Rachael Howard is a musician, educator, and professional vocalist with a passion for performing, teaching music, and training the next generation of vocalists. In 2018, Rachael founded Elite Vocal Ensemble. She currently acts as the group's Executive Director. In May of 2014, Rachael graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Jazz Vocal Performance. In May of 2022, she received her Master’s of Music in Jazz Vocal Performance from ECU. She was the recipient of the 2022 Dr. Billy Taylor Outstanding Achievement Award from the ECU School of Music Jazz Department. She also was inducted into the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society. During her graduate studies at ECU, Rachael was a Graduate Teaching Assistant and Director of the ECU Jazz Vocal Ensemble. Rachael has taught music and chorus in the North Carolina Public Schools as well as the Arts Council since graduating in 2014. When she isn’t teaching or studying, Rachael loves to spend time painting.

Emily Donovan is a multi-genre singer, guitarist, singer-songwriter, and band leader. Her love for music began at a very young age. At 12 years old she picked up a guitar and hasn’t put it down since. Emily attended a performing arts high school in Dover, New Hampshire. There she learned to play many different genres of music, including jazz, rock, and classical. At the age of 14 she began putting bands together and performing publicly. In May 2021, Emily graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Jazz Performance. Emily served as the Assistant Intern Director for Elite Vocal Ensemble.