Who We Are

Our Mission

To learn about creating joy, healing and unity among all people through gospel and spiritual music.

Our Vision

To create a community where individuals from various backgrounds and faith/non-faith traditions can find common ground as well as a mutual connection to a higher spirit and a more elevated, collective purpose.

Our Beliefs

• That song has the power to transform lives and to unite people across differences.

• That a culture of inclusion challenges each of us to be a positive agent of change.

• That in striving to be a culture of inclusion we serve as a model of a greater vision for the world.

• In the value of service to the community and the world.

• That everyone has a unique voice, and that every voice is important.

• That when communities take active responsibility for the struggles, as well as the successes, of all people, communities are more likely to thrive.

Our Values

• The power of the human spirit.

• The building and sustaining of a diverse and inclusive community that embraces all people.

• Gospel and spiritual music traditions.

• Music as a tool to strengthen community, build authentic friendships, and instill feelings of hope and healing.

Our Directors

Joy Jones

Musical and Artistic Director

Raised in a musical family, Joy has directed eight choirs from 1980 to 2026, including the Lewis Singers, Tabernacle M.B. Church Choirs, and Brilliance Interfaith Gospel Choir.

A dynamic R&B and Gospel vocalist, she has performed with national groups like Jubilation, Hosanna, GMES, and GoodyBagg, and shared the stage with renowned artists such as Shirley Caesar, The Hawkins, The Winans, and Frank McCombs. Joy is one of Brilliance’s two Musical Directors. In addition to performing, Joy is passionate about vocal coaching and has helped scores of singers build confidence, connect deeply with their emotions, and tap into their spiritual expression.

Kent Stevenson

Founding Musical and Artistic Director

A Pacific Northwest composer and music educator for over 35 years, Kent serves as music director at Seattle’s St. Therese Parish, leading the Shades of Praise Gospel Choir at the weekly 11am Sunday gospel Mass. He performs regularly as an accompanist for singers, ensembles, and theater productions, and is currently music director for ACE (African-American Cultural Ensemble) at the Northwest African American Museum.

Kent has taught music and choir in public and independent schools, founded choirs for all ages, and collaborated with churches and groups across denominations. Kent is Brilliance’s founding Musical Director.

Our Advisory Group

Kimberly "Kim" Breland

Kim Breland is an accomplished accounting leader with deep expertise in revenue management, accounts receivable, payroll, contract administration, and general ledger operations. She served more than 12 years as Revenue Accounting Supervisor for the City of Seattle and holds an MBA in Business Administration and Management. Kim also teaches as adjunct faculty in higher education and is a dedicated member of the Brilliance Interfaith Gospel Choir.

Elizabeth "Betsy" Edenious

A former business development and program management professional in the education sector, Betsy Denious has devoted her recent work to community‑building initiatives, including organizing Meaningful Conversations—ongoing dialogue gatherings across Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and Bellingham. A founding member of Brilliance and committed choir member, she now serves as Executive Director, overseeing administration, planning, fundraising, events, marketing, and communications.

Joy Jones

Joy Jones, raised in a deeply musical family, has directed eight choirs from 1980–2025, including the Lewis Singers, Tabernacle M.B. Church Choirs, and the Brilliance Interfaith Gospel Choir. A dynamic R&B and Gospel vocalist, she has performed with nationally recognized groups such as Jubilation, Hosanna, GMES, and GoodyBagg, and shared the stage with artists including Shirley Caesar, The Hawkins, The Winans, and Frank McCombs. Joy is one of Brilliance’s two Musical Directors.

Setsuko "Setch" Hosoda, MD

Dr. Setsuko Hosoda is a licensed Family Physician with over two decades of experience in the United States and China. Her work centers on wellbeing, mind‑body medicine, and community connection. A physician, wellness innovator, and community builder, she has co‑founded Mindful Neighborhood Gatherings, Community Harvest, and Upstream Health Leadership Training—all initiatives fostering belonging, meaningful relationships, and shared learning. Setch is also a proud member of the Brilliance Choir.

Maggie McClellan

A longtime Seattle resident and retired elementary school music educator, Maggie McClellan has directed the Phinney Neighborhood Community Chorus—now more than 40 singers—since founding it in 1999. She trained at the renowned Kodály Institute in Kecskemét, Hungary, studying choral conducting and teaching methodology. Passionate about community music, nature, and preserving her family’s musical legacy, Maggie is also a proud member of the Brilliance Choir.

Kent Stevenson

Kent Stevenson is a Pacific Northwest composer, pianist, and music educator with over 25 years of experience. He serves as Music Director at St. Therese Parish in Seattle, leading the Shades of Praise Gospel Choir, and is Music Director for ACE (African‑American Cultural Ensemble) at the Northwest African American Museum. Kent has taught music in both public and independent schools, founded choirs for singers of all ages, and collaborated widely across denominations. He is Brilliance’s founding Musical Director.

Cleve Ticeson

Cleve Ticeson has devoted more than 40 years to KCTS 9, working in roles ranging from copywriter, floor director and as Senior Post‑Production Editor. A skilled singer, actor, and community advocate, he has contributed to numerous educational and youth‑centered initiatives in Seattle and previously served as a representative to the Interfaith Council of Seattle. Cleve is Vice President of Development at N 182nd Films LLC and, as a founder and former choir member, continues to support Brilliance’s creative and community‑building mission.

Contact Us

Send us an email with any questions you may have, or if you wish to join the choir!