A native of Louisville, KY, Houston Tyrrell earned both his M.M. and B.M. in Vocal Performance at the University of Kentucky under the tutelage of his mentor, Dr. Everett McCorvey. Mr. Tyrrell has performed with various opera companies including Cincinnati Opera, Opera Maine, and Kentucky Opera.
During his time at the University of Kentucky, his highlight roles included “Rodolfo” in Puccini’s La bohème, “Tamino” in Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, and "Judge Danforth” in Robert Ward's The Crucible. He is a frequent concert work performer and has performed various oratorios, masterworks, and revue concerts alongside orchestras such as the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Louisville Orchestra, and the Lexington Philharmonic. Also a very talented conductor, Mr. Tyrrell is the current Choir Director at Venice Presbyterian Church in Ross, OH, as well as the Assistant Artistic Director for the Viva Voices Choral Organization and the Conductor for the Viva Voices Youth Chorus. He was most recently the Assistant Conductor for the UK Symphony Orchestra, UK Philharmonic, and UK Opera Theatre program. In addition to his work on the podium and on the stage, he is also a private voice instructor who teaches students of all ages and experience levels at three music studios in the Cincinnati area: NKU Music Prep (Highland Heights), The
Musical Arts Center (Hyde Park), and Indian Springs Academy of Music (West Chester.)
houstontyrrell.com

Married to Rob Kohlman in 1987 and have 2 children, Joey who is 29 and Jenna who is 25. I have lived in Shandon for 25 years. I retired after various positions and after working in the Ross School District for 16 years. I love the outdoors, baseball games, reading, crocheting, and most of all family time. Feeling blessed to have found this part time position and to have met so many wonderful people at Venice Presbyterian Church. 

Ben Tweedt is a pianist, composer, arranger, and educator based in Cincinnati, OH. As a high-demand freelance musician, Ben plays many different genres of music around the region including jazz, gospel, classical, pop, R&B, and Brazilian music. Through this work, he has had the opportunity to work with and share the stage with some of the most successful figures in jazz and commercial music today including Dan Wilson, Walfredo Reyes Jr., and Jamey Haddad. In addition to his pursuits as a performer, Ben is a passionate educator and has taught at the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and Central State University.

Beth Ziepfel has lived in Ross most of her life, earning her degree at nearby Miami University and she lives with her husband and family of six in Millville. She has been a middle school Language Arts teacher for over 25 years, and most of those have been at her second home: Talawanda Middle School. Beth is a woman of varied talents but her ability to remember song lyrics from the 80s far exceeds her ability to remember why she walked into the kitchen. She enjoys reading a good book on the porch and hanging out with family and friends. Beth believes in the power of children’s and youth ministry and she likes to live and serve heart first. 

Owen Ziepfel grew up here at Venice Presbyterian Church, attending Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and even Venice Presbyterian Preschool. He is now the Live Streaming and Tech Coordinator for Sunday mornings. Owen was active in music in the Ross schools for years, in both vocal and instrumental music. He plays the baritone horn and trombone. In addition to his music pursuits, Owen has competed with FCCLA for three years, beginning in the 8th grade, earning gold medals at State and National levels. Owen works in the Church and in the office on all sorts of technology issues, and continues to serve every year at Vacation Bible School.

Larry Hayes is a lifelong resident of the Ross area.  He is a widower with one son and a granddaughter.  Larry worked for the Borden Co. (i.e. Elsie the Cow) for several years

before joining the Ross School District where he worked for 25 years as a custodian. He loves working at Venice, especially the people who have been very kind to him.