Staff Members

Richard (Dick) Forsman  - Grand Junction
Dick is the Master Mind behind Michigan Singers.  For 30 years he has been orchestrating and lugging youth across the states to share the gospel through music and drama.  Dick is from Grand Junction, MI and is retired from Zondervan and Family Bookstores.  He is married and has four adult children, seven grandchildren and a great grandchild on the way.  Most days you will find Dick at Warner Memorial Camp, or at his church, Allegan Church of God preparing for the weekly worship services.  Pretty good for a 72 year old.

Eric Forrester - Kalamazoo
Eric has been with Michigan Singers for over 20 years.  He plays keyboards in the band and also works as the group's vocal coach. After working for 16 years in banking, he returned to the field of public education. He is currently working on his master of arts degree from Western Michigan University and is employed by Kalamazoo Public Schools. Eric also serves at his local church on praise team and in the choir.

Ken Forsman - Allegan
Ken was on the original ground floor with Singers even before Singers was a reality. He and his wife Tammy worked with Dick before Singers was fully organized and underway. You will see him play many instruments during the performance.  Ken also enjoys playing and leading worship at his local church. He has four children, and in his spare time he arranges music. When Ken is not playing the piano, or an instrument, you will find him using his talents and training as a family physician in his hometown.

Tammy Forsman - Allegan
Tammy is a full time Mom, wife, and was with Singers before it began. She was support staff when the choir first launched. She took time off when she and Ken started their family and has raised two strong sons, who have been members of Singers, and has two younger daughters in elementary. Tammy is also an RN. Tammy is also very skilled in helping vocal parts with the Singers, and lends her expertise playing her flute while on tour.

Melanie Crowe - Lansing
This is Melanie’s second year with Singers. She finds it a blessing to be a part of this Ministry. She came to the choir to play bass with the band and really enjoys it. You often see her with her headset on and practicing with her guitar. When she is not playing, you will see her inter-acting with the youth, and she always has a ready hug for any youth who seems out of sorts and just needs a little reassurance.

Rod Nelson - Muskegon
Although Rod seems quiet, once you get to know him, he actually carries on a great conversation. Rod has been doing the lights for Singers for over 12 years. He has quite a knack for his wizardry in working magic with the lighting system. He is always looking for something new to keep Singers on the cutting edge. Rod is married to the lovely Pam and has two daughters who have both been in Singers.

Bear Dendel - Muskegon
Bear is the Sound guy. He has been at it almost 8 years. He is the resident overseer and is the driver of the truck and trailer on long weekend trips and week tours. He is married to Sherrene and they both are very committed to seeing Singers be the best it can be. When not with the choir he spends his days driving for a vending company.

Sherrene Dendel - Muskegon
Sherrene has been with Singers for over 10 years. After she grew past the age of singing in the choir, she came back as support staff. Sherrene has lent her talents as the drama coach and does the choreography. She is a Guest teacher for the Muskegon Area Public schools.

Johnny Thorington - Hope
Johnny is the GO TO guy. Johnny has been around Singers a long time. He absolutely loves these kids, and would do most anything for anybody, at about any time. He is laid back and can honestly fall asleep about anywhere. But he is always willing to listen, or to pitch in anywhere to help.

Ted Strickler - Muskegon
Ted has been on staff with the Singers as the camera guy and Videographer. He is the guy with the camera, tripod and all that equipment who takes those stunning shots, makes those crazy commercials, and puts the video together that helps us remember our year in Michigan Singers.

Gaylene Strickler – Muskegon
Gaylene is Ted’s wife and you see her assisting Ted in anyway to get those wacky shots, interviews, scenery, and chow shots. They are the proud and happy grandparents of seven grandchildren.

Roy Murry  - Holt
Roy has traveled with the choir the last few years as the bus driver during the tours. Roy loves to drive and makes sure the bus is in tip top shape. He gets us and all our personal gear to each of our destinations in time to set up for our concerts. Roy is retired from the State of Michigan. He is married and has two children and three grandchildren.

Rocky Starland - South Haven
Rocky has been involved with Singers for many years. He has toured with Singers as one of the guitar players. More recently, his personal ties have kept him home, but his heart is very much with the Singers as he maintains the website. He is responsible for adding, updating and deleting all the information on www.MichiganSingers.org   he does a fantastic job keeping the schedule, dates, times, and map access for each of our rehearsal or concert dates current.