Our Directing Team
Christian and Jadyn Diaz- Our Directors
Jadyn Diaz is a dedicated music educator with a degree in music education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. A third-generation barbershopper, she brings a rich family tradition to her teaching. With six years of experience, she has taught students from Pre-K to 12th grade and served as a coach and clinician for vocal ensembles nationwide. She currently teaches choir at Smoky Hill High School.
In 2017, Jadyn achieved a milestone as a member of Adrenaline, the Sweet Adelines International collegiate champion quartet. She is also the founder of Budding Sounds, a music studio offering private lessons in piano, ukulele, guitar, and voice, as well as Kindermusik classes that foster children’s development through music.
Christian, a Miami, FL native, was raised in a musical family that fostered his passion for the arts. He studied voice at New World School of the Arts before earning a Bachelor’s degree in Jazz Studies from Western Michigan University, where he was also a choral conducting scholar. Upon graduating, he embarked on a nearly decade-long professional career in Orlando, FL, performing with Walt Disney World’s world-renowned Voices of Liberty and Dapper Dans. During this time, he also built a diverse portfolio in the entertainment industry, including work as a music director and session singer.
In 2018, Christian co-founded Midtown, a vocal quartet based in New York City. The group achieved international acclaim, culminating in winning the Barbershop Harmony Society's (BHS) International Quartet Championship in 2023. As an expert in barbershop harmony, Christian continues to travel globally as a performer and coach, and he is working toward certification as a judge with the BHS.
Jadyn and Christian currently reside in Denver, CO, where they live with their dog, Sound. Together, they operate a thriving private music studio with over 50 students, offering instruction in multiple instruments and fostering the next generation of musicians.
Past Directors
Darin Drown
Darin, a second generation barbershopper, has taught music professionally for over 25 years and recently retired from Grandview High School in Aurora, where he was the Director of Vocal Music and Co-Coordinator of the Performing Arts Department. His choirs had consistently received the highest ratings at festivals throughout the United States and have been featured performers at the Colorado Music Educator’s Convention several times. He was named Teacher of the Year in 2 different schools, as well as a District Teacher of the Year.
Having been with various quartets and choruses throughout his barbershop career, Darin has for many years sung baritone with Storm Front, the 2010 Men’s International Champion Quartet. He is a member of the 120-man Sound of the Rockies Chorus, which he directed for 15 years, leading them to 13 consecutive Rocky Mountain championships, 12 consecutive Top 10 International championships and 7 consecutive Top 4 International championships. In addition, Darin is a much sought after arranger of music and an international coach of men’s and women’s quartets and choruses.
Darin, a second generation barbershopper, has taught music professionally for over 25 years and recently retired from Grandview High School in Aurora, where he was the Director of Vocal Music and Co-Coordinator of the Performing Arts Department. His choirs had consistently received the highest ratings at festivals throughout the United States and have been featured performers at the Colorado Music Educator’s Convention several times. He was named Teacher of the Year in 2 different schools, as well as a District Teacher of the Year.
Having been with various quartets and choruses throughout his barbershop career, Darin has for many years sung baritone with Storm Front, the 2010 Men’s International Champion Quartet. He is a member of the 120-man Sound of the Rockies Chorus, which he directed for 15 years, leading them to 13 consecutive Rocky Mountain championships, 12 consecutive Top 10 International championships and 7 consecutive Top 4 International championships. In addition, Darin is a much sought after arranger of music and an international coach of men’s and women’s quartets and choruses.
Kathy Carmody
Kathy Carmody was the Velvet Hills director for over 18 years and was a member of Sweet Adelines International for 51 years. She was actively involved both in the musical and administrative sides of the organization locally, regionally, and internationally. She served on the International Board of Directors for 23 years, was International President twice, was distinguished as one of only four International Master Faculty Members, and in 2011 was awarded the Sweet Adelines International President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
A Master Director for over 20 years, Kathy led Velvet Hills to multiple regional championships and international finals. Directing, teaching, and coaching Sweet Adelines worldwide were Kathy's passions.
After retiring as the Velvet Hills Director in 2017, Kathy decided to practice what she had preaching for so many years, and became a very happy singing member on the Velvet Hills risers. She competed with the chorus in the May 2019 Region 8 competition where the chorus took 2nd place and earned a wild card spot in the 2020 Sweet Adelines International Competition in Louisville, KY. Kathy lost her fight with cancer in August 2019 and will be sadly missed by all.