About The Woodlands Diversion
Purpose:
The Woodlands Diversion, founded in 2023, is a non-profit organization, 501(c)(3), whose purpose is to enrich the fine arts culture of the Woodlands and surrounding areas through immersive and diverse collaborative arts experiences.
As music lovers, we know the classics and the composers who represent this genre. Our goal is to not only include the works of the standard classical repertoire, but to expand this genre for our audiences by featuring music by female composers, original works by living composers, along with music of non-western traditions. Additionally, our performances will incorporate a variety of art mediums, such as dance/movement, film, dramatic arts, and the visual arts. For these reasons, our performances are aptly called, “collaborative arts experiences.”
For us, our passion extends far beyond a love of the arts and entertaining audiences. Our goal is to engage, educate, and captivate our concertgoers. Through thoughtful, beautiful, and richly unique performances, we want to create lifetime memories for everyone.
Music - along with all forms of art - is for all people. Without exception. The arts enhance lives, often, in ways that nothing else can. We believe that every person should be provided with opportunities to experience the arts. Therefore, the Woodlands Diversion regularly offers public and outdoor performances, and performances at senior living communities, which are discounted and/or free.
Meet the Team
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world.
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Chair & Founder
Matthew (“Matt”) is a classical pianist and composer. He discovered a love for music as a child when, at the age of seven, he began playing the piano.
Matthew quickly excelled as a young pianist, winning prizes at local and international competitions. After graduating from Klein Oak High School, Matthew was awarded a full scholarship to study music at Sam Houston State University where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance. Following this, Matthew earned a Master of Music degree from The University of Houston’s Moores School of Music (also on a scholarship) where he studied with the American concert pianist, Abbey Simon and opera composer, Carlisle Floyd. Matthew’s success with competitions continued. Most recently, he was a First Place Winner in the American Protegé Competition of 2020. As a laureate of the APC, he made his Carnegie Hall debut performance in July, 2022.
An extremely versatile musician, Matthew enjoys making music as a Solo Pianist, Collaborative and Chamber Musician, Composer, Music Educator, Sacred Music Director and Conductor, Musical Theater Director, and a Ballet Pianist. Recognizing the importance of the arts in our local community and the profound impact that they can make, Matthew founded The Woodlands Diversion in the summer of 2023.
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Board Member
Carole Evans Singam is a visual artist with an extensive commitment to enrichment of education and the arts in her community.Carole earned a dual degree in Art and Psychology from Syracuse University on a Founders Scholarship. Carole’s art includes drawing, painting, photography, woodworking, 3D and large-scale interactive projects using diverse materials.
With over 20 years of experience in fostering collaborative experiences, Carole has dedicated her career to promoting artistic expression, literacy, cultural and scientific exploration with students of all ages from preschool through college levels.
Carole has worked at local museums and libraries, Syracuse University and Lone Star College, Syracuse City School District, Conroe ISD, Destination Imagination and FLL Robotics in leadership positions including volunteering, administration, advising, tutoring, and coaching.
Other passions include multiculturalism, neuroscience/cognition, nature, recycling and material recovery, reading and poetry, Sci-Fi and travel.
As a longtime resident of Spring, Carole loves participating in educational and arts initiatives in the Houston area and was drawn to the mission and values of The Woodlands Diversion.
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Board Member
Ken is a hands-on leader with deep expertise in operations, program management, and global learning and development. Transitioning from the corporate sector, he brings a results-driven mindset to mission-focused work in education, advocacy, and community engagement. His work supports inclusive, accessible programs for audiences at all levels.
Originally from Houston, Ken recently returned to Texas after 30 years in California to be closer to family. He is passionate about global ecological awareness and is planning a journey to the Amazon to encounter freshwater dolphins.
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Vice Chair
Zecqureia Johnson is a professional percussionist and the founder of The Johnson School of Music, an in-person and online coaching experience for aspiring worship leaders.
Before devoting herself to full-time to coaching, she spent over a decade serving in various music ministry positions with responsibilities spanning from being principal percussionist for SWOT to interim worship pastor. In addition to music, Zecqureia writes poetry and performs spoken word. Her work has been published independently and in educational newsletters.
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Board Member
Chantele Miller-Sinnott has proudly called The Woodlands, Texas, home for the past 17 years. She shares her life with two sweet pups and her daughter who also lives nearby—making family time all the more special.With a successful career in technology that spans more than two decades her talent lends building strong professional networks and opening doors for others. She brings energy, insight, and connection to every endeavor.
Chantele’s early years growing up overseas helped shape her deep appreciation for cultural diversity and global perspectives. Being immersed in different customs and ways of life opened her eyes to the richness of human experience and further fueled her passion for inclusion, empathy, and cultural awareness—values that continue to guide both her personal and professional life.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Chantele is deeply passionate about giving back to her community and championing the arts. She believes in the transformative power of creativity and expression. She actively supports local initiatives that raise awareness for the arts and foster cultural engagement. Whether attending local performances or advocating for arts education, Chantele is committed to making a positive impact where she lives.
When she’s not working or volunteering, you’ll find her traveling, staying active, cooking, or catching a Broadway show in New York or some sunshine in San Jose del Cabo.
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Board Member
Tamla is a long time Houston area resident and music aficionado. She currently serves the community in her capacity assisting students and faculty/staff in higher education.
She can be found in record stores in her spare time crate digging for old Blue Note vinyls and 8 tracks, or at local concerts of many genres. A strong supporter of local arts, outdoor festivals, and farmer's markets- she aspires to be the "cool old lady who sells her homemade soaps" when she gets to retire.
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Treasurer
Joseph Agrella is a graduate of the University of Houston and a Texas CPA. He is native to The Woodlands and a graduate of The Woodlands High School.
Joe's professional expertise is in family office management. He is currently serving as Vice President and head of Office for a prominent Houston family. Joe also has experience with past and present investment committee service for private entities; not for profits, and retirement funds. Committed to serving our local community and beyond, Joe serves on the boards of The Woodlands Pride, Drive Safe America, and Malama Waters.
Joe currently lives in City Place with his daughter Axelia, along with their dog, Buster, and cat, Bruce. He is a member of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in The Woodlands. His personal interests include skiing, hiking, yoga, ballet, zoos, art museums, theater, NASCAR, Mardi Gras, UH sports, cooking, baking, and horticulture.
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Board Member
Joel is a long-time resident of The Woodlands and Texas lawyer. He provides legal advice to the board of The Woodlands Diversion.
He is a huge fan of fine art in many forms. In his spare time, Joel enjoys travel, exercise and scuba diving.