Houston Show Choir Leadership & Affiliations
Executive Directors -
Mark Calima & Van English
Mark Calima first joined Houston Show Choir in 2018 and soon thereafter was elected to the Board as Director of Fundraising, where he served for four successful years. Mark also performs with HSC as a tenor and is one of our choreographers. He is a former music educator and currently works as a travel professional. Mark holds bachelor’s degrees in chemistry (University of Texas) and music education (University of Houston).
Van English joined HSC in 2021 and was soon appointed to the Board as Director of Development, where he launched the choir’s successful 90th anniversary capital campaign. Van also performs with HSC as a bass. He is a former higher-education administrator and also works as a freelance writer-editor. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in English, with minors in French, classics, and voice from Troy University.
Mark and Van began their service as Co-Executive Directors in 2023. In this capacity, they are able to combine their respective experiences and skills with their passion for performing.
Artistic Director -
Jennifer Agbu
Jennifer received both her Bachelor and Masters of Music in Music Education at the University of Houston. During her time at UH, she founded The Lyric Players and sang in the UH Concert Women’s Chorus, Concert Chorale, Floreat, and Acabellas. She joined the Houston Symphony Chorus shortly after graduation and most recently sang with Cantare Houston. Jennifer has also performed in various local musical theatre productions.
While Jennifer loves performing, she feels that teaching is her calling. She currently teaches choir in Katy ISD where she leads an active program of over 200 students. Jennifer is a sought after clinician, adjudicator, and presenter.
When not rehearsing, Jennifer may be found exploring Houston area restaurants, reading a book, or bingeing the latest TV series.
She is excited to serve as the Artistic Director of The Houston Show Choir.
Pianist -
Chloe de Souza
Chloe is currently a pianist in DACAMERA’s prestigious Young Artist Program and serves as a teaching artist for the American Festival for the Arts (AFA). Recent highlights include performances at the Wortham Theater Center, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and The Menil Collection, as well as a critically acclaimed duo piano and flute recital in San Miguel de Allende. She also serves as Music Director at Bethel United Church of Christ.
A passionate educator, she is on the faculty at Texas Southern University and the Annunciation Orthodox School. She holds degrees from Oberlin Conservatory and the Eastman School of Music, and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts at the Peabody Institute.
When she’s not at the piano, she’s probably out hunting for the best food spots in Houston.
Lead Choreographer -
Sasha Redmon
Having performed on stage most of her life, Sasha Redmon brings an infectious brand of energy and expertise to the Houston Show Choir as our first-ever Lead Choreographer.
Through theatrical productions, solo forums, and performances at Houston’s Jones Hall, Smart Financial , and the Hobby Center for Performing Arts with Gilbert & Sullivan, Sasha has polished her skills as singer, dancer, teacher, and choreographer.
