Our Music Teachers

James Sherepa

James Hevel is a singing actor from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, as well the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign), where he earned his Bachelor and Master’s degrees respectively. Having previously performed as a tenor, he now performs exclusively as a countertenor. Upon moving to Anoka, MN he joined The Gregorian Singers as a section leader, and has begun working with Lyric Arts Theatre in Anoka and Northern Starz Center for the Performing Arts as a teaching artist. James’ vocal background consists mainly of opera and classical art song with a strong understanding of vocal technique. This knowledge allows him to teach contemporary musical theatre, golden age musical theatre, jazz, and pop music. James embraces the responsibility of encouraging young singers to find their voice and share that gift.

Most recently on stage, James performed the title role in Farinelli and the King. The 2019 production at the Station Theatre was a regional debut (Urbana, IL), as well as the Witch in Hansel and Gretel with Blooming Voce Opera Workshop (Minneapolis).

James teaches vocal lessons.

Bethani Talatala

Bethani is a 2020 graduate of North Hennepin Community College where she earned her Associate’s in Fine Arts degree in Music. She will be attending St. Cloud State University in fall 2022 to continue her studies in Music Education and Vocal Performance. Bethani has toured both locally and nationally with many choral ensembles and solo repertoire. She’s appeared on the stages of Orchestra Hall (Minneapolis, MN), The Symphony Center (Chicago, IL), and Carnegie Hall (NYC), as well as countless other regional stages. When she’s not making music Bethani loves to perfect her ever-evolving makeup skills and enjoy time with her dog, Jolene.

Bethani teaches vocal and piano lessons.

Britta Kilber

Britta grew up playing piano and flute, and was an active member of her high school’s jazz band, marching band, and winter color guard. She graduated from Winona State University with bachelor’s degrees in Music Performance and Instrumental Music Education, along with a jazz minor. During her time at WSU, she was a part of numerous performing ensembles, both instrumental and vocal. She then spent three years in Bagley, MN teaching at the elementary school and directing the choir at Faith Lutheran Church. Today she is mainly working with toddlers at a Kindercare center, and occasionally subbing in nearby school districts. In her spare time, she really enjoys doing puzzles, catching pokemon, golfing, and spending time with her pet bunny.

Britta teaches band instruments lessons.

Adira Anderson

Adira is a 2020 graduate of Concordia College in Moorhead, MN. Though she majored in writing, she spent much of her time in the music building as part of the choral and band programs. She has toured domestically with The Concordia Band and internationally with The Minnesota Music Ambassadors, and she is now ready to bring her knowledge to the students of Northern Starz.

Adira teaches vocal, low brass instrument, and music theory lessons.

Don't see a teacher that teaches your instrument?

Send us a message! We're always looking to add diverse talent to our organization, so we would love to find a teacher for you.