Oregon native RAY ELLIOTT is the founding Artistic Director of Confluence. As a Director or Conductor, Ray’s goals are to encourage people of all ages to express themselves through music, to develop their skills and self-esteem, and to discover the joy of music expression. As an active arranger of choral music, Ray fosters a soulful, rhythmic style that resonates with singers and audiences alike.

In addition to his work with Confluence, Ray is the Music Director at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis and is a member of ACDA (American Choral Directors Association) and UUMN (Unitarian Universalist Musician Network). Ray has studied with Dr. Bruce Browne, Dr. William Tuttle, and Dr. Sharon Paul. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Portland State University.

RAVEN SANDERS studied piano first with Mildred Hardy of Seattle, and then with Donald B. Anthony of Palo Alto (a great-nephew of Susan B. Anthony, in addition to being an excellent pianist and teacher). Raven also studied voice with the late Carlyle Kelley of Seattle. Raven is new to the role of accompanist; her first experience as an accompanist was in September of 2005, as accompanist for the UU Fellowship of Corvallis choir. Of her work with Confluence, Raven says, It’s fun, a place where I can be myself. There’s so much heart in Confluence.