About the Directors | Fossil Ridge Choir

Meet the Directors

John Garner has taught vocal music since 1997 at both the Middle and High school levels. He received both a Bachelor and Master of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley.

Mr. Garner has directed honor choirs and served as an adjudicator throughout the state of Colorado. Choirs under his direction have received top ratings and numerous awards including three previous performances at the CMEA convention. He has taken choirs to perform across the country and in Europe.

In addition to teaching choir at Fossil Ridge, Mr. Garner is also the Technical Theatre director. He was recognized as the Colorado High School Theatre Teacher of the year for 2019-20 by the Colorado Educational Theatre Association.

Mr. Garner lives in Loveland with his wife, Cinnamon, and their three children, Emma, Julie and Allister.

Bri McCormick has taught choir since 2013 at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley and holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and a Colorado State principal's license.

Mrs. McCormick has directed honor choirs and her choirs have received superior ratings at various festivals throughout the state and country. Her choirs have been selected to perform at the Colorado Music Educator's Conference twice. Mrs. McCormick currently serves on the board of Colorado All State Choir as Treasurer and has served on the Colorado Middle School All State Choir board.

Briana serves as Music Director for Fossil Ridge Theatre and was awarded a Bobby G Award for Best Musical Direction in 2023. In her spare time, she greatly enjoys performing with the chamber ensemble NOCO Singers, of which she is a founding member.

She lives in Windsor with her husband, daughter, and pug Batman.

Joel Atella is a native of Fort Collins and a PSD graduate, having attended Dunn, Lesher, and Rocky Mountain HS. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from the prestigious Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.

For over a decade, Joel honed his skills behind the scenes, serving as a Stage Manager, Tour Manager, and Assistant Director for renowned performing arts organizations across the United States, including the Indianapolis Symphony, San Diego Opera, and Opera Colorado. When not making or listening to music, Joel is an avid skier, and loves to read and cook.

He currently serves as the Assistant Collaborative Pianist and sings with the Larimer Chorale, and is thrilled to support the Fossil Ridge Vocal Arts Program.