Steven K. Ricks, president of Celebrations In Music, Inc., the nonprofit Idaho corporation which produces Hymns of Thanksgiving, was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, and graduated from Borah High School. After obtaining an undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University in Political Science, he studied law, receiving a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Idaho. Returning to Boise, he maintained a private law practice before retiring in 1996.

Steven has been extensively involved in public service in the valley and state for many years. Presently, he is one of five elected Trustees on the Board of Trustees of the Ada Community Library, which operates four branch libraries in various locations in Ada County.

By far the most intense public service to which Steven is devoted is the annual production of Hymns of Thanksgiving, Idaho’s yearly celebration of our uniquely American holiday. Steven works on this event throughout the year, but in August, September, October, and November it becomes the primary focus of his attention.

Steven is married to the former Susanne Haslam, a very accomplished pianist and organist, who is the rehearsal accompanist for the Hymns of Thanksgiving Choir. Steven and Susanne have six children and seventeen grandchildren. They have lived in southwest Ada County for over 40 years.

Kirt and Lorrie (Hallmark) Naylor, Hymns of Thanksgiving Choir Personnel Directors, grew up in Boise and graduated together from Borah High School. Lorrie received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Brigham Young University before marrying her long-time friend. Kirt graduated from Brigham Young University in International Relations and then received his Juris Doctorate degree from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at BYU.

Kirt and Lorrie returned to Boise with their three children where Kirt worked as a county deputy prosecuting attorney before practicing civil law as a litigator. He is the co-founder of the Boise law firm Naylor & Hales, and is now retired. He enjoys providing pro bono service as attorney for Guardians ad Litem in the Child Protection courts, and served as the chairman of the Idaho Governor’s Task Force on Children at Risk.

Lorrie taught for years as a substitute teacher while her children were in the Boise Schools, is a Guardian ad Litem, serving children in foster care, and shares her interests and talents for gardening, quilting, and reading with friends, children and her nine grandchildren. Except for two concert years when they were on church service to Norway, Lorrie and Kirt have sung in or been involved with the Hymns of Thanksgiving Choir every year.

Jennie Ficks, Hymns of Thanksgiving Orchestra Personnel Director (winds and brass), also plays the horn in the Orchestra. She has been organizing musicians and her own music library almost continuously since 1974.

Jennie has served in both volunteer and professional music/personnel management positions for the Boise Philharmonic, the Treasure Valley Youth Symphony, several BSU student ensembles, Boise Music Week, Humboldt State University’s Chamber Music Workshop, numerous church music groups, and several brass and wind quintets.

She has organized large gala concerts on National Cancer Survivors Day in 2003, 2004, and 2005 as a tribute to her late brother Bill. She has raised money to help those currently battling the disease through the St. Alphonsus Medical Center Foundation. Miss Ficks is currently employed by Boise State University in the Department of Music.

Jonelle Anderson-Darrow, Hymns of Thanksgiving Orchestra Personnel Director (strings) 

Infatuatedwith the radio and record player as a wee lass, Jonelle constantly listened to
music.  Her love of music grew when she began orchestra in elementary school, and later developed into a music education degree from Boise State University.  While there she fell in love with percussion instruments and in addition to her violin and orchestral studies, played in the university Marching Band, Percussion Ensemble and Symphonic Winds.

 She interviewed with the international performing arts organization Up With People and upon  acceptance began a 12 month world tour performing in Australia, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, Alaska, and the continental United States.  This experience led to more travel abroad, and the study of multiple subjects including religions, metaphysics, child development, and gifted children.

She has been recognized as a distinguished educator, is known for her patience and kindness in working with young musicians, and maintains a private studio of 25+ years.  Her playing experience includes community and professional orchestras, musicals, operas, festivals, and private events.  She is a founding member of Boise Baroque, plays for Meridian Symphony, and travels so she can play with talented musicians at Oregon East Symphony and True North Presents.

She enjoys giving back to the community by volunteering for Boise Music Week, Christmas at the Cathedral, and Hymns of Thanksgiving, events that are free to the public.  She has been blessed with opportunities to be a musician in amazing churches and concert halls, including Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House.

 She and her husband love spending time with their son and fur babies, and maintain a Certified Wildlife Habitat in their small urban yard.