Performers and Presenters
Ryan Beeken
Ryan Beeken serves as Director of Choral Activities and Associate Director for the School of Music at Wichita State University where he conducts the Concert Chorale and Madrigal Singers, teaches graduate and undergraduate choral conducting and literature, oversees the choral area and also serves as associate director for the school of music. He received Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Bachelor of Music Education degrees from Drake University and Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts Degrees in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University.
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Dr. Beeken's choirs have performed at State, Regional, and National Conventions of the American Choral Directors Association and for state and regional NAfME conferences. Beeken is regularly engaged as a conductor, clinician, and adjudicator. His engagements include over 70 All-States and Honor Choirs in twenty-two states, the Czech Republic, Austria, Ireland, Italy, Oman, and Estonia, and many invited presentations for symposia across the United States and in Ljubljana, Slovenia. He currently serves on the executive committee of the American Choral Directors Association as the National R&R Chairperson for Student Chapter Development and has previously served at both the regional and state level; Beeken was also the President for the District 3 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association.
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Prior to his appointment at WSU, Dr. Beeken served as director or choral studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and taught at Michigan State University. While residing in Des Moines, Iowa, Beeken directed the Drake Chorale at Drake University. He also taught elementary, middle school, and high school music for sixteen years, most recently serving as Director of Vocal Music for Waukee Schools in suburban Des Moines where he led a program of over 300 students and twelve ensembles to national distinction.
Lynn Brinckmeyer
Dr. Lynn M. Brinckmeyer recently retired as Distinguished Professor Emerita of Music. She fulfilled the duties of Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication and Director of Choral Music Education at Texas State University. During 2006-2008 she served as President for The National Association for Music Education (formerly MENC). Other past offices include: President for the Northwest Division of MENC, Music Educators Journal Editorial Board, and Washington Music Educators Association General Music Curriculum Chair. In addition to chairing the Eastern Washington University Music Department for six years and conducting the EWU Concert Choir, Dr. Brinckmeyer received the Washington Music Educators Association Hall of Fame, the MENC Northwest Division Distinguished Service Award and she was designated a Lowell Mason Fellow for outstanding contributions to the field of music education.
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Dr. Brinckmeyer’s research initiatives continue to focus on developing young voices, music from across the globe and music advocacy. She published five books: Wander the USA with Warm-Ups!, The Wonder of Music with John Jacobson, Rhythm Rescue!, Wander the World with Warm-ups with Hal Leonard Publishing and Advocate for Music with Oxford University Press. In Washington she conducted the Eastern Washington University Girls’ Chorus and the South Hill Children’s Chorus. During her time at Texas State University Dr. Brinckmeyer was a co-founder/Artistic Director of the Hill Country Youth Chorus.
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Dr. Brinckmeyer’s degrees include a Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Music Education from Eastern New Mexico University, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from The University of Kansas. In New Mexico she taught elementary music and middle school choir, then moved to higher education in the Pacific Northwest. At Texas State University Dr. Brinckmeyer taught graduate and undergraduate courses in choral music education, and she directed the Texas State advanced treble ensemble, Aurora Voce. Each summer Dr. Brinckmeyer serves as a long time staff member for the World Music Drumming workshops. She has conducted all state choirs and honor choirs, lectured, presented master classes and performed in forty-nine states in the United States and 25+ countries, including China, Brazil, South Africa, Cuba, Peru and Australia. In addition to serving music teachers and students across the globe Dr. Brinckmeyer mentors teachers and other professionals as a Life Mastery Certified Coach/Consultant.
Mary Cohen
Mary L. Cohen is a Professor of Music Education at the University of Iowa, lead author of Music-Making in U.S. Prisons: Listening to Incarcerated Voices, co-leader of the International Music and Justice Inquiry Network: IMAJIN Caring Communities, and co-leader of weekly music groups inside the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center. From 2009 to 2020 she led the Oakdale (prison) Community Choir with incarcerated and non-incarcerated participants. She co-leads the Singing Love into Life Circle inviting returning citizens to join the monthly singing circles. She has been a keynote in Germany, Canada, Portugal, and England, interviewed by BBC3 Music Matters, and completed over 40 publications in journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings.
Steve Danielson
Dr. Steve Danielson is currently directing choirs at Mountain View High School in Meridian, ID. He earned a DMA in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington under the mentorship of Dr. Geoffrey Boers and Dr. Giselle Wyers, an MM in Choral Conducting from the University of Memphis, and a BA in voice from BYU. Most recently, he spent 5 seasons as the Conductor and Artistic Director of the Ensign Symphony & Chorus in Seattle, WA. He was the director of vocal music at Germantown High School in Germantown, TN from 2005-2016, director of choirs at Jefferson Middle School in Olympia, WA from 2020-2023. Steve is also a composer with self-published works (SDCompose.weebly.com) as well as pieces published through Two Bridges Music Press and Melkim Publishing. In addition to conducting and composing, he also hosts a successful podcast, Moveable Do, where he interviews living composers about their lives and music. Recently, he began producing and hosting the ACDA Podcast. He and his wife, Angi, have seven children and one grandchild.
Roger Emerson
Roger Emerson is a professional composer and arranger with over 900 choral titles in print and over 30 million copies in circulation. He is the most widely performed composer/arranger of popular choral music and vocal jazz in the world today. His works include the choral arrangements of Josh Groban's You Raise Me Up, Season's of Love, from RENT, Defying Gravity from WICKED, Joyful, Joyful from SISTER ACT, Don't Stop Believin' from GLEE, and most recently, My Shot from HAMILTON. In addition, his vocal jazz arrangements of Over The Rainbow, Vincent, Blue Skies and I Wish are some of the most performed of all-time. Mr. Emerson has been the recipient of ASCAP's Standard Award for 30 years running and his works have been performed at the White House, Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center. He is in constant demand as a lecturer on pop music, vocal jazz and the changing voice and has appeared at numerous MENC, ACDA and JEN
conferences.
Kendra Friar
Kendra Kay Friar is an Associate Conductor of the Pacific Youth Choir of Portland, Oregon, where she directs two K–5 choirs and related educational programming. Previously, Kendra taught elementary general music for a total of 12 years at schools in the Portland, OR, and Austin, TX, metro regions. She also worked as an adjunct professor at Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR. Kendra has presented multiple sessions for national, regional, and state conferences sponsored by NAfME, ACDA, and their affiliates. In 2021, Kendra received the Excellence in Elementary Music Education Award from Oregon Music Educators Association (OMEA).
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Kendra serves as the Academic Editor of the Journal of General Music Education (JGME) and as a member of NAfME’s Equity Committee. She previously served as Oregon MEA’s Elementary Chair and as an editorial board member of JGME. Her practitioner-focused work has been published in Music Educators Journal, Journal of General Music Education, Teaching Music Magazine, and Lorenz Publications’ Activate! Magazine. She presented two webinars for NAfME’s Learning Center based on her historical research: “Scott Joplin: A Guide for K–12 Music Educators” (solo presenter) and “Margaret Bonds’ Credo and the Expanding Choral Canon” (co-presenter).
Kendra is a University of Illinois Ed.D. student majoring in Educational Policy, Organization, and Leadership – Diversity and Equity Concentration. She holds music education degrees from The University of Texas (M.M.) and The University of Illinois (B.S., Elementary-General Specialization). Her research interests include critical historical discourse analysis; music education history; cultural representation in music education curricula; and ragtime music and American modernism.
Greg Gilpin
Greg Gilpin is a celebrated ASCAP award-winning choral composer and arranger and a highly respected choral conductor. He is known throughout the United States leading performances at New York City’s iconic Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center as well as Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee. His international appearances include the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia, Royal Festival Hall in London, England and Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik, Iceland.
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In additional to composing and conducting, Mr. Gilpin has worked as a singer for the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra as well as background singer for Grammy award-winner, Sandi Patty and other highly acclaimed artists. He has worked extensively in the recording industry as a singer, pianist, arranger and producer with projects from Disney to commercial jingles.
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In 2021, Mr. Gilpin wrote the score for the award-winning short film, “Rosie’s Rescue” and was awarded “Best Score” for this same movie. He also teamed up with renowned opera singer, Angela Brown, and created the world premiere of the thrilling arrangement of “What Child is This?”, debuted by Ms. Brown and the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir.
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Mr. Gilpin is a proud member of ACDA, NAfME, SAG-AFTRA, and is a Life Loyal Member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and continues is position as Editor and Director of Educational Choral Publications for Shawnee Press.
Brian Johnson
Brian Johnson is Co-Director of Choral Activities at Papillion La Vista South High School in Papillion, NE. He co-directs four curricular concert choirs, three show choirs and two musicals. Brian received his bachelor’s degree in K-12 Vocal Music Education from Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, IA, and went on to The University of Southern Mississippi where he earned his Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting. Brian is in his ninth year of teaching at Papillion South and taught for thirteen years prior in Iowa: three at Le Mars Community and ten at Lewis Central. Brian lives in Papillion, NE with his wonderful wife Emily, their amazing children, Tyson and Ava and rescue pooches, Rona and Penny.
Reid Keller
Reid Keller is the Assistant Choir Director at Davenport Central High School. Currently in his 14th year of teaching and 10th at Central, Keller has the pleasure of teaching alongside Michael Reese and Emily Schrank. Reid co-directs the Freshman Chorus, conducts the DC Bass Clef Choir, and teaches Piano Lab and Music Production through the Davenport Creative Arts Academy. Keller also directs the 27-member show choir band, which accompanies both the preparatory and varsity show choirs. Under his direction, “Pit Nation” has earned many “Best Band” caption awards at competitions around the Midwest. Mr. Keller also serves as Central’s Varsity Boys Golf Coach.
Prior to his current positions, Mr. Keller taught Vocal Music at Sudlow Intermediate and Mid-City High School in Davenport, Tri-Center Community Schools in Neola, and Manson Northwest Webster Community Schools in Manson. He was also the Director of the Southwest Iowa Men’s Chorus based at Iowa Western Community College for two seasons.
Keller grew up in Western Iowa and graduated in 2007 from Audubon High School. In Audubon, he began his musical journey with ICDA legends Randy Ewing and Tami Meiners as his elementary music teachers. He was then honored to sing in choirs directed by his father, ICDA's own Gary Keller. Reid attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA and graduated with his degree in Music Education in 2011. During his time in the Wartburg Choir, he sang under Dr. Paul Torkelson, the late Professor Weston Noble, and Dr. Lee Nelson. Reid is an active member of the Iowa Choral Directors Association and served as the Facilities Chair for the Opus Honor Choir Festival from 2019-2022.
Mr. Keller is an avid golfer, an active musician, a frequent traveler, and a passionate sports fan. When not teaching, drumming, or coaching, Reid loves spending time at home or at Walt Disney World with his wife, Sarah and 8-year-old daughter, Nora.
Nicole Lamartine
Dr. Nicole C. Lamartine serves as Director of Choirs at Central Washington University, where she acts on her values of empowering the next generation of choral educators and cultivating excellence in 21st century choral performance. She conducts the well-known CWU Chamber Choir, Vox Divina, and teaches courses in conducting, voice, and choral music education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
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Since 2022, the CWU Chamber Choir under Dr. La’s leadership has performed at the 2024 NW ACDA Conference and at the 2024 Washington Music Educators conference. They have published six videos on YouTube, and premiered five new works from Cristian Grases, Forrest Pierce, and André Thomas.
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As a clinician and guest conductor of three international honor choirs, fifteen All-State choirs, the 2014 NW ACDA TTBB Honor Choir, and numerous regional honor choirs, Dr. La seeks to positively impact choral musicians all over the world. She recently was headlining clinician and conductor of the 8th International Intensive Seminar of Choral Conducting in Costa Rica in February 2024 and conducted the 2023 Idaho International Choral Festival High School Honor Choir. She is slated to conduct the Southern Division ACDA SSAA Honor Choir in 2026.
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An avid champion for music education, Dr. La has headlined conferences of the Association for Music in International Schools (Hong Kong), Washington Music Educators Association, and Montana Music Educators Association (in 2025). She headlined the 2024 Utah ACDA Summer Conference and was the clinician in residence for the 2024 WI ACDA Next Direction conference for college and high school choral musicians. Dr. Lamartine’s research focuses on rehearsal technique and anatomy and movement for conductors and she is in-demand as leader of choir retreats and teacher in-services.
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Prior to her appointment at CWU, Dr. La held Director positions at University of California, Santa Barbara (2020-2022), the University of Wyoming (2008-2020), and the University of Northern Iowa. Her choirs were honored to sing at several national and regional conferences of ACDA, NCCO and NAfME. She is a recognized expert in females conducting tenor/bass choirs.
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She conducts the American Prize© - winning Chor Anno (Vancouver, WA) and she is also the founding Artistic Director of the Santa Barbara Gay Men’s Chorus. An active performer, Dr. La has sung professionally with Conspirare, the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, and Colorado Bach Ensemble.
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She has served the American Choral Directors Association as President of the Northwestern region. She achieved world, national, and state records in powerlifting, demonstrating that creativity is intertwined with strength of body and mind. The “Nicole Lamartine Choral Series” is published with Santa Barbara Music Press.
Dave Larsen
David Larsen graduated from Iowa State University in 1981 with a Bachelor of Music degree. Ogden Community School was his first and only music education position, serving there until he retired from OCSD in 2016 after 35 years. David became music director at the Community United Methodist Church in 1981 and still serves in that position today. He maintains a private vocal studio where he teaches voice students from Ogden, Boone, Jefferson and Madrid.
During his time in Ogden David taught at every grade level. He believes in a mixed musical experience at the elementary level ,that is not driven by performance, and includes Kodaly, Orff, movement, and lots of fun and music games. He believes in a curriculum that supports voice building with lessons starting in the 7th grade. He believes that only the best music of all genres should be the staple of high school choirs today.
“ Ogden has been a voice laboratory for me. I learned from necessity. I believe that over the years I have found a unique understanding – a unique vocabulary – to reach students and especially boys – to start the breath – to tap into that discovery of the vocal instrument - as a student recognizes that his or her voice maybe capable of so much more. “
The vocal program under Larsen’s direction flourished. Adding an award winning chamber choir and chamber choir festival. Starting the OHS show choir The Bulldog Beat. Using the State Solo and Ensemble contest as the foundation for the progress of each vocalist in his choirs. He continues to advise and mentor and help the music program at Ogden and it continues to be an emblem of what the community Ogden treasures.
Kelsey Legore
Kelsey Legore is an educator, conductor, and creator whose work lives at the intersection of art, embodiment, and human connection. After nearly a decade directing choirs in public schools, she stepped back to reconnect—with her health, her family, and the deeper ‘why’ behind her teaching. Adopting a consistent yoga practice in pursuit of that reconnection sparked a transformative shift in both her personal and professional paths. Today, she blends music education with mindfulness and yoga, creating spaces that honor both skill and soul.
With a BA from Luther and an MM from Simpson, and continued study in youth/teen yoga and culturally responsive teaching, Kelsey approaches music-making as story-sharing, grounded in healthy, embodied technique. Her recent work includes university teaching, private instruction, musical theater, and guest conducting—all rooted in the belief that when people feel safe and seen, they create more freely. She lives in Cedar Rapids with her amazing partner Ben and their two curious kiddos, Simon and Jude.
Ashley Maiers
Ashley Maiers teaches 6th-12th grade vocal music at Earlham Schools. In addition to directing a 7-8 Choir and a 9-12 Choir, she teaches 6th grade general music and two music electives for high schoolers (Broadway Basics & Music Appreciation.) Ashley directs a musical every fall, a middle school & a high school play each spring, and coaches both large group & individual speech. She is involved with the Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards through Des Moines Performing Arts & has also worked as an extern at their Summer Broadway Intensive Camps for Middle School & High School students.
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Ashley graduated from Iowa State University in 2008 and has been teaching in Earlham ever since. She and her family moved there a few years ago and are happy to officially call it their home after commuting for 15+ years. She lives with her husband Chris, her 13 year-old son Micah, her 11 year-old daughter Ilsa, 2 lazy great danes and a sneaky attitude-ridden cat.
Karla McClain
Karla McClain (she/her) is a National Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescent/Young Adulthood Music in her 26th year of teaching. Currently, she teaches Choir and is the Music Department Facilitator at Illing Middle School in Manchester, CT. Prior to teaching in Manchester, Karla taught at Irving A. Robbins Middle School and East Farms Elementary in Farmington, CT, in West Hartford, CT and Hilliard, OH. Karla is also the Interim Assistant Director of Laurel Music Camp in Plymouth, Connecticut.
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Karla is an active presenter and clinician and has presented for state, regional, and national conferences. She served as conductor for the RI All-State Jr. High Mixed Choir in 2023, and the CMEA Southern Region Treble Choir in 2020. Her choirs have been Featured Showcase Ensembles for the CMEA State Conference, most recently in 2024. In 2023, her choir students collaborated with CONCORA to perform “A Passion for the Planet” by Geoffrey Hudson, and with Manchester Chorale to perform Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols.” Karla has served on the Diversity Initiatives Committee of CT-ACDA and is currently the Middle School Repertoire and Resources Chair for ACDA Eastern Division. She is a past member of the Professional Development Committee for CMEA, and co-chaired the vocal committee for aligning audition repertoire for the middle school regional festivals. She is also a frequent adjudicator for Regionals and All-State. As a performer, she has remained active by singing as a soloist and section leader, currently with the South Church Chancel Choir in New Britain. She is also a member of the professional choir, CONCORA.
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Karla received her Bachelor of Music in education from Ohio Wesleyan University, and her Master of Science in Music Education from Central Connecticut State University. In 2021, she was selected as the CT- ACDA Choral Director of the Year. She has a passion for using technology and global music to engage students. She lives in Cromwell, CT with her husband and 2 children.
Saleel Menon
Saleel is completing his Ph.D. in Music Education at Michigan State University, where he also holds a Master's degree in Choral Conducting. He has a Bachelor of Music with Teacher Certification from the University of Houston. Before moving to Michigan, Saleel taught high school choir in Houston, Texas. His choirs performed both statewide and nationwide and opened for the Grammy-winning Pentatonix! Saleel has published research in several important music education journals, including the Journal of Research in Music Education. Saleel’s article published in the Music Educator Journal on popular music was named one of the journal’s “most read” articles. In 2020 he received the Texas Choral Directors Association “Young Director of Distinction” Award. His research interests include intergenerational music making, play-based learning, experiences of first-generation Americans, and Indian music epistemologies. Saleel has presented nationally and internationally on a variety of topics related to music literacy, choral music, and play-based learning. As a classical performer, he has sung nationally and internationally in Poland, Germany, England, France, and Austria. Commercially, he has sung for Star Wars on Tour, Zelda on Tour, Final Fantasy Distant Worlds, and backup for Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli. In addition to his role as Artistic Director for Out Loud Chorus, one of the nation’s largest GALA choruses, he is active as a clinician and conductor all over the country.
Kim Nazarian
Kim Nazarian is a world renowned, Grammy nominated jazz performing and recording artist, educator and clinician. Besides her work as a sought-after solo vocalist, she has been performing all over the world with the vocal group “New York Voices“ (NYV) for more than 35 years. She is a jazz voice teacher for Vocal Jazz Majors at Ithaca College and she shares her perspectives on music and life as a musician through teaching private students in clinics, workshops, jazz camps and masterclasses, as well as through festival adjudication and guest conducting for singers on all levels in the US and abroad.
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One of Nazarian's most recent accolades was being awarded the "Jazz Educator of the Year 2023" by the JEN organization. She is the first female, and the first vocal jazz recipient of this prestigious honor. Continuing to climb the professional ladder, Kim has added Artistic Director to her list of titles, working with the established team of the DeMiero Jazz festival.
Nazarian was recognized as one of the top 50 most influential Armenian artists in 2012 and inducted into her High School’s Hall of Fame. She is also proud to be the lead vocalist for the Latin influenced jazz ensemble “El Eco“, spearheaded by Argentinian drummer and composer Guillermo Nojechowicz; and appears as a featured vocalist on the 2 latest CD's of Gabriel Espinosa.
Adam Orban
Adam Orban is the Wilcox Performing Arts Center Manager and Communications Coordinator for the Algona Community School District. Adam is a graduate of Morningside College (now University) and received his Master’s in Music Education from the University of South Dakota. Adam taught secondary vocal music for 18 years prior to his current position. As auditorium manager, Adam oversees & executes the sound & light system, schedules events and performs applicable maintenance on the facility.
Adam has been a guest clinician for several events and his conducting honors include directing the 9th Grade Mixed Opus Honor Choir in 2013. Adam is an active composer of original music and arranges for area show & jazz choirs, including winning the ICDA Composition Competition in 2017. Adam is happily married to his wife and fellow music colleague, Jill, and they have four children together.
Lisa Ott
Lisa Ott is a National Board Certified Teacher in music. She teaches 5/6 general music, 7/8 choirs, and unified music for students with varying needs at Nevada.
Lisa received her Bachelor of Music from Simpson College and Master of Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Mrs. Ott enjoyed advocating for music education in Washington D.C. as an executive member of the Iowa Music Educators Association. She has served the Iowa Choral Directors Association as a district chair, OPUS choir chair, and coordinated the 2021 symposium “Music Heals”. Lisa currently serves on the ICDA executive board as chair of district chairs. Mrs. Ott enjoys conducting honor choirs and sharing ideas at conferences. She works on many musical theater productions grades 5-12 each year as a coach and choreographer. Her classroom includes an innovative pathways design to support student preferences and learning styles. She is passionate about teaching beyond the notes into the history, culture, and literature of each musical journey.
Jolene Schaefer
Jolene Schaefer teaches 6th-8th grade vocal music at Storm Lake Middle School, directing 7th and 8th grade treble and bass clef choirs and 6th grade choir. She also teaches piano, guitar and ukulele in general music classes, directs an annual middle school musical and is the director of Storm Lake Middle School’s Mariachi Band Los Tornaditos. Mrs. Schaefer also volunteers for the Iowa Choral Directors’ Association, serving as Middle School Repertoire and Resource Chair and serving on the Opus Honor Choir committee.
She is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and started her teaching career at Adair Casey Schools and South Hamilton High School. She is joined at home by her daughters Jackie, Jocelyn and Nora and follows them to their many school activities.
Kevin Shorner-Johnson
Dr. Kevin Shorner-Johnson is Professor of Music Education and the Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities at Elizabethtown College. His scholarship focuses on the intersection of peacebuilding and music education. As a teacher, he has applied his interests in ethics, spirituality, and peacebuilding to approach music coursework in ways that are rooted in peacebuilding, intentional community, and ethical discernment. His work has been published in the Philosophy of Music Education Review, Journal of Medical Humanities, Music Educators Journal, International Journal of Music Education, Humane Education for the Common Good, and Advances in Music Education Research. His Music & Peacebuilding podcast has received international acclaim for bringing together peacebuilding, social psychology, neuroscience, and music education research. In 2018, Dr. Shorner-Johnson was named a "Peacemaker in our Midst" by the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg.
André Thomas
ANDRÉ J. THOMAS is an Associate Artist with the London Symphony Orchestra.
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Thomas is Professor Emeritus of Music at Florida State University. He was visiting
Professor of Choral Conducting at Yale University from 2020-2022. He also served as
faculty member at the University of Texas, Austin.
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Dr. Thomas received his degrees from Friends University (B.A.), Northwestern
University (M. M.), and The University of Illinois (D.M.A). He is in demand as a choral
adjudicator, clinician, and director of Honor/All-State Choirs throughout North
America, Europe, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, and Africa Dr. Thomas has conducted
choirs at the state, division, and national conventions of the Music Educators National
Conference (NAFME) and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). His
international conducting credits are extensive. They include conductor/clinician for the
International Federation of Choral Musicians' summer residency of the World Youth
Choir in the Republic of China and the Philippines. He was also the conductor of the
World Youth Choir's winter residency in Europe and a premier performance by an
American choir (Florida State University Singers) in Vietnam.
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He is a highly respected guest conductor who has led numerous prestigious orchestras
and choirs around the world, including the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra in
England, the Berlin Radio Choir and the North German Radio Choir in Germany, the
Netherlands Radio Choir, The Bulgarian Radio Choir and Orchestra, the Seoul
Metropolitan Chorus, Ansan City Choir, Jeju Provincial Seogwipo Chorale in South
Korea, the Charlotte Symphony, China's People's Liberation Orchestra, the Czech
National Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony. He also served as the
Artistic Director of the Tallahassee Community Chorus for 31 seasons.
Thomas has also distinguished himself as a composer/arranger. Hinshaw Music
Company, Mark Foster Music Company, Fitzsimons Music Company, Lawson Gould,
Earthsongs, Choristers Guild, and Heritage Music Company publish his compositions
and arrangements. Dr. Thomas has produced two instructional videos—What They See Is
What You Get on choral conducting, with Rodney Eichenberger, and Body, Mind, Spirit,
Voice on adolescent voices, with Anton Armstrong. His recent book, Way Over in Beulah
Lan': Understanding and Performing the Negro Spiritual, has quickly become a significant
source in this area of study.
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Various musical organizations have recognized Thomas. The African Diaspora Sacred
Music honored Dr. Thomas as a Living Legend. In 2011, Chorus America recognized
Thomas' dedication to and accomplishments in the choral arts, presenting him with its
Distinguished Service Award. In March 2017, ACDA presented Thomas with its highest
honor, the Robert Shaw Award, and in November of 2017, NCCO (National Collegiate
Choral Organization) presented Thomas with its Lifetime Achievement Award. In
January 2019, he was inducted into the Florida Music Educator's Hall of Fame. In 2022
he was presented with the Award of Excellence from the Southern Region of ACDA.
Yale University School of Music presented Thomas with the Samuel Simons Sanford
Medal, the most prestigious honor conferred by the Yale School of Music. In 2025
Florida State University presented him the honor of the Torch Award.
He is the past president of the Florida ACDA, the Southern Division of ACDA, and the
current Past President of the National ACDA.
Gabriel Espinosa
Gabriel Espinosa was born in Merida, Mexico. His love of music began at a very young age. With the help of his mother, he began playing the guitar at age six. By fourteen, he performed with his group “Los Deltons,” playing bass guitar. In 1976 Gabriel attended Central College in Pella, IA, where he received a BA in music. He then attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1983. In his last year, he formed the group “Ashanti” with George Robert, performing in venues around Boston. From 1984 to 1991 he performed with Ashanti in Can Cun, MX. In 1992 Gabriel attended the University of North Texas, receiving a Master’s in Jazz Studies in 1995. He also produced albums for Mexican artists including Armando Manzanero. In 1996 Gabriel returned to Central College as Director of Jazz Studies and later became Director of the Latin American Ensemble at Grinnell College. Ashanti returned with three albums and toured the Midwest and Mexico. In 2008, Gabriel celebrated 40 years in music with concerts in Merida, MX and Italy. In 2009 he recorded his first solo album in NYC. In 2010 he presented it at the Iowa City Jazz Festival. In 2011, he and Hendrik Meurkens recorded “Celebrando,” released worldwide in 2012, with 26 weeks on JazzWeek charts. The group performed across the U.S. through 2015. Gabriel released “Songs of Bacharach and Manzanero” in 2016 and “Nostalgias De Mi Vida” in 2018, with concerts in Mexico, Iowa, Hawaii, and New Orleans. His most recent release is “Bossas & Boleros” (2023), featuring Kim Nazarian, Fred Hersch, Misha Tsiganov, Mauricio Zottarelli, Anat Cohen, The New York Voices, and others.
Four Freshmen
The Four Freshmen are one of America’s most enduring vocal groups, who bring a jazz sensibility to the Great American Songbook singing with breath taking harmony. The Four Freshmen are Great Gentlemen of Song and True Masters of Harmony.
The Four Freshmen are one of the most influential vocal groups of all time. Their tight-knit sound inspired The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, The Mamas & The Papas, Frankie Valli and the Manhattan Transfer.
Bob Ferreira, Tommy Boynton, Ryan Howe and Jake Baldwin pay tribute to such classic Freshmen favorites as “Day By Day”, “Blue World,” and “Day In Day Out”. They continue to bring new arrangements to their live shows and recordings. Their latest endeavor, “Four Freshmen featuring Emmet Cohen, Russell Hall & Kyle Poole”, includes audience favorites like the up tempo “From This Moment On”, “Put On A Happy Face” and “What A Wonderful World”. In concert The Freshmen also shine on arrangements of “Give Me The Simple Life” and “Love Is Just Around The Corner”. Their harmonies are highlighted on “Fools Rush In”. One can’t forget the toe tapping “Route 66”!
The Freshmen are sensational musical talents, their show is one not to be missed! Whether accompanied by a big band, symphony orchestra or self-contained; their passion for song, exuberance, and world class talent adds a modern twist of elegance to a time-honored sound.
Ladies Quartet
The Ladies are an energetic and passionate group of women dedicated to creating music with authenticity and joy. Their journey began in 2016, when they formed to compete in the Rising Star Competition in New Zealand. That year, they were crowned the 2016 International Rising Star Champions, and since then, they’ve become known for their captivating performances worldwide. The Ladies have taught at a cappella and barbershop camps across the country and entertained audiences from all over the globe. In 2024, they placed 4th at the Barbershop Harmony Society International Quartet Competition. In 2022, they placed 6th at the same event and later won the Sweet Adelines International Quartet Competition, earning the title of 2023 Queens of Harmony. With 53 years of combined barbershop experience, The Ladies are not only accomplished performers but also passionate music educators, spreading the love of harmony to musicians of all ages. They look forward to continuing to inspire and share their love for music in the years ahead!
Quincie Snook:
Quincie is originally from Denver, Colorado, spent many years in Texas–where she started singing barbershop in Lone Star Chorus at the ripe old age of 10 She now lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, Kyle and their daughter. She sang with many different Young Women in Harmony quartets throughout her teenage years, and a few Sweet Adeline quartets as well, medaling at the Regional level. Going to New Zealand and winning the Rising Star competition with The Ladies was a big dream come true for Quincie. When she isn’t singing with The Ladies, you will find her teaching Yoga, in the kitchen whipping up something delicious, traveling to some far corner of the earth, or out in the sunshine with friends. She enjoys long walks on the beach and a hot cup of tea over good conversation.
Caroline Durrett:
Caroline Durrett is a Counseling graduate student working with clients across the lifespan. As a coach, clinician, and former music educator, Caroline is uniquely equipped to address mental and emotional challenges that inhibit performers from reaching their goals. When she is not singing with the Ladies Quartet, Caroline is performing with the Highland Park Chorale, singing at church, and directing the Highland Park Children’s Choirs.
Caroline also enjoys performing and recording music of different styles, such as choral, classical, pop, Broadway, folk, and A Cappella. Her credits include singing on “The Biggest Little Farm” and “Walker Texas Ranger”.
Caroline loves spending free time with her husband Daniel and their beloved pets. She looks forward to graduating in December and finally becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor!
Kim Newcomb:
Kim was born and raised in Texas where she first started singing barbershop in the Austin Harmony Chorus. She is now an active voice teacher, coach, and learning track maker based out of Baltimore, Maryland. Kim has always had a love for music and an interest in helping others find their voice. She attended the University of North Texas and holds a bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education. Kim has a wide array of experience singing and teaching all genres of music, but her most favorite to perform is barbershop. She currently sings baritone with The Ladies, and lead with Parkside Melody.
Ashley Rohovit:
Ashley has lived in the DFW Area her entire life. Born in Lewisville, she graduated from the University of North Texas in 2017 with a Bachelors in Choral Music Education. Ashley lives in Argyle, Texas with her husband Dan and their son. After teaching full time for 7 years, she has stepped out of the classroom and works part time from home in order to be with her son full time. Ashley sang in a capella and jazz groups throughout high school but did not hear about Barbershop until meeting Kim and Caroline in college. Barbershop has brought on life changing travel experiences as well as a wonderful community of support and love.
The Real Group
The Real Group is a Swedish vocal group with five dedicated singers and musicians. The group has been touring for 40+ years and continues to excite a broad audience all over the world. With a unique musical expression in a field between jazz, pop and Northern European choral music, The Real Group is considered one of the leading forces in the world of vocal music.
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The Real Group was formed in 1984 by five students at the Royal Academy of Music in Stockholm. The original members were eager to explore the artistic world of vocal music with an emphasis on jazz, pop and folk music. The group quickly gained an international audience and has grown to become one of the cornerstones of modern a cappella. Today the legacy of The Real Group is maintained and further developed by worldwide concert tours, recordings, educational mentoring and published scores. The mentorship has evolved over the years and continuously seeks to integrate artistic aspirations with human rights, ecological awareness, global concern and a feministic mindset.
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The organization is today owned and managed by Margareta Bengtson, Anders Edenroth, Katarina Henryson and Peder Karlsson. Anders Jalkeus is no longer a part of the organization and has had no connection with the artistic or educational work of The Real Group since 2015.
