Out Loud Artistic Staff
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR:
Abigail Carcich
A "near" Colorado native, Abby's musical background began at 5 years old, when her parents began giving her and her older sister piano lessons, a skill she continued to develop throughout high school and college, obtaining her Bachelor's in Piano Performance from Pensacola Christian College in 2007.
While living in Los Angeles for 8 years, she joined and became section leader and backup accompanist for Angel City Chorale, a 150 voice community choir, with whom she had the privilege of performing on America's Got Talent in 2018.
Abby wears many hats, music director, pit director, worship leader, conductor, actor and accompanist, and has worked for organizations such as the Fine Arts Center, Theatreworks, and First Company Theater.
In addition to conducting the Out Loud Colorado Springs Men's Chorus, she is the worship leader at the Community Center Chapel on USAFA, and leads and performs professionally throughout Colorado Springs.
Whether behind the piano or in front of an ensemble, Abby strives to create spaces where people can feel deeply connected and seen, and sees every rehearsal, service, and performance as an opportunity to uplift and inspire.
INTERIM ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
KAI BROWN
Kai Brown (they/them) is a conductor, educator, and creative leader based in Colorado Springs. They hold a Master of Music in Choral Conducting and bring over 15 years of experience leading ensembles across educational, community, and worship settings. Kai’s work as a conductor is rooted in cultivating musical excellence while centering student and singer agency, collaboration, and meaningful connection to the music.
They are known for creating inclusive, engaging rehearsal spaces where singers feel both challenged and supported. Kai is a former Artistic Director of Out Loud and is excited to return as Interim Assistant Artistic Director, supporting the ensemble’s continued growth and community impact.
Outside of music, Kai enjoys spending time at the gym and with their dog, Krueger. At the core of their work is a belief that music has the power to build belonging, foster authenticity, and bring people together.
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.