Paul L. Anderson II (PLA2), a native of North Carolina, is the founding artistic director of the Deep River Singers. With a vision to honor the rich history of the Spirituals, Paul established the ensemble to spread messages of humanity, community, faith, comfort, and encouragement through music. He is proud to collaborate with talented and dedicated artists who share this mission.

An accomplished teacher and conductor, Paul has held several notable positions. He served as the music director for the Eta Beta chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and was the fine arts chair, chorus, and general music teacher at Spring Lake Middle School. At the University of Missouri, he conducted the Concert Chorale and University Singers, and co-directed Hitt Street Harmony, an auditioned chamber vocal ensemble specializing in traditional vocal jazz, contemporary popular music, and a cappella arrangements.

Paul is also an active presenter, sharing his expertise on Spirituals at conferences in North Carolina and Missouri. His research and dedication to the performance, preservation, and education of Spirituals are central to his work with the Deep River Singers.

Paul holds degrees in music education and choral conducting from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and the American Choral Directors Association. Currently, he is completing his Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education at the University of Missouri.

DeNesha McAllister-Jones (also known as) Deë Jones is a passionate singer, songwriter, music director, and worship leader. She is a native of Fayetteville, NC. Ms. Jones does a lot of working and performing in her community. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music.

Since graduation, she has been busy writing/performing music in various venues. She is a proud member of the Deep River Singers and the worship group Triangle City Worship. In July of 2023 she released a single entitled “In You” that can be found on all music platforms. She is very dedicated to her musicianship and her relationship with Christ and is striving for a very successful future in the music and creative arts world.

social media: deejones_music

A native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, Aaron Brown now resides in Durham NC and serves as the Director of Vocal Music at Cardinal Gibbons High School. His duties include co-teaching and brass lessons with the wind ensemble, symphonic band, vocal coaching musical theater, and directing three choirs: Soprano/Alto Vocal Ensemble, Bass Ensemble, and Sacred Heart Vocal Ensemble.

Brown serves on the artistic staff with the Raleigh Youth Choir, as Director of the Capitals Choir (middle school boys). Aaron is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, studying conducting and music education with Dr. Timothy Altman, Dr. Jaeyoon Kim, and Dr. Jose Rivera. Aaron graduated with a Masters of Music Education from the University of Louisiana at Monroe studying with Dr. Judy Bowers, Dr. Carlton Kilpatrick, and Dr. Deborah Chandler. Brown is serving as Co-Chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the North Carolina chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. In 2023, he was awarded the Choral Impact Award from the North Carolina chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. Aaron serves as the Music Director for Province 20 (State of NC) Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity. Aaron lives with his beautiful four-year old cat named Minnie.