Deanna’s introduction to music formally began at age 5 with piano lessons, which were later complemented by her participation in the newly formed Texas Girl’s Choir at age 11.  As a freshman in high school, she began voice, organ and piano lessons with her mentor Elizabeth Barney, who also helped her gain a scholarship to Texas Women’s University.  In 1974, Deanna married her high school sweetheart Gary Spraggins and college was interrupted later when they began their family. Eventually, their home was filled with three very rambunctious boys.  Gary and Deanna served together in many churches along the way, and they ultimately moved to Sulphur Springs in 1991.  In addition to playing both organ and piano in many churches, Deanna has taught piano in her own home studios, and has taught music in numerous elementary schools.  In 1998, Gary and Deanna were part of the initial planning team that ultimately resulted in the formation of the North East Texas Choral Society; Gary served as the first president, and Deanna was on the first board of directors.   Eventually, Deanna  also completed her music degree from Texas A & M University, Commerce.  Currently, Deanna is employed by the First United Methodist Church and Travis Elementary, both in Sulphur Springs, TX.  For NETCS, Deanna sings alto, but also lends her talents on piano, electronic keyboard, and the organ.  Her home piano studio boasts over 30 individual students.  Any and all spare time is spent with her family, which now includes two precious grandchildren.  Deanna is confident that grandparenthood is just the best!

Denise Grammer - Pianist

The closely guarded musical retirement of Denise Grammer was abruptly ended when she was serendipitously discovered by Carol Allen while playing for a local restaurant.  Doing what she has been doing so well since she was the pianist for her father's church at age eight (that's right, 8), the extraordinary talented Mrs. Grammer debuted for the Choral Society at the Christmas concert of 2000.  A recognized pianist in high school, she continued her training on a music scholarship to Wayland Baptist College.  Denise the mother of 3 children Stephanie, Bethany, and Kelsey.  And now grandmother to of a rambunctious grandson, Jaden.  Her technical expertise and intuitive style will prevent this choir from letting her have a second retirement anytime soon.

Joe Clark - Percussion

Joe has been a member of the Northeast Texas Choral Society since our spring semester of 1999.  Since that time, he has been demonstrating his talents on many of the songs that the choir performs.  When Joe isn't playing, he sings bass with the choir.  Joe has been playing percussion since 5th grade at Sulphur Springs ISD.  He has played with numerous groups, and has expertise with Rock, Country, & Contemporary Christian music.

Joe is married (to Amanda; also a Choral Society member), is pursuing a degree in music.  Joe and Amanda have one child.

Loren Seely - Bass

Loren has been involved in music for more than 40 years.  He began his music career playing with Rock & Roll groups when he was in college.  In 1975 he joined the Sulphur River Band (a Dixieland and Blues group) and played with them until 1989.  Before leaving the group, they created their first CD.  Since that time, Loren has written many songs and written and produced 8 CD's of his own music.  His favorite CD is titled "Angel Hawk", which commemorates a night spent at the Angel Hawk Ranch.  Loren has also produced 4 Albums for other artists.

Loren began playing bass with the Choral Society in Spring, 2000.  His bass has really added to the sound of the group.  In his non-musical life, Loren is the plant manager for the Aerostar International plant in Sulphur Springs.

Sarah Kramer - Page Turner

Sarah is one who has literally grown up with NETCS.  She started as a 3-year-old in her mother's lap at the first summer of rehearsals.  She is now almost 14, and has turned pages for almost 5 years.  She normally has all our songs memorized before we do.

Sarah is a percussionist, like her brother and is a big animal lover.  She loves to write stories and songs, usually having several projects going at once.  She will be a freshman at Sulphur Springs High School this coming fall. 

Stephen Kramer - Drummer

(Bio by Suzy Kramer)
Stephen is 17 years old and a junior at Sulphur Springs High School.  Has been with NETCS since 4th grade, when he begged his older brother, Matthew, to let him help backstage with a concert.  He started doing "grunt work" and moved up to doing sound at practices and lights at our concerts.  He is a very talented drummer and also has a nice singing voice, which he has used a few times at church.  He has played drums on many occasions for North East Texas Choral Society.

Stephen started DJ'ing for parties when he was 15.  That developed into a nice business for him, getting him more heavily into electronics.  When he turned 16, the Hopkins County Civic Center hired  him as a co-manager for the auditorium, at Mike Dodd's recommendation.  Shortly before his 17th birthday this spring, he started his own business, 903 Sound.  He does live sound, DJ'ing, mixing, recording and editing.  He already has many good opportunities to consider after he graduates.