Dr. Cecil Riney announced his retirement after 45 years as a faculty member at Friends University. Dr. Mark Bartel assumed the role of director of the Singing Quakers. He held degrees from Canadian Mennonite University and the University of Winnipeg, a Master of Music and Master of Sacred Music from Southern Methodist University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Rochester. During his time at Friends University, he also served as the conductor of the Wichita Chamber Chorale, and the president of the Kansas Choral Directors Association.