2023 Conductors
Dr. Debra Lynn
Professor of Music Director of Choral Organizations and Vocal Studies Manchester University Dr. Debra J. Lynn serves as Director of Choral Organizations and Vocal Studies at Manchester University, teaching applied voice, conducting, vocal pedagogy, opera workshop, history of the Requiem Mass, and music for stage & film. Choral ensembles under her direction include the A Cappella Choir, Chamber Singers, Cantabile, and Manchester Symphony Chorus. Her ensembles have performed at various locations throughout the U.S. including Carnegie Hall in New York, Sacred Heart Basilica at Notre Dame University, and Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Her A Cappella Choir has traveled to Italy to perform High Masses at the Vatican in Rome and Basilica di San Marco in Venice. In addition, they presented a standing room only concert at the Upper Basilica at St. Francis of Assisi. Other tours have included such destinations as Austria, and London. Whether domestic or international, her tours carry a theme of world peace.
Debra holds a Doctor of Arts in Music degree with an emphasis in choral conducting and voice performance from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. Prior degrees from Truman State University and William Jewell College include emphases in choral conducting, voice performance, and music education. She has worked with Metropolitan Opera singers Nicholas DiVirgilio and Mignon Dunn as opera chorus director for Illinois Opera Theatre – based at University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. Dr. Lynn has studied conducting under the tutelage of maestros Paul Vermel, Douglas Amman, Fred Stoltzfus, Paul Crabb, and Arnold Epley. As a composer, Dr. Lynn writes both instrumental and vocal music, and has received several commissions including Lily and Plowshares Foundation requests. She is in demand as a guest conductor and clinician for various composer forums, choral festivals, and voice and conducting master classes. Her numerous compositions may be found at https://debralynnmusic.org/. She is married to cellist & tubaist, Robert Lynn. They reside in North Manchester, Indiana where they tag-team parent four daughters and four cats when they are not making or teaching music. |
Dr. John Dally
Director of Music Education and Instrumental Activities Northwest Nazarene University John grew up in Southern California and received both his BA in Music Education and teaching credentials from Point Loma Nazarene University. Before graduating, he began his public music teaching career at Point Loma High School in San Diego. During his tenure there, John transformed a band of fewer than 30 students into a comprehensive music program, including multiple bands, choir, orchestra, music theory and dance. In 2008, John moved to Mira Mesa High School where he elevated an already prominent program of over 170 students to new heights, including high awards in marching and concert festivals. During this time, John completed his Master of Music from Sam Houston State University via American Band College.
In 2011, he joined the music faculty at Point Loma Nazarene University as the Director of Bands and Music Education. There he directed concert and jazz ensembles and taught general education and music education courses. In 2020, John completed his Doctorate of Musical Arts in Music Education from Boston University. His dissertation focused on undergraduate music teacher preparation and field experience. During his time as an educator in San Diego, John served on the board for the California Music Education Association Southern Section for over 13 years, including VP, Band Rep and Collegiate Liaison. Additionally, he was a founding board member of the San Diego Winds, a professional wind ensemble with educational programs. He is also an active clinician, adjudicator and guest conductor. |
2019 Conductors
Dr. Brent Wells
Director of Choral Activities and Assoc. Prof. of Music The College of Idaho |
Dr. Lane Weaver
Director of Athletic Bands and Asst. Director of Bands Utah State University |
2019 Music
Band:
Critical Mass, Todd Talter
Fanfare Hayabusa, Satoshi Yagisawa
Old Churches, Michael Colgrass
Swamp Rabbit Stomp, Michael Sweeney
Choir:
Festival of Praise, Molly Ijames
Tres Cantos Nativos, Marcos Leite
Suliko, Brent Wells
Cornerstone, Shawn Kirchner
Critical Mass, Todd Talter
Fanfare Hayabusa, Satoshi Yagisawa
Old Churches, Michael Colgrass
Swamp Rabbit Stomp, Michael Sweeney
Choir:
Festival of Praise, Molly Ijames
Tres Cantos Nativos, Marcos Leite
Suliko, Brent Wells
Cornerstone, Shawn Kirchner