LEADERSHIP
Director, Sheresa Wilbanks​
Sheresa Wilbanks has retired from her 28 years being a public High School Choral Director. She graduated from University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and a Master of Arts in Education and Administration from the University of Phoenix.
Sheresa has had a rich and diverse teaching career ranging from teaching in mountain, inner city and suburban schools. Her passion has been vocal jazz. She has served as adjudicator and clinician for several Honor Choirs and Festivals in Colorado. Sheresa has been fortunate to have had four choirs invited to sing at the Colorado Music Educators Clinic Conference, most of which were vocal jazz.
Sheresa has been the choral director of The High Plains Chorale in Elizabeth, CO since 2019. She loves the community and is honored to be a part of it. Her heart lies in her family. She enjoys spending quality time with them. In her spare time, cuddling with her two golden doodles and riding her horse, Bella Rose brings her immense joy.
Choir President, Mike Diess
Mike Diess grew up on the East Coast, where he developed his love for singing through school choirs and theatrical productions.
In 1995, Mike, his wife, and their son moved to Elizabeth, Colorado. Soon after arriving, they discovered they had purchased a home
directly across the street from John Dahm, the original director of the High Plains Singers (HPS). John invited Mike to join the choir,
and he gladly embraced the opportunity to return to performing.
Mike has remained an active member of the High Plains Chorale (formerly known as the High Plains Singers) ever since. Upon John’s
retirement, he invited Mike to serve as the next Choir President — a role Mike was honored to accept. Through his leadership and
continued participation, Mike remains dedicated to supporting the choir and strengthening its role in the Elizabeth community.
​Accompanist, Tia Bowen
Tia Bowen is a dedicated advocate and long-term supporter of the High Plains Chorale (formerly known as the High Plains Singers).
The High Plains Chorale is a volunteer community-based, mixed-voice choir of approximately 35 members.
Tia has served as the chorale’s accompanist since 1996, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the ensemble and its mission.
Through her musicianship and encouragement, she helps strengthen the choir and inspires its members through the transformative
power of music. She is truly an invaluable asset to every singer in the High Plains Chorale and is deeply passionate about chorale
music and its unique ability to bring people together.
