Biographies

Margery Dusek graduated from Western Michigan University after completing degree work in music therapy. While at WMU, she studied applied flute and performed in a variety of ensemble groups. Margery has several years of experience working with psychiatric patients as a music therapist. She has assisted in church music ministries, performed with the "Abriel Jazz Trio" and has composed and recorded as a studio musician. She plays concert flute, Irish flute, Irish whistles, recorders, keyboard, guitar and vocals with "Rare Combination".


Sofia Peters, age eighteen, began playing violin at the age of three and piano at the age of four. She is a self-taught mandola and bass guitar player as well. She is a member of the Harper Creek Honors Choir directed by Eric Hansen. Currently she studies violin with Renata Knific at Western Michigan University and piano with Helga Carpenter. She has won a number of competitions and training scholarships. The music camps she attended include; Mark O'Connor Fiddle Camp, Interlochen Arts Camp, WMU Seminar, Steve Zegree Jazz Vocal Camp, and Berkley College of Music String Fling. 


Father Patrick Murphy is a Catholic priest. He studied classical guitar for six summers with Larry Field. He was formerly a member of the Irish folk group "Border Band" and a classical quartet, "Instruments of Peace" in Michigan's upper peninsula and northern Wisconsin. He has performed at the Chocolay Riverfest, Boniface Center for the Arts, Fortune Lake Second Sunday Folk Dances, and the Iron Mountain Community Arts Theatre. He performs on classical guitar, rhythm guitar, bodhran, Irish bouzouki, and voice with "Rare Combination".


Thor McMillen spent his early life in Missouri and was born in St. Joseph, MO.  He majored in general business and music at the University of Northern Iowa.  He received an MA in music education.  He has lived most of his adult life in Michigan.  Thor has taught in the public schools, directed church choirs, and has served as a church soloist.  His stage and performance experience include; the Clarinda Symphony Orchestra, Minneapolis Chorale, Jack Presser Productions, and the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre.  Thor is the upright bass for player Rare Combination.  He contributes back-up and lead vocals, and assists with vocal and instrumental arrangements.  He also performs with the Kalamazoo Singers.