Kenneth Woods, Jr, the director, has been accompanying vocal artists and groups since he was 14 years old. For 67 years Mr. Woods has been a dynamic force in the field of Gospel Music. As a Composer, Arranger, Director and Keyboardist Extraordnaire his God given gifts and talents have inspired and uplifted Christians throughout our nation. The list of renowned performers includes: the Brown Inspirational Singers, Brother Joe May, Sallie Martin, the Sallie Martin Singers, the Roberta Martin Singers and Della Reese. During this time, he also became a prolific gospel music arranger. After a lengthy stint on the gospel music touring circuit, Kenneth enrolled in Roosevelt University where he received his Bachelor of Music and Master of Music Education Degrees.

Kenneth’s versatility as a musician and music educator is evident in his many years of successful teaching at Chicago Vocational High School, where he produced award winning choral groups and guided numerous students to successful careers in music. Kenneth was also formerly director of the Operation Push Choir.

Kenneth is in his 34th year as the director and organist of the Bethesdan Choir for Greater Bethesda Baptist Church. He is currently enjoying retirement from the Chicago Public School system and is now exploring new keyboard technologies.

The first assistant director to Mr. Woods, was the late Mignon Sims. Mrs. Sims leadership helped to fill a niche in the type of music genre that Greater Bethesda needed. The Bethesdan Choir became a piece of God’s framework for winning souls to Christ. Mrs. Sims was more than a talented director and musician. She was affectionately called “Songbird” because of her beautiful soprano voice. Our second assistant director is Dr. Karen Barbee-Dixon. Dr. Dixon has been with the choir from its beginnings. She now provides excellent leadership to the choir and humbly lifts her talent to the Lord with her beautiful soprano voice.