memberships with WABE and the High Museum of Art.

Promotions

Nancy Shields

Nancy is a legal assistant/paralegal for a prominent law firm in Atlanta and has been a legal assistant for 35 years. She started singing in grade school and in church and progressed to show choir in high school in the Chicago suburbs, as well as singing with the Atlanta Archdiocesan Festival Choir. Nancy continues singing with her church choir and as a cantor at St. Benedict as well as The Johns Creek Chorale. Nancy is a founding member of the Board of Directors. She and her husband Jim have lived in the Johns Creek area with their two children for over 30 years.

Promotions

Cynthia Fuguet Mare

Cynthia owns Dustyboots Communications, where she creates integrated marketing programs for corporate and nonprofit clients alike. Originally from Massachusetts, she’s lived in Sugar Hill since 2005. A graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, she holds a BA in French from Duke University and an MBA from Northeastern University. Cynthia has been singing with the Johns Creek Chorale since 2018, and in 2019 was honored to join the Board. In her spare time, Cynthia is an avid equestrian, and loves to write poetry.

Board Member

Troy Lee

Troy Lee is the CEO of Progressive Lighting, which includes the largest chain of family-owned and operated residential lighting showrooms in the Southeast, the lighting brand Savoy House, and the e-commerce website LightsOnline.com.

As a trusted leader in the lighting industry, he serves as the chairman of the board of the Dallas Market Center, sits on the board of the American Lighting Association, and chairs the finance committee for the ALA.

He also brings his leadership and financial acumen to the Johns Creek United Methodist Church, where he serves on the church council and is the chairman of the church finance committee.

Born and raised in Atlanta, he attended Atlanta’s prestigious Woodward Academy and graduated from Mercer University with a Bachelor of Arts. In his spare time, he is a member of the Atlanta Athletic Club and enjoys reading, jogging, fishing, and quail hunting.

Board Member

Abby Cyran

Abby has been singing for as long as she has been talking. She has experience in many groups and is glad to add Johns Creek Chorale to her list of favorite choirs to be a part of. During working hours (where she also frequently sings, much to the delight and consternation of her coworkers) Abby works in e-commerce for an industrial supplies company. She is a graduate of Florida Southern College and Auburn University with degrees in English, Business and Information Systems.

Our Story

In Memory of Maestro J. Wayne Baughman

1946 to 2023

“The Johns Creek Chorale extends its heartfelt gratitude to Maestro Baughman, and celebrates his incomparable leadership and vision for music excellence in the Johns Creek area. A vibrant spirit with great determination and an infectious love for the highest caliber of musical performances, Wayne was instrumental in the very foundation of today’s Johns Creek Chorale. We send our love and sympathy to the Baughman family on his passing and raise a toast to his inspirational presence and involvement. Thank you Wayne- we will continue to honor your legacy with pride.” ~ The Johns Creek Chorale