Reynolds College Blog

Communication alumnus Luke Thomas enjoys growing San Antonio Spurs brand

by

To hear Missouri State University alumnus Luke Thomas describe it, his job with the San Antonio Spurs professional basketball franchise isn’t just a marketing job. It is “storytelling in a physical space.”

“Every detail, from the environment to the messaging to the way a fan interacts with a moment, is communicating something,” Thomas said. “My job is to make sure that message is intentional, cohesive and something people actually want to be a part of.”

Thomas’ job title is Experiential Marketing Manager, Strategic Growth for Spurs Sports and Entertainment. He joined the organization in early 2026. His responsibilities include planning large-scale fan activations, community events and other activities that “connect the Spurs to new and existing audiences,” he said.

“In Austin, this work comes to life across a series of tentpole moments throughout the year,” Thomas said. These include Spurs Week Austin, SXSW, Austin City Limits, Formula 1, and the Spurs International Half Marathon. The activities are designed to grow the Spurs’ brand in Austin and expand its presence globally, especially in Europe and Mexico.

“We just did an event in Paris for the playoffs,” Thomas cited as an example of the Spurs’ global marketing campaigns. “We will be back in July, and then we are playing games in Paris and Manchester, England, in January.”

Before his current position with the Spurs, Thomas worked at Walt Disney World in Park Planning and Integration. In that role, he managed large-scale operational and event logistics at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

[Read more…] about Communication alumnus Luke Thomas enjoys growing San Antonio Spurs brand

Men’s and women’s choruses attend regional conference of American Choral Directors Association

by

Two choruses from Missouri State University’s Department of Music performed at the southwestern regional conference of the American Choral Directors Association (SWACDA) March 4-7 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Director of Choral Studies and Clif and Gail Smart Professor of Music Dr. Cameron LaBarr directed the Men’s Chorus. Associate Director of Choral Studies Dr. Erin Plisco directed the Women’s Chorus.

Artist-in-Residence Parker Payne accompanied both ensembles.

[Read more…] about Men’s and women’s choruses attend regional conference of American Choral Directors Association

Dr. Erin Plisco to head regional choral directors association

by

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.

Explore choral studies @ MO State

 

Photo credit: Patricia Brodersen.

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

by

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.

[Read more…] about Music alumnus Jared Swope appointed to full-time roster with Trinity Choir

New York Polyphony to perform free concert on Jan. 22

by

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