choral studies Archives - Reynolds College Blog

Dr. Erin Plisco to head regional choral directors association

February 19, 2026 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Associate Director of Choral Studies Dr. Erin Plisco has been elected president of the southwestern region of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA).

Plisco, who is an associate professor in the Department of Music, will serve a six-year term beginning July 1, 2026. She will serve two years as president-elect, two years as president, and the final two years as past president.

The southwestern region of ACDA includes Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Arkansas.

“I am excited for this new level of service to this organization that has given me so much throughout my career,” Plisco said.

Consortium work contributes to leadership experience

Plisco has been involved in ACDA leadership at various levels since 2018.

“Since 2022, I have served as the national repertoire and resource chair for soprano/alto choirs,” she said. “In this role, I recently completed a national commission consortium for treble choirs of various levels – meaning choirs from all over the country contribute a small amount and together we are able to commission new choral works.”

The consortium typically produces two to three new pieces per cycle, Plisco said. This year, however, the consortium enjoyed a record participation of over 130 ensembles.

“Because of this, we were able to produce 13 new works, an astounding number!” she said.

About ACDA

ACDA is the primary choral organization in the United States, according to the organization’s website. The nonprofit organization, founded in 1959, serves approximately 22,000 members. The organization’s mission is to promote excellence in choral music through education, performance, composition and advocacy.

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Photo credit: Patricia Brodersen.

Music alumnus Jared Swope appointed to full-time roster with Trinity Choir

February 6, 2026 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Department of Music alumnus Jared Swope has been named to the full-time roster of the GRAMMY-nominated Trinity Choir at Trinity Church in New York, New York.

Swope performs two Sunday morning services and an improvised compline service with the choir every week, as well as special liturgical services throughout the year

Trinity Choir performs a robust concert calendar, the Bach at One series, and frequently records and goes on tour, according to Swope. Individual choir singers also serve as section leaders and soloists for the two community choirs at Trinity.

Along with his Trinity Choir duties, Swope is on the core roster of True Concord Voices & Orchestra and the Oregon Bach Festival Chorus and a founding member of Fourth Wall Ensemble in New York City. In addition, he frequently collaborates with Spire Chamber Ensemble, Three Notch’d Road Baroque, Ensemble Altera and other groups throughout the country.

New York Polyphony to perform free concert on Jan. 22

January 13, 2026 by Lynn M. Lansdown

New York Polyphony, the GRAMMY® nominated vocal ensemble, will perform at Missouri State University in C. Minor Hall 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22.

The concert is free and open to the public.

The group will perform a variety of ancient and modern vocal music pieces. Selections range from twelfth-century English chant and sixteenth-century Italian Renaissance madrigals to nineteenth-century German lieder and early twentieth-century American songs.

“This concert provides an incredible opportunity for our community and students to experience stellar talent, skill and artistry,” said Dr. Cameron LaBarr, Director of Choral Studies and Clif and Gail Smart Professor in the Department of Music.

In addition, the program includes twentieth and twenty-first century works. These pieces were commissioned by the ensemble from Paul Moravec, Andrew Smith and Akemi Naito.

“New York Polyphony performs in high-profile venues across the world,” LaBarr noted. “It’s quite a privilege to have them at Missouri State. Hearing them in the intimacy of C. Minor Hall only adds to the experience.”

Springfield native Geoff Williams performs countertenor in the group. Williams graduated from Parkview High School and studied under Willie Grega. Another Missouri native, Andrew Fuchs, is also a member of the ensemble.

About New York Polyphony

New York Polyphony is known for their innovative programming of historical and modern music. The ensemble has performed nationally and internationally, including at Das Brucknerhaus Linz in Austria, Kirche St. Jacob in Germany and the Academy of Early Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Mark your calendar

Missouri State University Chorale featured in documentary film

January 8, 2026 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Chorale has been featured in Brian Gaukel’s documentary, “Choral Singing in America: Nurturing the Country’s Soul.”

The Chorale will host a screening of the documentary Feb. 5-6, 2026, at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Springfield, Missouri.

Choral music as storytelling

The film follows several stories from choral singers and leaders across the country.

“It’s quite interesting that there has never before been a documentary film about choral music in the United States,” said Dr. Cameron LaBarr, Director of Choral Studies and Clif and Gail Smart Professor of Music. “We are honored to have the students in the MSU choral program featured in this film.”

LaBarr first met Gaukel when he was serving on an advisory committee for the film project. Gaukel has since produced several videos from the Chorale’s time abroad. These include the Chorale’s travels to South Korea, South America and, soon to be released, South Africa.

Young people in a studio recording — Members of the MSU Chorale in recording session, Lincoln, Nebraska, May 2021.

A team of choral conductors and filmmakers led the “Choral Singing in America” project, which explores choral music as storytelling.

As one example, the film highlights how the Missouri State Chorale portrayed the tragic events that occurred in Springfield in 1906. On Easter Sunday of that year, three African American men, Horace. B. Duncan, Fred Coker and William Allen, were lynched in Springfield’s Park Central Square.

“Storytelling is an integral part of choral music, and I believe that those watching this documentary will have a new-found appreciation for this,” LaBarr said.

Get tickets

For ticket and showtime information, call Alamo Drafthouse Cinema at (417) 708-9599.

Photo credits: Brian Gaukel.

Dean Shawn Wahl honored with Uebel Award

December 4, 2025 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Dr. Shawn T. Wahl, Dean of the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH), has been honored with the 2025 Rick and Dee Uebel Award.

Created in 2019 and named after key supporters Rick and Dee Uebel, the award honors long-term commitment, generosity and support of the Missouri State University Choral Studies program.

Director of Choral Studies and Clif and Gail Smart Professor Dr. Cameron LaBarr, along with the Missouri State University Choral Studies program, presented Wahl with the award Oct. 18 at the annual Choral Gala event, held at The Old Glass Place in Springfield, Missouri.

“I can say without a doubt that Dean Wahl’s support has been and continues to be critical to the success of all the arts programs at MSU, including the MSU Choirs,” LaBarr noted. “He’s the absolute faculty and student champion, with a work ethic second to none.”