Out Loud Artistic Staff
Artistic Director:
Jason plata
Mr. Jason Plata has worked as a music educator, music pastor, community theater director, accompanist, and singer for most of his life. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Music from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, Texas, and worked on his Master's Degree under the direction of Dr. John Silantian while at The University of Texas San Antonio.
Jason has taught High School and Middle School choirs since 2005. Choirs under Jason's direction have accomplished many different achievements, such as Texas UIL Concert/Sightreading Sweepstakes, Outstanding Performance Awards at the Heritage and Director's Choice Festivals, and many more competitions. Students in his choir programs have participated in the Texas Music Educators Association All-State Choir Audition Process, and have advanced from District to Region to Pre-Area to Area and finally to All-State Choirs. In 2017 his Chorale was invited to perform in Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Musical Theater Director credits include: Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors, Bat Boy, Crowns: An African American Gospel Story, Annie and Hairspray.
Jason moved to Colorado in 2019 and started his career in the Mortgage Industry while maintaining his career in music education. Jason views his move to Colorado as a time of transition, growth and renewal in his spiritual, mental and physical life.
As the Artistic Director for Out Loud Colorado Springs Men’s Chorus, Jason wishes to convey that through the power of music, we can bring solidarity to the LGBTQIA+ community in Colorado Springs!
LEAD Accompanist:
Sandi Shroads
A Colorado Springs native, Sandi began playing piano at the age of four. Sandi graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelors of Music in Jazz Studies. In 2011, she performed with jazz guitar legend Earl Klugh at the Broadmoor Hotel, and in 2015 performed with Melissa Manchester with the Broadmoor Pops Orchestra. She has also been Pianist and/or Conductor for a number of shows at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, and has released a CD of her own original songs.
Sandi currently performs elegant piano music for private events and she enjoys accompanying the versatile Chancel Choir at First Congregational Church under David Acton’s fine directorship. She is thrilled to be the accompanist and "Diva Emeritus" for Out Loud. When she's not tickling the ivories, she can usually be found on a golf course somewhere, enjoying the Colorado sunshine and natural beauty.