Circle Of Friends

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS (COF)
Home: St Paul's United Methodist Church
Valley Drive, Syracuse NY
315-391-0726-Len Renaud
315-427-4026-Steve Dethloff

Band Members

Bill Andrews' became interested in music in elementary school where he played Guitar, Drums and Violin, he was invited to participate in All District, All County, and All State Bands through out his high school years. Highlights included a performance at the Rotunda of the Senate Office Building in Washington DC. Today Bill is happy playing bass guitar with COF.

Ellen Dethloff first began her singing career in high school starring in a number of Musicals. From there she continues to sing in the shower, at church and at work where she leads a choir of nurses that sing at special events around central New York. She is an original member of COF.

Steve Dethloff currently enjoys playing lead guitar in COF and jazz/variety with M.L.C. He preformed locally with several bands over the past 30 years. He has two CDs to his credit, one by COF of which he is an original member, and a jazz instrumental CD by Tradewind. Original instrumental compositions have aired on NPR radio and have been recorded onto three national distributed compilation discs. He is currently working on a second Tradewind disc and expects to start recording projects with COF.

Kasey McHale has had a love of performing her entire life, with some of the most enjoyable moments being singing with Circle of Friends. She is honored to be a part of such a positive, talented and encouraging group of people. She graduated from LeMoyne College in 2008 as a Theatre Major/Music Minor after performing with the vocal jazz ensemble, chorale, and performing in productions such as "Songs for a New World", and has been seen on stage in various local community theatre productions over the years. Recently returning from NYC, she looks forward to more fun in the "Circle" and singing every chance she can get!

Len Renaud began playing drums at 12 years old in Orchestra, Concert, and Marching Bands, highlights included the halftime Show at an SU Football game in Old Archibold Stadium and the St. Patricks Day Parade in NYC. While attending college he played with several rock bands and later in ‘Erie Street” and “Wizards Of Sound” through the 70's and 80's. Currently he enjoys playing contemporary Christian music with COF. He also enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, gardening, and golf.

Beth Schwartz has been singing in different groups for 26 years, including a Select Choir and Show Choir that won National Awards. She was chosen for All-State Choir and performed in several musicals while in high school. A classical pianist for 30+ years, she won several awards for piano competition and taught piano for 4 years. In addition, she played French horn in various bands over 15 years. She is an original member of COF and states: “I am thankful for the opportunity to continue doing something I love”

Connie Six: Music has always been a big part of Connie's life while growing up. She loves to sing and harmonize whenever she can. Connie's singing career started back when she was 5 years old. She sang her first solo in church one Sunday, only because no one else showed up. She enjoys playing the piano, and of course she has to sing along. In her younger days, you could find her singing many folk songs and “Peter Paul and Mary” on the guitar. While in high school you could always find her in the chorus room, singing alto. Connie states “I'm the newest member of COF and consider it a gift from God to be a part of this great group. It is more than just the singing, it's the laughter, concern, and true friendships that have developed that have made COF so special”.

Mary Shirley's love for singing began in elementary school and continues through today. Her most memorable moment is singing in the play “Hair” while in high school. She also enjoys sewing and volunteering with many local civic organizations. She plans on sewing and singing for her first grandchild due this spring.

Robin Wensel's musical journey began at age five singing acapella “Jesus Loves Me” at her home church. In high school she sang in the chorus, vocal ensemble and several musical productions. Since age eight she has played the flute in her school's concert and marching band leading to a prestigious spot in the high school jazz band. Her level of competence took
her to New York State competitions for both voice and flute.
After moving to the Syracuse area 10 years ago Robin performed at various local venues including the Broadway Café, the Landmark Theatre, and Oswego's Harborfest. Robin is currently a jazz vocal student of the renowned local jazz artist Ronnie Leigh and has been recently writing some original songs with Code Blue, a band she performs with at various SUNY Upstate Medical Center fundraising and employee events. For the past ten years Robin has been a member of Circle of Friends of St. Paul's UMC in the valley but most recently Robin began playing flute and singing rock, pop and folk music with David Walker in a duet called Raeven. This has opened yet another chapter in Robin's musical life……………who knows where that may lead.