Lead Vocals / Flute

Elizabeth June (EJ) LaPeer is a graduate of both Western Michigan University and the University of Michigan where she earned bachelors and masters degrees in Flute Performance. EJ had the unique experience of growing up in a large family full of passion for music and the arts. With her dad on the banjo, mom on upright bass, and 10 siblings covering practically every instrument in-between, she began singing and playing folk music from a very young age with her family’s bluegrass band. Dance is her second love, having taken ballet since the age of 5, and now enjoying the chance to occasionally choreograph and assistant direct for various theater and dance companies. Now studying in Ann Arbor, teaching flute lessons, and performing with The Founding, Elizabeth also enjoys playing in a Classical Trio with her two sisters, working as Artistic Director for performing arts company, “Unmuted,” and leading worship at the Kalamazoo House of Prayer.

Mandolin / Backing Vocals

Joel Tyrone Myers is a 27-year-old bachelor out of Kalamazoo, MI. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University where he earned his B.A. in music composition. Joel grew up playing Celtic music while in the Chelsea House Orchestra. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, creating music, and seeing the world. Joel has blue eyes and medium to dark brown hair. With a staggering height of 5’9”, Joel has been described as “tall enough.” However, what Joel lacks in stature, he makes up for with the sheer size of his giant head. Joel has a body that is “deceptively athletic.” He works out 7 days a week—but let’s be honest — no one can tell. In terms of what Joel is looking for: he wants the full package. Someone confident, beautiful, kind, and intelligent. He desires to travel and conquer the world with his significant other. Joel wants to be with someone who understands and appreciates him on a soul level. He would also be willing to consider anyone with low enough self-esteem to date him. When dating, Joel likes to treat his lady like a princess. He works tirelessly as a Lyft driver—a job which makes him financially stable enough to treat you to a swanky night at Applebee’s. No dessert though. Let’s not go nuts—this isn’t Madmen. You won’t have to spend a dime while out with Joel. You can contact Joel at joelmyers20@gmail.com You can also try shouting his name into the wind. It is unlikely he'll hear you, but what's even more unlikely is anyone trying to contact him at all. Serious inquiries only.

Acoustic Guitar / Backing Vocals

Patrick Hartson is a Master’s student studying cello performance at DePaul University, and holds a BM in cello performance from Western Michigan University. He is a Teaching Artist for the Community Music Division at DePaul, and formerly held a section cello position with the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra. Patrick’s love for music has taken shape through many genres of music including classical, folk, and rock. Starting his musical journey at the School for Strings of St. Clair County at the age of seven, he was exposed to many different types of musical training and performing opportunities, and has participated in workshops and performances with artists such as Barrage and Jeremy Kittel. Patrick began playing the guitar in the sixth grade and is self-taught, performing in many bands before joining The Founding in 2015. The Founding provides Patrick with the opportunity to combine his love for the cello and guitar into one dynamic and rewarding project.

Violin / Backing Vocals

John is a classically trained violinist with extensive experience in many genres including contemporary rock, folk, and Celtic. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a BA in music performance. John began playing violin at seven years old and was introduced to contemporary genres and improvisation through playing with his church's worship team. Much of his folk and rock experience has been gained through playing with various churches, but his introduction to the Celtic genre started when he joined as the primary fiddler of The Founding in 2015. He has performed with professional orchestras such as the Jackson Symphony Orchestra and the Southwestern Michigan Symphony Orchestra.