Sally Husch Dean, Artistic Director, Director Caprice
Sally Husch Dean is the founding Artistic Director of the San Diego North Coast Singers Youth Chorus,
and has led this prestigious ensemble on national and international tours. She is also Director of the Palomar College Chorale
in San Marcos, California. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Voice Performance from the University of California, San Diego,
and is currently enrolled in a Master of Music: Choral Conducting Program at California State University, Los Angeles.
Ms. Dean has studied conducting with Dr. David Chase in San Diego and Donald Brinegar in Los Angeles. She has directed
local honor choirs, and worked as a music consultant for the Encinitas Union School District. in 1997 Ms. Dean was one of
six choral directors in the country selected for a fellowship program with the well-known composer/conductor, Alice Parker.
Melissa Touvannas, Director Brioso
Melissa Touvannas has been teaching music to students of all ages, from elementary to high school, for
18 years. She has directed and produced musicals, taught various levels of choral music and general music, and created
a piano lab classroom. She spent 6 ½ years as the Intermediate Ensemble Conductor of the Barrington Children’s
Choir. While with Barrington Children’s Choir, she had the opportunity to take the Intermediate Ensemble on three
Mid-west tours. She also took choristers to perform with the ACDA Central Division Honor Choirs in Indianapolis (2004)
and Chicago (2006) under the direction of Rebecca Rottsolk and Henry Leck. With her move to San Diego in 2008, Melissa founded
the 4S Ranch Children’s Choir, bringing choral music to this new community. Melissa graduated summa cum laude
from UCLA and earned her BA in music education, specializing in choral music. Melissa’s goal in teaching music
is to produce skilled singers, who truly love and understand the beauty and joy of choral music.
Pam Lindamood, Director Giocoso
Pamela Lindamood has enjoyed music and dance all her life. She has studied piano, flute, and voice and
received her BFA in Dance from U.C. Irvine. Pam has taught and directed a wide range of students. Her past experience includes
directing her church choir and teaching general music at Carrillo Elementary School in Carlsbad. Recently, she has assisted
Sally Dean with North Coast Singers' "Caprice" choir as a volunteer and currently directs the choir at San Marcos
High School. She also enjoys singing with Palomar Chamber Singers and the Palomar Chorale. Pam is thrilled to be a part of
North Coast Singers' staff and to be working with the "Giocoso" children.
Michelle Risling, Director Capella
Michelle Risling, Director of Capella, is earning her BA in Music Education, choral emphasis, at California
State University, Fullerton. There, she has studied conducting with Dr. Robert Istad and voice with Janet Smith. She
is the alto section leader for CSU Fullerton’s Concert Choir and was a Women’s Choir section leader for several
semesters. She is a member of the American Choral Director’s Association student chapter, and has helped organize several
high school and collegiate choral festivals at Cal State Fullerton. Michelle is an alumnus of the North Coast Singers
Youth Chorus, in which she sang in multiple ensembles from 1994 to 2004. Michelle composes and arranges choral music, and
was honored to have an original song cycle performed by the North Coast Singers in 2004 and 2007.
Support Staff
Miel Burnett, Operations Manager
