Katherine (Kat) Van Huystee (formerly Sylvan), Soprano, has her Bachelor's of Music in Classical Voice, and is teaching singing lessons in Aloha, OR. She previously taught in San Jose and Sacramento, CA. She was the music teacher at Holy Family School, San Jose, CA, for three years. She was also one of the professional educators with Music for Minors, a nonprofit bringing music classes to schools in the Bay Area. She led Carolyn Clark Elementary's production of Annie Jr. as the vocal director, and vocal coached West Side Story with NorCal Academy. She also directed Seraphim, Holy Family Church's children's choir.

Her professional singing experience includes singing for Masses at Holy Family Church, San Jose, as well as previously being a singer for Fremont Presbyterian, a section leader for St. Mark's Methodist Church, and director for music for youth Masses at the Newman Catholic Community in Sacramento. She has also performed in opera and musical productions. She's also done recordings for friends' weddings, as well as helped with demos for a musical.

Her own private teacher is the renowned Dr. Robin Fisher, Soprano. Dr. Fisher is one of two classical voice instructors at CSU Sacramento, and has performed in both the United States and Europe.

Kat has also been trained in jazz and pop singing through her teacher -- and esteemed writer and arranger -- Kerry Marsh. Marsh's CSU Jazz Singers won multiple Downbeat Awards during her time with them. Kat has been in numerous classical and jazz vocal ensembles, some where she has been section leader and lead. She currently sings with Michelle Hawkins's jazz ensemble Soundscape, where she leads. She was also the lead vocalist for the band Invitation to Grace, and has performed for crowds of over 2,000 people. She also sings with Bon Ambience, a duo with her friend Casey Rucker, where they perform for bars in the West Linn area.

Kat is committed to people. It is her belief that the more that someone can unleash their true singing voice, the more that person can express themselves. Use the voice you were given to express yourself in healthy and effective ways - it can open up the doors to living the life you want!