Andrew De Valk, region native and member of the Grammy Award-winning Phoenix Chorale, encourages aspiring singers to diversify in their musical training.

"The people who I work with professionally have more than just a vocal background," he said. "They have other skills going, like experience with another instrument or multiple instruments. And young singers should practice their craft but also lean about music theory and music history."

Reared in Dyer and St. John, De Valk attended George Bibich Elementary School in Dyer, Kolling Elementary School in St. John and Lansing Christian School as a child. He performed in several church and school choirs in his grammar years before making his way to Lake Central High School in St. John, where he sang in their choir before moving to Phoenix with his family in 1993.

De Valk said his early experiences in the region were instrumental in what has become both his vocation and his passion.

"(The region) is where the ability that I was given was fostered," he said.

"The growth began there. The seed was definitely rooted there before I came (to Phoenix)."

By Day, De Valk teaches music at a Phoenix High School. After class, he lends his tenor to the 26-member Phoenix Chorale, which he has been a member of for the last six years. Last year, the chamber ensemble released "Spotless Rose: Hymns to the Virgin Mary."

The full-length collection was nominated for four Grammys, including Best Classical Album and Best Small Ensemble Performance. On Feb. 8, De Valk and his ensemble were on hand to receive the latter award, accepting their honor in a pre-prime time ceremony that was streamed live online.

"It's really incredible that this small group from Phoenix is getting recognized on the world stage," he said of his Grammy experience. "It still feels surreal. Even now people will still congratulate me and it still doesn't feel settled in."

For more information on De Valk and the Phoenix Chorale can be found at bachchoir.org.