Past Conductors
2022-2023
Conductor
Bryan Ijames
Bryan Anthony Ijames, a native of North Carolina, is a doctoral candidate in choral conducting at the University of Michigan, where he studies with Eugene Rogers. Last year he served as the Assistant Conductor of the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club and had the opportunity to make his Lincoln Center Conducting debut at Alice Tully Hall, New York, NY. Bryan also serves as Chancel Choir Director at First United Methodist Church in downtown Ann Arbor.
Prior to coming to Michigan, Bryan taught Secondary Choral Music Education in Central and South Florida for six years. Most recently, he served as the Director of Choral Activities at Park Vista Community High School. His previous conducting experience includes The Ebony Chorale in Palm Beach, Florida, and the Genesis Gospel Choir in High Point, North Carolina. In addition to conducting, Bryan regularly performs as a tenor soloist and is a former member of the semi-professional ensemble Expressivo.
He holds Master of Music degrees in Choral Music Education and Choral Conducting from Mississippi State University('20) and Eastern Kentucky University('14), respectively, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Voice from High Point University('12). Bryan is an active member of ACDA, NANM, NAfME, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.
Bryan Ijames
Bryan Anthony Ijames, a native of North Carolina, is a doctoral candidate in choral conducting at the University of Michigan, where he studies with Eugene Rogers. Last year he served as the Assistant Conductor of the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club and had the opportunity to make his Lincoln Center Conducting debut at Alice Tully Hall, New York, NY. Bryan also serves as Chancel Choir Director at First United Methodist Church in downtown Ann Arbor.
Prior to coming to Michigan, Bryan taught Secondary Choral Music Education in Central and South Florida for six years. Most recently, he served as the Director of Choral Activities at Park Vista Community High School. His previous conducting experience includes The Ebony Chorale in Palm Beach, Florida, and the Genesis Gospel Choir in High Point, North Carolina. In addition to conducting, Bryan regularly performs as a tenor soloist and is a former member of the semi-professional ensemble Expressivo.
He holds Master of Music degrees in Choral Music Education and Choral Conducting from Mississippi State University('20) and Eastern Kentucky University('14), respectively, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Voice from High Point University('12). Bryan is an active member of ACDA, NANM, NAfME, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.
2021-2022
Conductor
Maggie Burk
Conductor, composer, and soprano Margaret (Maggie) Burk is a doctoral candidate in choral conducting at the University of Michigan where she studies with Eugene Rogers. While at Michigan, she served as the Assistant Conductor of the Men's Glee Club and the Women's Glee Club as well as the instructor of Sounds from Within, a music workshop at Saginaw Correctional Facility. She also serves as Director of Music Ministries at West Side United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor. In addition to her varied academic interests in sacred music, new music, and performance practice of the Baroque period, she is a passionate advocate for social justice in the arts, with a particular focus on gender equity in choral music.
Maggie earned the Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music/Institute of Sacred Music, where she studied with Marguerite Brooks, Jeffrey Douma, and David Hill. At Yale, she received the Robert Shaw prize for outstanding achievement in choral conducting and the Institute's Faculty Prize for academic excellence and community engagement. She was a featured composer and soloist with the Yale Schola Cantorum and was a fellow at the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival in 2018.
Maggie earned the Bachelor of Music degree summa cum laude from St. Olaf College, where she studied with Anton Armstrong and sang in the St. Olaf Choir. From 2013 to 2017, she taught middle and high school choral music in Minnesota and Kansas. Her compositions are published by Selah Publishing. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, running, hiking, and spending time with her two senior cats, Bob and Leo.
Maggie Burk
Conductor, composer, and soprano Margaret (Maggie) Burk is a doctoral candidate in choral conducting at the University of Michigan where she studies with Eugene Rogers. While at Michigan, she served as the Assistant Conductor of the Men's Glee Club and the Women's Glee Club as well as the instructor of Sounds from Within, a music workshop at Saginaw Correctional Facility. She also serves as Director of Music Ministries at West Side United Methodist Church in Ann Arbor. In addition to her varied academic interests in sacred music, new music, and performance practice of the Baroque period, she is a passionate advocate for social justice in the arts, with a particular focus on gender equity in choral music.
Maggie earned the Master of Music degree from the Yale School of Music/Institute of Sacred Music, where she studied with Marguerite Brooks, Jeffrey Douma, and David Hill. At Yale, she received the Robert Shaw prize for outstanding achievement in choral conducting and the Institute's Faculty Prize for academic excellence and community engagement. She was a featured composer and soloist with the Yale Schola Cantorum and was a fellow at the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival in 2018.
Maggie earned the Bachelor of Music degree summa cum laude from St. Olaf College, where she studied with Anton Armstrong and sang in the St. Olaf Choir. From 2013 to 2017, she taught middle and high school choral music in Minnesota and Kansas. Her compositions are published by Selah Publishing. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, running, hiking, and spending time with her two senior cats, Bob and Leo.
2020-2021
Conductor
Joseph Kemper
Joseph Kemper is a conductor, composer, and educator who has worked with professional, collegiate, secondary, youth, community, and church choral ensembles. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in choral conducting at the University of Michigan with Eugene Rogers. At the University of Michigan, he has worked with Out of the Blue, a prison outreach choir, Opera Chorus, Women's Glee Club, Residential College Singers, and Orpheus Singers. For the 2020-2021 school year, he is honored to be the conductor of Arts Chorale. He is also the minister of music at First Congregational Church of Chelsea.
Joseph attended Yale University for his master's degree, where he was awarded the inaugural Robert Shaw Prize from the Yale School of Music. At Yale, he studied with Marguerite Brooks, Jeffrey Douma, David Hill, and Masaaki Suzuki. Conducting engagements at Yale included Benjamin Britten's Cantata Misericordium, Johann Sebastian Bach's Jesu, Meine Freude, Kevin Put's To Touch the Sky, Eriks Esenvalds's Passion and Resurrection, and the doctoral recital of critically acclaimed composer, Reena Esmail. Additionally, he was a co-organizer and artistic director of a benefit concert for the non-profit organization Everytown for Gun Safety.
Joseph was the associate director of choral activities for five years at Winter Park High School in Florida. During his tenure, the advanced soprano-alto choir under his direction, Belle Chanson, was selected to perform at the 2013 Florida American Choral Conductor's Association convention. Also while in Florida, he was the artistic director of the Lutheran Cantata Choir and Orchestra.
He received his undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College, where he graduated with departmental distinction. At St. Olaf, he studied with Anton Armstrong, Christopher Aspaas, and Timothy Mahr. During his senior year, he was the assistant conductor, president, and tenor section leader of the St. Olaf Choir.
Joseph Kemper
Joseph Kemper is a conductor, composer, and educator who has worked with professional, collegiate, secondary, youth, community, and church choral ensembles. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in choral conducting at the University of Michigan with Eugene Rogers. At the University of Michigan, he has worked with Out of the Blue, a prison outreach choir, Opera Chorus, Women's Glee Club, Residential College Singers, and Orpheus Singers. For the 2020-2021 school year, he is honored to be the conductor of Arts Chorale. He is also the minister of music at First Congregational Church of Chelsea.
Joseph attended Yale University for his master's degree, where he was awarded the inaugural Robert Shaw Prize from the Yale School of Music. At Yale, he studied with Marguerite Brooks, Jeffrey Douma, David Hill, and Masaaki Suzuki. Conducting engagements at Yale included Benjamin Britten's Cantata Misericordium, Johann Sebastian Bach's Jesu, Meine Freude, Kevin Put's To Touch the Sky, Eriks Esenvalds's Passion and Resurrection, and the doctoral recital of critically acclaimed composer, Reena Esmail. Additionally, he was a co-organizer and artistic director of a benefit concert for the non-profit organization Everytown for Gun Safety.
Joseph was the associate director of choral activities for five years at Winter Park High School in Florida. During his tenure, the advanced soprano-alto choir under his direction, Belle Chanson, was selected to perform at the 2013 Florida American Choral Conductor's Association convention. Also while in Florida, he was the artistic director of the Lutheran Cantata Choir and Orchestra.
He received his undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College, where he graduated with departmental distinction. At St. Olaf, he studied with Anton Armstrong, Christopher Aspaas, and Timothy Mahr. During his senior year, he was the assistant conductor, president, and tenor section leader of the St. Olaf Choir.
2019-2020
Conductor
Shohei Kobayashi
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Japanese-American conductor Shohei Kobayashi aspires to synthesize his insights as singer/songwriter, multi-genre bandmate, choral musician and art song interpreter to inspire deeply personal musical experiences. Following two years of assistant conducting at his alma mater Lewis & Clark College and at First Presbyterian Church of Portland, Shohei moved to Ann Arbor to begin his graduate conducting studies at the University of Michigan with Jerry Blackstone. Now a doctoral candidate, Shohei continues his studies with Eugene Rogers and serves as the 2019-2020 director of the University of Michigan Arts Chorale, guest conductor of Oakland University?s University Chorus for Fall 2019, co-conductor of the Orpheus Singers, assistant conductor for UMS Choral Union, and Chancel Choir Director at First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor.
In the summer of 2019, Shohei was selected as a conducting fellow at Chorus America?s Conducting Academy held in Ann Arbor, MI and at the Interlochen Choral Conducting Institute. In previous years, he has attended the 9th Ithaca International Conducting Masterclass, the Illinois Choral Conducting Symposium in Urbana-Champaign, and Helmuth Rilling?s Fifth Weimar Bach Academy. He has been selected as MCP Conducting Fellow at the 2017 National Collegiate Choral Organization conference, conducting apprentice at the 2017 Hot Springs Music Festival, recipient of Berkshire Choral International?s Robert Page Conducting Fellowship, and a conducting fellow at the 2016 Norfolk Choral Festival. In addition to his mentors at Michigan, Shohei has worked with Larry Rachleff, Kathy Romey, David Hayes, Andrew Megill, Duain Wolfe, Lucinda Carver, Simon Carrington, Joseph Flummerfelt, Martin Katz, John Alexander, Peter Bay, Ann Howard Jones, Lance Inouye, Jan Harrington and Katherine FitzGibbon.
Shohei Kobayashi
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Japanese-American conductor Shohei Kobayashi aspires to synthesize his insights as singer/songwriter, multi-genre bandmate, choral musician and art song interpreter to inspire deeply personal musical experiences. Following two years of assistant conducting at his alma mater Lewis & Clark College and at First Presbyterian Church of Portland, Shohei moved to Ann Arbor to begin his graduate conducting studies at the University of Michigan with Jerry Blackstone. Now a doctoral candidate, Shohei continues his studies with Eugene Rogers and serves as the 2019-2020 director of the University of Michigan Arts Chorale, guest conductor of Oakland University?s University Chorus for Fall 2019, co-conductor of the Orpheus Singers, assistant conductor for UMS Choral Union, and Chancel Choir Director at First Congregational Church of Ann Arbor.
In the summer of 2019, Shohei was selected as a conducting fellow at Chorus America?s Conducting Academy held in Ann Arbor, MI and at the Interlochen Choral Conducting Institute. In previous years, he has attended the 9th Ithaca International Conducting Masterclass, the Illinois Choral Conducting Symposium in Urbana-Champaign, and Helmuth Rilling?s Fifth Weimar Bach Academy. He has been selected as MCP Conducting Fellow at the 2017 National Collegiate Choral Organization conference, conducting apprentice at the 2017 Hot Springs Music Festival, recipient of Berkshire Choral International?s Robert Page Conducting Fellowship, and a conducting fellow at the 2016 Norfolk Choral Festival. In addition to his mentors at Michigan, Shohei has worked with Larry Rachleff, Kathy Romey, David Hayes, Andrew Megill, Duain Wolfe, Lucinda Carver, Simon Carrington, Joseph Flummerfelt, Martin Katz, John Alexander, Peter Bay, Ann Howard Jones, Lance Inouye, Jan Harrington and Katherine FitzGibbon.
Assistant Conductor
Katherine Rohwer
Katherine Rohwer, a native of Michigan, is pursuing a M.M. in Choral Conducting at the University of Michigan, where she studies under Dr. Eugene Rogers. At Michigan, Katherine serves as the assistant conductor of the Arts Chorale and co-conductor of Orpheus Singers. Previously, she was the Director of Choirs at Stevensville Lakeshore High School, where she conducted four curricular ensembles, directed the musical theater program, and taught music theory. In addition, she has directed the Collegium Musicum of Western Michigan University, the Lake Michigan College Concert Choir, and prepared choruses for the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra.
Ensembles under her direction have consistently received superior and excellent ratings at District and State Festivals and have been honored with performances at the American Choral Director?s Association Michigan State Conference (2018) and the Michigan Youth Arts Festival (2016, 2018, 2019). Katherine was selected as the R.J. Johnson Distinguished Educator in 2019 by Lakeshore Public Schools.
An active chorister, Katherine is an alumna of the World Youth Choir, with whom she explored and performed a vast array of musical styles under the direction of renowned conductors, including a performance at the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Awards Ceremony. She recently served as the alto section leader for the World Youth Choir?s 2018 session in China. She is also a regular member of the international chamber choir, Time Ensemble.
Katherine earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Choral Music Education and Vocal Performance from Western Michigan University (2009). She is an active member of the American Choral Director?s Association and has served the Michigan School Vocal Music Association as Secretary for the Board of Directors, State SATB Honors Choir Supervisor, and District 6 Manager.
Katherine Rohwer
Katherine Rohwer, a native of Michigan, is pursuing a M.M. in Choral Conducting at the University of Michigan, where she studies under Dr. Eugene Rogers. At Michigan, Katherine serves as the assistant conductor of the Arts Chorale and co-conductor of Orpheus Singers. Previously, she was the Director of Choirs at Stevensville Lakeshore High School, where she conducted four curricular ensembles, directed the musical theater program, and taught music theory. In addition, she has directed the Collegium Musicum of Western Michigan University, the Lake Michigan College Concert Choir, and prepared choruses for the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra.
Ensembles under her direction have consistently received superior and excellent ratings at District and State Festivals and have been honored with performances at the American Choral Director?s Association Michigan State Conference (2018) and the Michigan Youth Arts Festival (2016, 2018, 2019). Katherine was selected as the R.J. Johnson Distinguished Educator in 2019 by Lakeshore Public Schools.
An active chorister, Katherine is an alumna of the World Youth Choir, with whom she explored and performed a vast array of musical styles under the direction of renowned conductors, including a performance at the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Awards Ceremony. She recently served as the alto section leader for the World Youth Choir?s 2018 session in China. She is also a regular member of the international chamber choir, Time Ensemble.
Katherine earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Choral Music Education and Vocal Performance from Western Michigan University (2009). She is an active member of the American Choral Director?s Association and has served the Michigan School Vocal Music Association as Secretary for the Board of Directors, State SATB Honors Choir Supervisor, and District 6 Manager.
2018-2019
Conductor
Jabarie Glass
Jabarie Glass is a doctoral student in conducting in the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, studying under the mentorship of Dr. Eugene Rogers. Glass is currently the conductor of the University of Michigan Arts Chorale and has previously served as assistant conductor of the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club, co-conductor of Orpheus Singers, guest conductor of University Choir, and conductor of the Michigan Youth Ensembles Chamber Singers.
Glass is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, holding the BME in choral music education, and the Florida State University College of Music, holding the MME in choral music education. During his undergraduate studies, he was named the University of Mississippi Department of Music's Undergraduate Choral Music Education Student of the Year and was inducted into the University of Mississippi's Student Hall of Fame, a university-wide honor bestowed upon only ten seniors each year on the basis of leadership, scholarship, service, and potential for success after graduation.
Prior to attending U-M, Glass conducted choral ensembles at the high school and middle school levels in Mississippi for nine years. Ensembles under his direction have received numerous honors and awards, including performances at both the American Choral Directors Association Southern Division Conference (2014) and the Mississippi-ACDA State Conference (2011). He served the latter organization most recently as the Repertoire & Resource Chair for Male Choirs and previously as the R&R Chair for Ethnic and Multicultural Perspectives. He is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Jabarie Glass
Jabarie Glass is a doctoral student in conducting in the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance, studying under the mentorship of Dr. Eugene Rogers. Glass is currently the conductor of the University of Michigan Arts Chorale and has previously served as assistant conductor of the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club, co-conductor of Orpheus Singers, guest conductor of University Choir, and conductor of the Michigan Youth Ensembles Chamber Singers.
Glass is a graduate of the University of Mississippi, holding the BME in choral music education, and the Florida State University College of Music, holding the MME in choral music education. During his undergraduate studies, he was named the University of Mississippi Department of Music's Undergraduate Choral Music Education Student of the Year and was inducted into the University of Mississippi's Student Hall of Fame, a university-wide honor bestowed upon only ten seniors each year on the basis of leadership, scholarship, service, and potential for success after graduation.
Prior to attending U-M, Glass conducted choral ensembles at the high school and middle school levels in Mississippi for nine years. Ensembles under his direction have received numerous honors and awards, including performances at both the American Choral Directors Association Southern Division Conference (2014) and the Mississippi-ACDA State Conference (2011). He served the latter organization most recently as the Repertoire & Resource Chair for Male Choirs and previously as the R&R Chair for Ethnic and Multicultural Perspectives. He is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.
Assistant Conductor
Eric D. Reyes
As a pianist, vocalist, and conductor, Eric D. Reyes seeks to make music that conveys beauty, inspires hope, and brings about unity. A Southern California native, Eric was one of eight finalists in the U.S. selected to participate in the Undergraduate Conducting Masterclass at the 2017 American Choral Directors Association National Conference. Eric has served as an assistant conductor for multiple ensembles including the Southern California Children's Chorus and the Moody Chorale. Having recently graduated, Eric holds a BMus in piano performance from Moody Bible Institute and is currently pursuing a master's degree in choral conducting at the University of Michigan under the training of Dr. Eugene Rogers. Eric is very excited to join the vibrant community of CCD this season! S.D.G
Eric D. Reyes
As a pianist, vocalist, and conductor, Eric D. Reyes seeks to make music that conveys beauty, inspires hope, and brings about unity. A Southern California native, Eric was one of eight finalists in the U.S. selected to participate in the Undergraduate Conducting Masterclass at the 2017 American Choral Directors Association National Conference. Eric has served as an assistant conductor for multiple ensembles including the Southern California Children's Chorus and the Moody Chorale. Having recently graduated, Eric holds a BMus in piano performance from Moody Bible Institute and is currently pursuing a master's degree in choral conducting at the University of Michigan under the training of Dr. Eugene Rogers. Eric is very excited to join the vibrant community of CCD this season! S.D.G
2017-2018
Conductor
Jessica Allen
With conducting experience at collegiate and secondary levels, Jessica Allen is currently the conductor of the University of Michigan Arts Chorale and assistant conductor of University Choir. She previously conducted the University of Michigan Residential College Singers and prepared opera choruses for Mozart's Cos? fan tutte, Handel'ss Giulio Cesare, and Dead Man Walking by Jake Heggie. As assistant conductor of the University Women's Glee Club, she participated in the first annual International Women's Choir Festival in Curitiba, Brazil, in 2015. At Bowling Green State University, Ms. Allen directed a select ensemble for women and was appointed interim director of the University Women's Chorus. Under her direction, the choirs at the prestigious Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, collaborated with ensembles at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music and Kent State University. In 2011, Hathaway Brown students traveled to Hamburg, Germany, where Ms. Allen co-directed the World Education Alliance Choir at Stormarnschule. Jessica toured as a choral singer with Rider University's Westminster Chamber Choir in Florence, Italy, in 2008. She has been selected for conducting masterclasses with Dennis Keene, Joe Miller, Harry Christophers, Anton Armstrong, Kathy Saltzman Romey, and Simon Carrington. In 2017, she traveled to Sofia, Bulgaria, for an orchestral conducting workshop at the International Conducting Workshop and Festival led by Don Schleicher and Larry Rachleff. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting at the University of Michigan where she studies conducting with Jerry Blackstone.
Jessica Allen
With conducting experience at collegiate and secondary levels, Jessica Allen is currently the conductor of the University of Michigan Arts Chorale and assistant conductor of University Choir. She previously conducted the University of Michigan Residential College Singers and prepared opera choruses for Mozart's Cos? fan tutte, Handel'ss Giulio Cesare, and Dead Man Walking by Jake Heggie. As assistant conductor of the University Women's Glee Club, she participated in the first annual International Women's Choir Festival in Curitiba, Brazil, in 2015. At Bowling Green State University, Ms. Allen directed a select ensemble for women and was appointed interim director of the University Women's Chorus. Under her direction, the choirs at the prestigious Hathaway Brown School in Shaker Heights, Ohio, collaborated with ensembles at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music and Kent State University. In 2011, Hathaway Brown students traveled to Hamburg, Germany, where Ms. Allen co-directed the World Education Alliance Choir at Stormarnschule. Jessica toured as a choral singer with Rider University's Westminster Chamber Choir in Florence, Italy, in 2008. She has been selected for conducting masterclasses with Dennis Keene, Joe Miller, Harry Christophers, Anton Armstrong, Kathy Saltzman Romey, and Simon Carrington. In 2017, she traveled to Sofia, Bulgaria, for an orchestral conducting workshop at the International Conducting Workshop and Festival led by Don Schleicher and Larry Rachleff. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting at the University of Michigan where she studies conducting with Jerry Blackstone.
2016-2017
Conductor
Adrianna Tamm
Adrianna L. Tam is a DMA candidate pursuing doctoral studies in choral conducting under Prof. Jerry Blackstone. In addition to her appointment with the Arts Chorale, she assists with choral conducting and choral methods instruction.
Ms. Tam recently returned to the US after living in Germany & Austria where she studied both the German language and choral conducting. In 2013, Ms. Tam received a CBYX Fellowship (Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange) to study in Weimar, Germany. Following her fellowship she moved to Graz, Austria and graduated with distinction from the University of Music and Performing Arts (MA, Choral Conducting) under the tutelage of Prof. Johannes Prinz (Wiener Singverein). In Austria, she held positions as choir director at the historic Stadtpfarrkirche and as vocal coach and assistant for "Vocalforum Graz," the region's premiere chamber choir.
An accomplished singer, Ms. Tam has been awarded choral fellowships with the Lucerne Festival Academy, the Junge Stuttgarter Bach Ensemble and the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, performing under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle, Hans-Christoph Rademann and Simon Carrington.
Ms. Tam also holds degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (SB, Music) and the Yale School of Music (MMus, Choral Conducting), where she served as assistant conductor of the Yale Glee Club. She is the winner of the 2011 MIT Louis Sudler Prize for the Arts and the 2013 Yale School of Music Alumni Association Prize.
Adrianna Tamm
Adrianna L. Tam is a DMA candidate pursuing doctoral studies in choral conducting under Prof. Jerry Blackstone. In addition to her appointment with the Arts Chorale, she assists with choral conducting and choral methods instruction.
Ms. Tam recently returned to the US after living in Germany & Austria where she studied both the German language and choral conducting. In 2013, Ms. Tam received a CBYX Fellowship (Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange) to study in Weimar, Germany. Following her fellowship she moved to Graz, Austria and graduated with distinction from the University of Music and Performing Arts (MA, Choral Conducting) under the tutelage of Prof. Johannes Prinz (Wiener Singverein). In Austria, she held positions as choir director at the historic Stadtpfarrkirche and as vocal coach and assistant for "Vocalforum Graz," the region's premiere chamber choir.
An accomplished singer, Ms. Tam has been awarded choral fellowships with the Lucerne Festival Academy, the Junge Stuttgarter Bach Ensemble and the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival, performing under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle, Hans-Christoph Rademann and Simon Carrington.
Ms. Tam also holds degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (SB, Music) and the Yale School of Music (MMus, Choral Conducting), where she served as assistant conductor of the Yale Glee Club. She is the winner of the 2011 MIT Louis Sudler Prize for the Arts and the 2013 Yale School of Music Alumni Association Prize.
Assistant Conductor
Suzanna Mathews
Suzanna Mathews is serving as the Arts Chorale assistant conductor. She graduated in 2014 from Wheaton College in Illinois with a bachelor's degree in Music Pedagogy. During her time at Wheaton, she had the privilege of studying conducting with John Trotter and Paul Wiens, and voice with Gerard Sundberg. After graduating, she continued her vocal training with Carolyn Hart, and spent her time singing with the St. Charles Singers under Jeff Hunt, serving as a private voice teacher with Bellas Artes School of Music and St. Francis High School, and assistant conducting the children's choir at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton. She also had the wonderful opportunity to form and conduct her own choir comprised of Wheaton College students and alumni.
Suzanna is currently a first year masters student at University of Michigan, where she studies choral conducting under Dr. Jerry Blackstone. Originally from New Jersey, she always found the greatest joy in making music with others, particularly in her small homeschooled choir led by Daurine P. Shippey. She is constantly rediscovering the miracle that is choral music, and is grateful to be with the Michigan Arts Chorale this year.
Suzanna Mathews
Suzanna Mathews is serving as the Arts Chorale assistant conductor. She graduated in 2014 from Wheaton College in Illinois with a bachelor's degree in Music Pedagogy. During her time at Wheaton, she had the privilege of studying conducting with John Trotter and Paul Wiens, and voice with Gerard Sundberg. After graduating, she continued her vocal training with Carolyn Hart, and spent her time singing with the St. Charles Singers under Jeff Hunt, serving as a private voice teacher with Bellas Artes School of Music and St. Francis High School, and assistant conducting the children's choir at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton. She also had the wonderful opportunity to form and conduct her own choir comprised of Wheaton College students and alumni.
Suzanna is currently a first year masters student at University of Michigan, where she studies choral conducting under Dr. Jerry Blackstone. Originally from New Jersey, she always found the greatest joy in making music with others, particularly in her small homeschooled choir led by Daurine P. Shippey. She is constantly rediscovering the miracle that is choral music, and is grateful to be with the Michigan Arts Chorale this year.
2015-2016
Conductor
Arianne Abela
Arianne Abela is a Doctoral student at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor Michigan. She was most recently Chorus Master of the University of Michigan productions of Rossini's Barber of Seville and Mozart's Die Zauberflote, Director of the Residential College Singers, and is Director of Music at Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Ann Arbor. She serves as Chorus Master at the Castleton Festival in Castleton, VA and assistant conductor for the UMS Choral Union.
In 2012, Abela founded 3 Penny Chorus and Orchestra which was featured on NBC's America's Got Talent, making it to the quarter-final live rounds at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, New York. 3 Penny has performed on NBC's Today Show with Al Roker, Matt Lauer, and Savannah Gurthie and is featured on the soundtrack of Hollywood film Walk of Shame, starring and directed by Elizabeth Banks
.
Abela is a graduate of the Yale School of Music and Yale Institute of Sacred Music where she studied with Marguerite Brooks, Jeffrey Douma and Simon Carrington. She served as conductor of the Yale Saybrook Orchestra and Yale Glee Club chamber singers. While in Connecticut, Abela is co-founded House of Clouds, an organization dedicated to raising money for charities through performance and artistic collaboration.
Former faculty positions include Director of the Wesleyan Singers, premiere mixed choral ensemble at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, director of choirs at Notre Dame High School in West Haven, CT, Grater Hartford Academy of the Arts, Hartford, CT, St. John's in Waterbury, and The Westover School in Middlebury, CT. Abela sang professionally at Christ Church in New Haven, and continues to sing in professional ensembles as the Yale Choral Artists and Audivi Vocem, professional octet based in Michigan.
Arianne Abela
Arianne Abela is a Doctoral student at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor Michigan. She was most recently Chorus Master of the University of Michigan productions of Rossini's Barber of Seville and Mozart's Die Zauberflote, Director of the Residential College Singers, and is Director of Music at Bethlehem United Church of Christ in Ann Arbor. She serves as Chorus Master at the Castleton Festival in Castleton, VA and assistant conductor for the UMS Choral Union.
In 2012, Abela founded 3 Penny Chorus and Orchestra which was featured on NBC's America's Got Talent, making it to the quarter-final live rounds at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, New York. 3 Penny has performed on NBC's Today Show with Al Roker, Matt Lauer, and Savannah Gurthie and is featured on the soundtrack of Hollywood film Walk of Shame, starring and directed by Elizabeth Banks
.
Abela is a graduate of the Yale School of Music and Yale Institute of Sacred Music where she studied with Marguerite Brooks, Jeffrey Douma and Simon Carrington. She served as conductor of the Yale Saybrook Orchestra and Yale Glee Club chamber singers. While in Connecticut, Abela is co-founded House of Clouds, an organization dedicated to raising money for charities through performance and artistic collaboration.
Former faculty positions include Director of the Wesleyan Singers, premiere mixed choral ensemble at Wesleyan University in Connecticut, director of choirs at Notre Dame High School in West Haven, CT, Grater Hartford Academy of the Arts, Hartford, CT, St. John's in Waterbury, and The Westover School in Middlebury, CT. Abela sang professionally at Christ Church in New Haven, and continues to sing in professional ensembles as the Yale Choral Artists and Audivi Vocem, professional octet based in Michigan.
Assistant Conductor
Shohei Kobayashi
Shohei Kobayashi currently serves as assistant conductor for Arts Chorale, Women's Glee Club, and University Choir at the University of Michigan. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Shohei discovered his love for music and performing in his high school years through his extracurricular pursuits as a singer/songwriter and guitarist. Shohei holds a B.A. in music (and math minor) from Lewis & Clark College (Portland, Oregon) where he studied composition with Dr. Michael Johanson, voice with Carl Halvorson and Susan McBerry, piano with Stephanie Thompson, and conducting with Dr. Katherine FitzGibbon. After graduating in 2013, Shohei spent two more years in Portland serving as assistant conductor for Lewis & Clark's Community Chorale and Women's Chorus, as tenor section leader/assistant conductor at First Presbyterian Church in Portland, singing professionally with multiple choral ensembles (Choro in Schola, VIR Men's Ensemble, Resonance Ensemble), and teaching lessons in piano, guitar, and voice. Shohei is now a first year MM student at University of Michigan where he studies choral conducting with Dr. Jerry Blackstone.
Shohei Kobayashi
Shohei Kobayashi currently serves as assistant conductor for Arts Chorale, Women's Glee Club, and University Choir at the University of Michigan. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Shohei discovered his love for music and performing in his high school years through his extracurricular pursuits as a singer/songwriter and guitarist. Shohei holds a B.A. in music (and math minor) from Lewis & Clark College (Portland, Oregon) where he studied composition with Dr. Michael Johanson, voice with Carl Halvorson and Susan McBerry, piano with Stephanie Thompson, and conducting with Dr. Katherine FitzGibbon. After graduating in 2013, Shohei spent two more years in Portland serving as assistant conductor for Lewis & Clark's Community Chorale and Women's Chorus, as tenor section leader/assistant conductor at First Presbyterian Church in Portland, singing professionally with multiple choral ensembles (Choro in Schola, VIR Men's Ensemble, Resonance Ensemble), and teaching lessons in piano, guitar, and voice. Shohei is now a first year MM student at University of Michigan where he studies choral conducting with Dr. Jerry Blackstone.
2014-2015
Conductor
Jaclyn Johnson
Jaclyn Johnson has been a professional choral conductor for the past twelve years and is currently a third year DMA student in Choral Conducting at the University of Michigan. As a director, she taught at the high school level for eight years, has been a Minister of Music in the United Methodist Church for the past eleven years, was assistant conductor for the Long Beach Camerata Singers, co-directed the Arrowbear Summer Music Camp, and has directed collegiate, choral, and orchestral ensembles including the UM Women's Glee Club, Orpheus Singers, and Michigan Pops Orchestra. Johnson earned a Master of Music degree in Conducting at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music in Long Beach, California, and a Master of Teaching degree, Bachelor of Music degree in Conducting, and Bachelor of Music Education degree from Chapman University.
Ensembles under her direction have received numerous honors and awards, including performances at both the American Choral Directors Association Central Division Conference (2014), Western Division Conference (2010), and the ACDA National Conference (2011), and first place awards at the California Golden State South Competition. Her choirs have toured domestically and internationally to such destinations as San Francisco, New York, New Orleans, Canada, and Italy. This past summer she represented the United States as an International Exchange Conductor to China. Johnson's own vocal performance career has taken her to China, Russia, Czech Republic, Austria, Bratislava, Canada, Hawaii, Chicago, New York, New Zealand, and Australia.
Jaclyn Johnson
Jaclyn Johnson has been a professional choral conductor for the past twelve years and is currently a third year DMA student in Choral Conducting at the University of Michigan. As a director, she taught at the high school level for eight years, has been a Minister of Music in the United Methodist Church for the past eleven years, was assistant conductor for the Long Beach Camerata Singers, co-directed the Arrowbear Summer Music Camp, and has directed collegiate, choral, and orchestral ensembles including the UM Women's Glee Club, Orpheus Singers, and Michigan Pops Orchestra. Johnson earned a Master of Music degree in Conducting at the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music in Long Beach, California, and a Master of Teaching degree, Bachelor of Music degree in Conducting, and Bachelor of Music Education degree from Chapman University.
Ensembles under her direction have received numerous honors and awards, including performances at both the American Choral Directors Association Central Division Conference (2014), Western Division Conference (2010), and the ACDA National Conference (2011), and first place awards at the California Golden State South Competition. Her choirs have toured domestically and internationally to such destinations as San Francisco, New York, New Orleans, Canada, and Italy. This past summer she represented the United States as an International Exchange Conductor to China. Johnson's own vocal performance career has taken her to China, Russia, Czech Republic, Austria, Bratislava, Canada, Hawaii, Chicago, New York, New Zealand, and Australia.
Assistant Conductor
Lauren Adja Park
Lauren Adja Park hails from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and is a California native. She comes from a broad musical background and has received training on the violin, viola, piano and the voice. Lauren enjoys a very active career as a pianist, performing locally, nationally and internationally in solo and collaborative settings. She is currently completing her Master's Degree in Piano Performance and studies primarily with Dr. Arthur Greene. Lauren is an aspiring choral conductor and proud member of the UMS Choral Union, directed by Dr. Jerry Blackstone. She has spent her recent summers conducting and singing in the Sarteano Chamber Choral Workshop, the Interlochen Adult Choir Camp and the University of Michigan Choral Conducting Symposium. Lauren has served as the choir director of the St. Thomas Evangelical Lutheran Church and now as the Assistant Conductor of the Michigan Arts Chorale.
Lauren Adja Park
Lauren Adja Park hails from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan and is a California native. She comes from a broad musical background and has received training on the violin, viola, piano and the voice. Lauren enjoys a very active career as a pianist, performing locally, nationally and internationally in solo and collaborative settings. She is currently completing her Master's Degree in Piano Performance and studies primarily with Dr. Arthur Greene. Lauren is an aspiring choral conductor and proud member of the UMS Choral Union, directed by Dr. Jerry Blackstone. She has spent her recent summers conducting and singing in the Sarteano Chamber Choral Workshop, the Interlochen Adult Choir Camp and the University of Michigan Choral Conducting Symposium. Lauren has served as the choir director of the St. Thomas Evangelical Lutheran Church and now as the Assistant Conductor of the Michigan Arts Chorale.
Conductor
Glen Thomas Rideout
A native of Baltimore, Glen Thomas Rideout holds a bachelor's degree in voice from Vanderbilt University and a master's degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He has studied voice and vocal pedagogy with Dr. Gayle Shay, Dr. Jonathan Retzlaff, Dr. Dean Southern and Mr. Stephen West. His conducting mentors include Dr. Jamie Washington, Mr. Philip Olsen, Mr. Robin Fountain, Dr. Paul Rardin and Dr. Jerry Blackstone. Glen Thomas is in his third year of doctoral studies here at the University of Michigan.
Glen Thomas is an active music minister, conductor and clinician, having led the music ministries of congregations in Maryland, Tennessee and Michigan. While serving as artistic director of the Voices of Praise at Vanderbilt University, he facilitated the choir's growth from 20 to 70 members in three years and retains the honor of having been the choir's longest- serving elected director. Glen Thomas has served the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor as Director of Music since August, 2007.
Glen Thomas is the 2013 winner of the National Student Conducting Competition, a contest of the American Choral Directors Association. His writing on music has been published by the Church of the Larger Fellowship, the Unitarian Universalist Association's largest congregation. His recent international schedule includes conducting engagements in Peru, Poland, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Russia, Spain, Andorra and France.
Glen Thomas is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network, the American Choral Directors Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.
Glen Thomas Rideout
A native of Baltimore, Glen Thomas Rideout holds a bachelor's degree in voice from Vanderbilt University and a master's degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. He has studied voice and vocal pedagogy with Dr. Gayle Shay, Dr. Jonathan Retzlaff, Dr. Dean Southern and Mr. Stephen West. His conducting mentors include Dr. Jamie Washington, Mr. Philip Olsen, Mr. Robin Fountain, Dr. Paul Rardin and Dr. Jerry Blackstone. Glen Thomas is in his third year of doctoral studies here at the University of Michigan.
Glen Thomas is an active music minister, conductor and clinician, having led the music ministries of congregations in Maryland, Tennessee and Michigan. While serving as artistic director of the Voices of Praise at Vanderbilt University, he facilitated the choir's growth from 20 to 70 members in three years and retains the honor of having been the choir's longest- serving elected director. Glen Thomas has served the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ann Arbor as Director of Music since August, 2007.
Glen Thomas is the 2013 winner of the National Student Conducting Competition, a contest of the American Choral Directors Association. His writing on music has been published by the Church of the Larger Fellowship, the Unitarian Universalist Association's largest congregation. His recent international schedule includes conducting engagements in Peru, Poland, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Finland, Iceland, Estonia, Russia, Spain, Andorra and France.
Glen Thomas is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network, the American Choral Directors Association and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity.
Assistant Conductor
Adam Wills Begley
A native of Traverse City, MI, Adam Wills Begley is currently pursuing a M.M. in choral conducting at the University of Michigan, where he studies with Jerry Blackstone. In addition to his work with Arts Chorale, Adam is co-conductor of the Orpheus Singers and conducting scholar at Christ Church Grosse Pointe.
Prior to his studies at the University of Michigan, Adam earned a B.A. in Music with distinction at Yale University, where he served as the undergraduate conductor of the Yale Glee Club and musical director of the vocal jazz group Redhot & Blue. As assistant conductor of the Yale Whiffenpoofs, the nation's oldest collegiate a cappella group, Adam led performances in over twenty-six countries and on five continents.
Active as an educator with musicians of all levels, Adam has served on the conducting faculties of the Elm City Girls' Choir and the Watermusic Chamber Singers. Recent musical theater engagements include productions of Sweeney Todd and Cabaretwith the Yale Dramatic Association.
Adam's teachers include Jeffrey Douma, Marguerite Brooks, and Walden Moore
Adam Wills Begley
A native of Traverse City, MI, Adam Wills Begley is currently pursuing a M.M. in choral conducting at the University of Michigan, where he studies with Jerry Blackstone. In addition to his work with Arts Chorale, Adam is co-conductor of the Orpheus Singers and conducting scholar at Christ Church Grosse Pointe.
Prior to his studies at the University of Michigan, Adam earned a B.A. in Music with distinction at Yale University, where he served as the undergraduate conductor of the Yale Glee Club and musical director of the vocal jazz group Redhot & Blue. As assistant conductor of the Yale Whiffenpoofs, the nation's oldest collegiate a cappella group, Adam led performances in over twenty-six countries and on five continents.
Active as an educator with musicians of all levels, Adam has served on the conducting faculties of the Elm City Girls' Choir and the Watermusic Chamber Singers. Recent musical theater engagements include productions of Sweeney Todd and Cabaretwith the Yale Dramatic Association.
Adam's teachers include Jeffrey Douma, Marguerite Brooks, and Walden Moore
2012-2013
Conductor
George Case
A native of Atlanta, GA, George Case holds a masters degree in conducting from the University of Michigan and a bachelors degree in vocal performance from Boston University. George has studied conducting with Ann Howard Jones, Jerry Blackstone, Joshua Habermann, and Paul Rardin.
From 2007 until 2010, George was the Director of Choral and Vocal Programs at the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts. Under his direction, the vocal department was the most represented in Georgia All-State Choruses and the Georgia Governor's Honors Program for three years of any high school in the state. In 2009, George's choruses were selected to participate in the Honor! Festival curated by Jessye Norman and Carnegie Hall with Craig Jessop and the Orchestra of St. Luke's. George was selected as a 2010 Presidential Teacher Honoree and 2009 Star Teacher for Pebblebrook High School.
During the summers, George is a faculty member at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute in Lenox, MA. At BUTI, George is the assistant conductor for the chorus, teaches music history, voice, and theory.
A frequent soloist and professional chorister, George has been a tenor section staff soloist in the chancel choir at Trinity Presbyterian Church and frequent performer in the Atlanta area in professional choirs The Atlanta Singers and The Meridian Chorale. In 2006 he took part in a gala performance of American composer Susan Botti's music in Rome, Italy, during the closing celebrations of the 2006 Prix de Rome Competition. George has been a soloist with various groups in the Detroit area including the Great Lakes Music Festival in Stravinsky's Mass and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra under Leonard Slatkin in Beethoven's Choral Fantasy.
George is a doctoral student in choral conducting at the University of Michigan where he is artistic director of the Arts Chorale, assistant conductor of the University Musical Society Choral Union, co-conductor of the Orpheus Singers, and co-teacher for Choral and Vocal Methods classes. He has also served as assistant conductor and accompanist for the Men's and Women's Glee Clubs and as Opera Chorus Director for Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress.
George has prepared choruses for Michael Tilson Thomas, Jerry Blackstone, Kenneth Kiesler, Craig Jessop, Joshua Habermann, and Helmuth Rilling. He has participated in Conducting Workshops with Maestros David Hayes, Don McCullough, Tom Hall, Robert Page, Helmuth Rilling, Kathy Romey, and Anton Armstrong.
George Case
A native of Atlanta, GA, George Case holds a masters degree in conducting from the University of Michigan and a bachelors degree in vocal performance from Boston University. George has studied conducting with Ann Howard Jones, Jerry Blackstone, Joshua Habermann, and Paul Rardin.
From 2007 until 2010, George was the Director of Choral and Vocal Programs at the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts. Under his direction, the vocal department was the most represented in Georgia All-State Choruses and the Georgia Governor's Honors Program for three years of any high school in the state. In 2009, George's choruses were selected to participate in the Honor! Festival curated by Jessye Norman and Carnegie Hall with Craig Jessop and the Orchestra of St. Luke's. George was selected as a 2010 Presidential Teacher Honoree and 2009 Star Teacher for Pebblebrook High School.
During the summers, George is a faculty member at the Boston University Tanglewood Institute in Lenox, MA. At BUTI, George is the assistant conductor for the chorus, teaches music history, voice, and theory.
A frequent soloist and professional chorister, George has been a tenor section staff soloist in the chancel choir at Trinity Presbyterian Church and frequent performer in the Atlanta area in professional choirs The Atlanta Singers and The Meridian Chorale. In 2006 he took part in a gala performance of American composer Susan Botti's music in Rome, Italy, during the closing celebrations of the 2006 Prix de Rome Competition. George has been a soloist with various groups in the Detroit area including the Great Lakes Music Festival in Stravinsky's Mass and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra under Leonard Slatkin in Beethoven's Choral Fantasy.
George is a doctoral student in choral conducting at the University of Michigan where he is artistic director of the Arts Chorale, assistant conductor of the University Musical Society Choral Union, co-conductor of the Orpheus Singers, and co-teacher for Choral and Vocal Methods classes. He has also served as assistant conductor and accompanist for the Men's and Women's Glee Clubs and as Opera Chorus Director for Stravinsky's The Rake's Progress.
George has prepared choruses for Michael Tilson Thomas, Jerry Blackstone, Kenneth Kiesler, Craig Jessop, Joshua Habermann, and Helmuth Rilling. He has participated in Conducting Workshops with Maestros David Hayes, Don McCullough, Tom Hall, Robert Page, Helmuth Rilling, Kathy Romey, and Anton Armstrong.
Assistant Conductor
Nathan Reiff
Nathan Reiff, a native of Oregon, is currently pursuing a M.M. in Choral Conducting at the University of Michigan, where he studies with Dr. Jerry Blackstone. At Michigan, Nathan is co-conductor of the Orpheus Singers and assistant conductor of Arts Chorale, and he has served previously as assistant conductor of the Residential College Singers. Additionally, Nathan is music director of the Ann Arbor Cantata Singers and is in his second year leading the Chancel Choir of the First Presbyterian Church of Northville, Michigan in weekly services.
This past summer, Nathan was a conducting apprentice at the Berkshire Choral Festival.
Prior to his studies at the University of Michigan, Nathan received a B.A. in Music with distinction at Yale University, where he performed as a member and music director of the Whiffenpoofs, the nation's oldest all-male a cappella singing group. As a Whiff, Nathan led the group in performances in over 20 countries around the world and on the WB television series Gilmore Girls. In addition to his work as a conductor, Nathan taught music at the International School of Trieste in Trieste, Italy and assisted the violinist Midori with the administration of two music education/community-outreach non-profit organizations.
Nathan Reiff
Nathan Reiff, a native of Oregon, is currently pursuing a M.M. in Choral Conducting at the University of Michigan, where he studies with Dr. Jerry Blackstone. At Michigan, Nathan is co-conductor of the Orpheus Singers and assistant conductor of Arts Chorale, and he has served previously as assistant conductor of the Residential College Singers. Additionally, Nathan is music director of the Ann Arbor Cantata Singers and is in his second year leading the Chancel Choir of the First Presbyterian Church of Northville, Michigan in weekly services.
This past summer, Nathan was a conducting apprentice at the Berkshire Choral Festival.
Prior to his studies at the University of Michigan, Nathan received a B.A. in Music with distinction at Yale University, where he performed as a member and music director of the Whiffenpoofs, the nation's oldest all-male a cappella singing group. As a Whiff, Nathan led the group in performances in over 20 countries around the world and on the WB television series Gilmore Girls. In addition to his work as a conductor, Nathan taught music at the International School of Trieste in Trieste, Italy and assisted the violinist Midori with the administration of two music education/community-outreach non-profit organizations.
2011-2012
Conductor
Arian Khaefi
Arian Khaefi is conductor of the University of Michigan Arts Chorale and assistant conductor of the University Musical Society Choral Union where he assists Jerry Blackstone in the preparation of the chorus for performances both in Ann Arbor and Detroit with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra under such noted conductors as Leonard Slatkin and Christopher Warren Green.
In March 2011, Mr. Khaefi was a finalist in the graduate division of the American Choral Directors Association biennial National Choral Conducting Awards competition in Chicago. He was chosen from a nationwide pool of 150 applicants.
Mr. Khaefi has appeared as workshop presenter at high schools and middle schools across southern California, presenting on choral energy, tone, and diction. Mr. Khaefi has also served as director of choral activities at a number of successful secondary choral music programs.
In May 2012, he will complete the doctorate of musical arts degree at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance where his primary conducting teacher is Jerry Blackstone. Prior to coming to the University of Michigan, Mr. Khaefi received the Master of Music degree in conducting from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied with Donald Neuen.
Arian Khaefi
Arian Khaefi is conductor of the University of Michigan Arts Chorale and assistant conductor of the University Musical Society Choral Union where he assists Jerry Blackstone in the preparation of the chorus for performances both in Ann Arbor and Detroit with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra under such noted conductors as Leonard Slatkin and Christopher Warren Green.
In March 2011, Mr. Khaefi was a finalist in the graduate division of the American Choral Directors Association biennial National Choral Conducting Awards competition in Chicago. He was chosen from a nationwide pool of 150 applicants.
Mr. Khaefi has appeared as workshop presenter at high schools and middle schools across southern California, presenting on choral energy, tone, and diction. Mr. Khaefi has also served as director of choral activities at a number of successful secondary choral music programs.
In May 2012, he will complete the doctorate of musical arts degree at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance where his primary conducting teacher is Jerry Blackstone. Prior to coming to the University of Michigan, Mr. Khaefi received the Master of Music degree in conducting from the University of California, Los Angeles, where he studied with Donald Neuen.
2010-2011
Conductor
Jason Harris
Jason Harris is Associate Conductor of the University Musical Society Choral Union (Ann Arbor, Michigan) and founding Artistic Director and Conductor of Audivi Vocem. In 2006 he received two Grammy Awards ("Best Choral Performance" and "Best Classical Album") as a choral director for the critically acclaimed Naxos recording of William Bolcom's monumental Songs of Innocence and of Experience.
In 2002 Mr. Harris was named Associate Conductor of the University Musical Society Choral Union, a symphonic community chorus that frequently appears with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. In this capacity Mr. Harris has prepared the chorus for performances under conductors such as Valery Gergiev and the Kirov Orchestra, Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony, Sir Neville Marriner, Neeme Jarvi, James Conlon, Rafael Fr'hbeck de Burgos, and composer John Adams. In 2011 the UMS Choral Union will appear with the Detroit Symphony and the choirs of the University of Michigan for a groundbreaking performance of Mahler's Eighth Symphony under the baton of Leonard Slatkin.
To meet the growing demand for performances of early music in Michigan, Mr. Harris founded Audivi Vocem, a 20-voice chamber ensemble dedicated to the interpretation of rarely heard sacred works of the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries. Recent performances include Tomas Luis de Victoria's Officium Defunctorum, and various works by Hans Leo Hassler, Leonhardt Lechner, Heinrich Schutz, and Roland de Lassus.
In 2010 Mr. Harris was one of two conductors in the nation selected by Chorus America to participate in a joint Chorus America/League of Symphony Orchestras conducting master class, hosted by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, where he had the privilege to work with Robert Spano and Norman Mackenzie.
Mr. Harris is currently in his final year of the Doctor of Musical Arts program in choral conducting at the University of Michigan. During his time at Michigan he has served as Assistant Conductor of the U-M Women's Glee Club, and conductor of the Residential College Singers, Orpheus Singers, and U-M Opera Chorus, and is currently the Assistant Conductor of the U-M Men's Glee Club and Chamber Choir.
Mr. Harris holds degrees in conducting from Chapman University and the University of Michigan. His teachers include Jerry Blackstone, Theodore Morrison, Kenneth Kiesler, and William Hall.
Jason Harris
Jason Harris is Associate Conductor of the University Musical Society Choral Union (Ann Arbor, Michigan) and founding Artistic Director and Conductor of Audivi Vocem. In 2006 he received two Grammy Awards ("Best Choral Performance" and "Best Classical Album") as a choral director for the critically acclaimed Naxos recording of William Bolcom's monumental Songs of Innocence and of Experience.
In 2002 Mr. Harris was named Associate Conductor of the University Musical Society Choral Union, a symphonic community chorus that frequently appears with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. In this capacity Mr. Harris has prepared the chorus for performances under conductors such as Valery Gergiev and the Kirov Orchestra, Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony, Sir Neville Marriner, Neeme Jarvi, James Conlon, Rafael Fr'hbeck de Burgos, and composer John Adams. In 2011 the UMS Choral Union will appear with the Detroit Symphony and the choirs of the University of Michigan for a groundbreaking performance of Mahler's Eighth Symphony under the baton of Leonard Slatkin.
To meet the growing demand for performances of early music in Michigan, Mr. Harris founded Audivi Vocem, a 20-voice chamber ensemble dedicated to the interpretation of rarely heard sacred works of the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth centuries. Recent performances include Tomas Luis de Victoria's Officium Defunctorum, and various works by Hans Leo Hassler, Leonhardt Lechner, Heinrich Schutz, and Roland de Lassus.
In 2010 Mr. Harris was one of two conductors in the nation selected by Chorus America to participate in a joint Chorus America/League of Symphony Orchestras conducting master class, hosted by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, where he had the privilege to work with Robert Spano and Norman Mackenzie.
Mr. Harris is currently in his final year of the Doctor of Musical Arts program in choral conducting at the University of Michigan. During his time at Michigan he has served as Assistant Conductor of the U-M Women's Glee Club, and conductor of the Residential College Singers, Orpheus Singers, and U-M Opera Chorus, and is currently the Assistant Conductor of the U-M Men's Glee Club and Chamber Choir.
Mr. Harris holds degrees in conducting from Chapman University and the University of Michigan. His teachers include Jerry Blackstone, Theodore Morrison, Kenneth Kiesler, and William Hall.
Assistant Conductor / Accompanist
Joel Tranquilla
A proud Atlantic Canadian, Joel Tranquilla is a conductor, collaborative pianist, vocal coach and music educator who has worked extensively in the areas of church music and theatre music. Joel is in his second year of the Master of Music degree in choral conducting under the tutelage of Dr. Jerry Blackstone at the University of Michigan, the number one ranked conducting training program in the United States. In addition to his work with the U-M Arts Chorale, Joel is the Chorus Master of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra and also conducts the Orpheus Singers and the Huron Hills Church Sanctuary Choir. He has been invited to work with some of Canada's finest choral conductors including Lydia Adams, Noel Edison, Diane Loomer and Jon Washburn, and has participated in such conducting master classes as the Vancouver Chamber Choir National Conductors' Symposium, Festival 500 and the Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute. Most recently, Joel served as the conducting intern for the Nova Scotia Choral Federation's Sing Summer 2010 program where he conducted the 60-voice high school choir and was mentored by Elise Bradley, Artistic Director of the Toronto Children's Chorus.
Before moving to Michigan, Joel worked in Halifax, Nova Scotia for three years and quickly became a part of the rich musical life of that city. During this time he held several positions including Director of Music at Stevens Road United Baptist Church and Artist-in-Residence at First Baptist Church Halifax. He was a staff accompanist and lecturer in aural skills in the Music Department at Dalhousie University and spent three seasons at the Chester Playhouse Summer Theatre Festival as Musical Director, performer and composer/arranger. Joel served as the assistant conductor of the award-winning Halifax Camerata Singers as well as the founding assistant conductor and accompanist of the Xara Young Women's Choir. He has led workshops for CAMMAC (Canadian Amateur Musicians/Musiciens Amateurs du Canada) and the New Brunswick Choral Federation and has adjudicated at the South-West Nova Music Festival on the French Shore of Nova Scotia.
Joel is an alumnus of the National Youth Choir of Canada and is a founding member of several choirs in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. An Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto with diplomas in both piano and voice performance, he completed a Bachelor of Music degree at Mount Allison University where he was also selected to receive the Faculty Artist Award in his final year. A versatile musician, Mr. Tranquilla is an advocate of Canadian music and has performed across the country with the Canadian Chamber Choir as both singer and pianist. His recording credits include the Canadian Chamber Choir's recent release, "In Good Company" (featured pianist) and the Halifax Camerata Singer's CD, "Solace: Songs of Remembrance" (assistant conductor).
Joel Tranquilla
A proud Atlantic Canadian, Joel Tranquilla is a conductor, collaborative pianist, vocal coach and music educator who has worked extensively in the areas of church music and theatre music. Joel is in his second year of the Master of Music degree in choral conducting under the tutelage of Dr. Jerry Blackstone at the University of Michigan, the number one ranked conducting training program in the United States. In addition to his work with the U-M Arts Chorale, Joel is the Chorus Master of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra and also conducts the Orpheus Singers and the Huron Hills Church Sanctuary Choir. He has been invited to work with some of Canada's finest choral conductors including Lydia Adams, Noel Edison, Diane Loomer and Jon Washburn, and has participated in such conducting master classes as the Vancouver Chamber Choir National Conductors' Symposium, Festival 500 and the Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute. Most recently, Joel served as the conducting intern for the Nova Scotia Choral Federation's Sing Summer 2010 program where he conducted the 60-voice high school choir and was mentored by Elise Bradley, Artistic Director of the Toronto Children's Chorus.
Before moving to Michigan, Joel worked in Halifax, Nova Scotia for three years and quickly became a part of the rich musical life of that city. During this time he held several positions including Director of Music at Stevens Road United Baptist Church and Artist-in-Residence at First Baptist Church Halifax. He was a staff accompanist and lecturer in aural skills in the Music Department at Dalhousie University and spent three seasons at the Chester Playhouse Summer Theatre Festival as Musical Director, performer and composer/arranger. Joel served as the assistant conductor of the award-winning Halifax Camerata Singers as well as the founding assistant conductor and accompanist of the Xara Young Women's Choir. He has led workshops for CAMMAC (Canadian Amateur Musicians/Musiciens Amateurs du Canada) and the New Brunswick Choral Federation and has adjudicated at the South-West Nova Music Festival on the French Shore of Nova Scotia.
Joel is an alumnus of the National Youth Choir of Canada and is a founding member of several choirs in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. An Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto with diplomas in both piano and voice performance, he completed a Bachelor of Music degree at Mount Allison University where he was also selected to receive the Faculty Artist Award in his final year. A versatile musician, Mr. Tranquilla is an advocate of Canadian music and has performed across the country with the Canadian Chamber Choir as both singer and pianist. His recording credits include the Canadian Chamber Choir's recent release, "In Good Company" (featured pianist) and the Halifax Camerata Singer's CD, "Solace: Songs of Remembrance" (assistant conductor).
2009-2010
Conductor
Mark Marotto
Mark Marotto is conductor of the University of Michigan Arts Chorale. In addition to conducting a wide range of concerts in the United States and Canada, Marotto maintains an active career in Europe - including recent performances in Switzerland, France, Spain and Romania. For the past eight years, Marotto has served as artistic director of Le Louverain Choral Festival in Neuchetel, Switzerland, and recently led their chorus in a 30th anniversary concert. In July 2009, he conducted the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus and Orchestra. For the 2009-2010 season, Mark is also guest conductor of the Windsor Classic Chorale in Windsor, Canada as well as conductor of the Huron Hills Choir in Ann Arbor.
Marotto has studied at Duke University, the Bucharest Conservatory, and the University of Michigan, where he is currently completing a doctorate in choral conducting. In his training, he has worked with a number of prominent conductors, among them Jerry Blackstone, Helmuth Rilling, Christopher Hogwood, Kurt Masur, and George Pehlivanian. In addition to conducting, Marotto pursues interests in both music education and management research. Most summers, he teaches a music appreciation course for Pepperdine University's programme in Lausanne, Switzerland. His research on leadership has been published in scholarly management journals as well as featured in conferences throughout Europe and North America.
Mark Marotto
Mark Marotto is conductor of the University of Michigan Arts Chorale. In addition to conducting a wide range of concerts in the United States and Canada, Marotto maintains an active career in Europe - including recent performances in Switzerland, France, Spain and Romania. For the past eight years, Marotto has served as artistic director of Le Louverain Choral Festival in Neuchetel, Switzerland, and recently led their chorus in a 30th anniversary concert. In July 2009, he conducted the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus and Orchestra. For the 2009-2010 season, Mark is also guest conductor of the Windsor Classic Chorale in Windsor, Canada as well as conductor of the Huron Hills Choir in Ann Arbor.
Marotto has studied at Duke University, the Bucharest Conservatory, and the University of Michigan, where he is currently completing a doctorate in choral conducting. In his training, he has worked with a number of prominent conductors, among them Jerry Blackstone, Helmuth Rilling, Christopher Hogwood, Kurt Masur, and George Pehlivanian. In addition to conducting, Marotto pursues interests in both music education and management research. Most summers, he teaches a music appreciation course for Pepperdine University's programme in Lausanne, Switzerland. His research on leadership has been published in scholarly management journals as well as featured in conferences throughout Europe and North America.
Assistant Conductor
Brandon Straub
Brandon, a native of Michigan, is currently pursuing a M.M. in Choral Conducting. Before coming to University of Michigan in fall 2008, Brandon served for four years as the Oaklawn-Tuttle Chair of Vocal Music at The Hill School near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At The Hill he directed the choral ensembles and musicals, taught the History of Art and Music, and served as the school's organist. Over the past four summers, he has served as a conductor, coach-accompanist, and instructor of advanced musicianship on the faculties of the New York State Summer School for the Arts (NYSSSA) and Interlochen Arts Camp. Brandon earned a B.A. in Music Education from Michigan State University. As a student, he served as a singer and accompanist for numerous choral ensembles and opera productions, including three years as accompanist of the MSU Men's Glee Club. Brandon is also currently in his second year as Director of Music at First Baptist Church in Ann Arbor.
Brandon Straub
Brandon, a native of Michigan, is currently pursuing a M.M. in Choral Conducting. Before coming to University of Michigan in fall 2008, Brandon served for four years as the Oaklawn-Tuttle Chair of Vocal Music at The Hill School near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At The Hill he directed the choral ensembles and musicals, taught the History of Art and Music, and served as the school's organist. Over the past four summers, he has served as a conductor, coach-accompanist, and instructor of advanced musicianship on the faculties of the New York State Summer School for the Arts (NYSSSA) and Interlochen Arts Camp. Brandon earned a B.A. in Music Education from Michigan State University. As a student, he served as a singer and accompanist for numerous choral ensembles and opera productions, including three years as accompanist of the MSU Men's Glee Club. Brandon is also currently in his second year as Director of Music at First Baptist Church in Ann Arbor.
2008-2009
Conductor
John Trotter
Canadian-born John William Trotter is currently in residence in the Doctoral conducting program at the University of Michigan. While at the University he has also served as assistant instructor of conducting, Conducting Faculty of the Residential College, and Opera Chorusmaster. Trotter's conducting work has been recognized internationally through numerous prizes, grants, and guest conducting invitations; to date he has conducted over a dozen professional choirs and orchestras in five countries. In 2007, while still a Masters student, Trotter was awarded second prize in the Graduate Division of the ACDA Student Conducting Competition. In 2008 he was awarded a major individual grant by the Canada Council for the Arts, and during the summer season conducted in concerts with Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra as well as the Oregon Bach Festival Orchestra and Chorus.
Trotter's pursuit of advanced conducting training has taken him across North America and Europe, including studies with Jerry Blackstone, Kenneth Kiesler, Helmuth Rilling, Jon Washburn, Andrew Parrott, Eric Ericson, and others. His ongoing professional conducting work ranges from traditional choral/orchestral repertoire, new music and film score recording to various forms of outreach as a clinician, adjudicator, conducting teacher, keynote speaker, and leader of improvisation workshops. His guest conducting appearances in 2008/09 will include concerts with the Windsor Classic Chorale and the Vancouver Chamber Choir. For more information, visit www.johnwilliamtrotter.com.
John Trotter
Canadian-born John William Trotter is currently in residence in the Doctoral conducting program at the University of Michigan. While at the University he has also served as assistant instructor of conducting, Conducting Faculty of the Residential College, and Opera Chorusmaster. Trotter's conducting work has been recognized internationally through numerous prizes, grants, and guest conducting invitations; to date he has conducted over a dozen professional choirs and orchestras in five countries. In 2007, while still a Masters student, Trotter was awarded second prize in the Graduate Division of the ACDA Student Conducting Competition. In 2008 he was awarded a major individual grant by the Canada Council for the Arts, and during the summer season conducted in concerts with Canada's National Arts Centre Orchestra as well as the Oregon Bach Festival Orchestra and Chorus.
Trotter's pursuit of advanced conducting training has taken him across North America and Europe, including studies with Jerry Blackstone, Kenneth Kiesler, Helmuth Rilling, Jon Washburn, Andrew Parrott, Eric Ericson, and others. His ongoing professional conducting work ranges from traditional choral/orchestral repertoire, new music and film score recording to various forms of outreach as a clinician, adjudicator, conducting teacher, keynote speaker, and leader of improvisation workshops. His guest conducting appearances in 2008/09 will include concerts with the Windsor Classic Chorale and the Vancouver Chamber Choir. For more information, visit www.johnwilliamtrotter.com.
Assistant Conductor
Alejandro Manso
Alejandro Manso is currently in his second year in the Master's degree of Choral Conducting at the University of Michigan. He received his bachelor's degree in vocal education at Simpson College in Indianola, IA. Born and raised in Kansas City, KS, Alejandro began music at an early age taking voice and piano lessons. Studying voice in his undergraduate degree, he discovered his passion for conducting in his classes. He has studied with ensembles such as Chanticleer and the Westminster Chamber Choir in Florence, Italy. Alejandro has had the opportunity to assist and lead such ensembles as The Residential College Choir, the University Choir and Orpheus Singers at the University of Michigan. In addition to conducting, Alejandro has sung in many operatic performances and choral ensembles. He looks forward to the opportunity to work with eager and talented musicians and is grateful for the opportunity to work with the wonderful and extremely talented singers of Arts Chorale.
Alejandro Manso
Alejandro Manso is currently in his second year in the Master's degree of Choral Conducting at the University of Michigan. He received his bachelor's degree in vocal education at Simpson College in Indianola, IA. Born and raised in Kansas City, KS, Alejandro began music at an early age taking voice and piano lessons. Studying voice in his undergraduate degree, he discovered his passion for conducting in his classes. He has studied with ensembles such as Chanticleer and the Westminster Chamber Choir in Florence, Italy. Alejandro has had the opportunity to assist and lead such ensembles as The Residential College Choir, the University Choir and Orpheus Singers at the University of Michigan. In addition to conducting, Alejandro has sung in many operatic performances and choral ensembles. He looks forward to the opportunity to work with eager and talented musicians and is grateful for the opportunity to work with the wonderful and extremely talented singers of Arts Chorale.
Accompanist
Brandon Straub
Brandon, a native of Michigan, is currently pursuing a M.M. in Choral Conducting. Before coming to University of Michigan this fall, Brandon served for four years as the Oaklawn-Tuttle Chair of Vocal Music at The Hill School near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At Hill he directed the choral ensembles and musicals, taught the History of Art and Music, and served as the school's organist. Over the past three summers, he has served as a conductor, coach-accompanist, and instructor of advanced musicianship on the faculties of the New York State Summer School for the Arts (NYSSSA) and Interlochen Arts Camp. Brandon earned a B.A. in Music Education from Michigan State University. As a student, he served as a singer and accompanist for numerous choral ensembles and opera productions, including the MSU Men's Glee Club. Brandon is also currently the Director of Music at First Baptist Church in Ann Arbor.
Brandon Straub
Brandon, a native of Michigan, is currently pursuing a M.M. in Choral Conducting. Before coming to University of Michigan this fall, Brandon served for four years as the Oaklawn-Tuttle Chair of Vocal Music at The Hill School near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. At Hill he directed the choral ensembles and musicals, taught the History of Art and Music, and served as the school's organist. Over the past three summers, he has served as a conductor, coach-accompanist, and instructor of advanced musicianship on the faculties of the New York State Summer School for the Arts (NYSSSA) and Interlochen Arts Camp. Brandon earned a B.A. in Music Education from Michigan State University. As a student, he served as a singer and accompanist for numerous choral ensembles and opera productions, including the MSU Men's Glee Club. Brandon is also currently the Director of Music at First Baptist Church in Ann Arbor.