Choral Performances
The following ensembles have been selected for choral performances at NCCO11, November 6 - 8, 2025, at Cal State Fullerton.
- California State University Fullerton University Singers - hosts - Dr. Robert Istad, conductor
- California State University Fullerton Concert Choir - hosts - Dr. Christopher Peterson, conductor
- The Aeolians of Oakwood University - Prof. Jeremy Sovoy Jordan, conductor
- Biola University Chorale - Dr. Shawna Stewart, conductor
- California State University Long Beach Bob Cole Chamber Choir - Conducting Masterclass Choir - Dr. Jonathan Talberg, conductor
- Columbus State University Schwob Singers - Dr. David Hahn, conductor
- Louisiana State University Tiger Glee Club - Dr. Trey Davis, conductor
- Northern Arizona University Shrine of the Ages Choir - Dr. Timothy Westerhaus, conductor
- University of Alabama Treble Chorus - Dr. Morgan Luttig, conductor
- University of Arizona Symphonic Choir - Dr. Elizabeth Schauer, conductor
- University of Colorado Boulder University Choir - Dr. Elizabeth Swanson, conductor
- University of North Texas University Singers - Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett, conductor
- University of Texas at Austin Concert Chorale - Dr. J.D. Burnett, conductor
CSUF University Singers
As one of the nation’s premiere collegiate choral ensembles, California State University, Fullerton’s University Singers have epitomized excellence for more than 50 years. Under the baton of Dr. Robert Istad, the University Singers are internationally acclaimed for their exquisite musicianship and have performed with renowned orchestras in prestigious venues at home and abroad, touring more than a dozen countries since 2007. Continuing to build upon this remarkable legacy, Istad and the University Singers regularly collaborate with professional orchestras such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Pacific Symphony, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, and the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra. They have earned praise for their professionalism and expressive musicality from conductors they have worked with including Carl St.Clair, John Mauceri, John Williams, Eugene Kohn, Sir Neville Marriner, James Conlon, and Keith Lockhart.
Read the University Singers' full bio at the NCCO11 Hosts page.
Dr. Robert Istad, Professor and Director of Choral Studies
Dr. Robert Istad, a Grammy Award-winning conductor who “fashions fluent and sumptuous readings” (Voice of OC) with his “phenomenal” artistry (Los Angeles Times), is Professor, Director of Choral Studies at California State University, Fullerton and Artistic Director of Pacific Chorale. He was recognized as CSUF’s 2016 Outstanding Professor of the Year. At CSU Fullerton, Istad conducts the University Singers and manages CSUF’s large graduate choral conducting program. Recently, he and the University Singers performed with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Andrea Bocelli, Jennifer Hudson, Kathleen Battle, the Eagles, and recorded albums with Yarlung Records and with composer John Williams and Sony Classical.
CSUF Concert Choir
The California State University, Fullerton Concert Choir, directed by Christopher Peterson, is a 74-voice auditioned, mixed ensemble comprised primarily of students studying voice in the School of Music. The Concert Choir gives a number of performances in Southern California every year, and has also toured in Canada, Hawaii, Europe, and the United States. The Concert Choir performs a variety of accompanied and unaccompanied repertoire, and collaborates annually with the CSUF University Singers to present performances of choral-orchestral masterworks. They have joined the University Singers in performances with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and the Pacific Symphony Orchestra. For the past four years they have represented CSUF at the Pacific Southwest Intercollegiate Choral Association Festival of Choirs. A major mission of the Concert Choir is to sing and perform traditional as well as new choral music at the highest artistic levels, and to communicate to their audiences through compelling and musical performances.
Read the Concert Choir's full bio at the NCCO11 Hosts page.
Dr. Christopher Peterson, Professor of Music
Christopher Peterson is Professor of Music at California State University, Fullerton where he directs the Concert Choir and the CSUF Singing Titans, and teaches undergraduate and graduate classes in choral music education. In May of 2019 he was honored as the annual recipient of the CSUF Carol Barnes Award for Excellence in Teaching, and in 2018 he received the CMEA Outstanding Music Educator Award for the Southeastern Section of California. In his thirty years as a music educator, Dr. Peterson has taught in elementary, middle school, high school, church, community, festival, and collegiate settings. He is also a published author, editor, composer, and choral arranger for Hal Leonard Music Publishers.
The Aeolians of Oakwood University
Founded in 1946 by Dr. Eva B. Dykes, the Aeolians perform music from the Baroque to today, with a special focus on Negro spirituals. They’ve earned global acclaim, winning gold at the 2012 World Choir Games and the 2017 Choir of the World title in Wales. As the only U.S. and SDA choir at the Moscow Sacred Music Festival, they continue to inspire through excellence, faith, and service—uplifting audiences worldwide with their powerful musical ministry.
NCCO11 Program:
Works by von Kampen, Lange, Madsen, Hogan, and Jordan
Prof. Jeremy Sovoy Jordan, Director of Choral Activities
Jeremy Sovoy Jordan, a Huntsville native, is Director of Choral Activities at Oakwood University and conductor of the Aeolians. A proud alumnus, he previously led the award-winning choir at Miami Union Academy and launched a social justice concert series. In 2017, he was inducted into the North Alabama Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame. He also serves as Conductor and Composer-in-Residence for the New Canon Chamber Collective Orchestra.
Biola University Chorale
The Biola University Chorale is comprised of 36 undergraduate voices with 30% being non- music majors, 13% performance and education (voice) majors and 57% from other disciplines within music. Convention performances include the NCCO Seventh Biennial National Conference in 2017, and ACDA Western Region Conferences in 2024, 2020 and 2016. The Biola Chorale also performed in 1990 at the ACDA Western Division Conference in Fresno, California, conducted by Loren Wiebe.
NCCO11 Program:
"Transforming the Heart: The Music of Ily Matthew Maniano"
Dr. Shawna Stewart, Professor and Director of Choral Studies
Dr. Shawna Stewart is Director of Choral Studies at Biola University in La Mirada, CA where she conducts the Biola University Chorale and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. As full professor, she teaches courses in conducting and choral methods. With an additional interest in early childhood music education, she is also the owner of and teacher at Children’s Music Academy in Whittier, CA.
California State Long Beach Bob Cole Chamber Choir
The Bob Cole Chamber Choir has won CHOIR OF THE WORLD at the Welsh Isteddfod and FIRST PRIZE at the Internationaler Chorwettbewerb at Spittal, Austria. Comprised of 40 extraordinary pre-professional musicians, the Chamber Choir has concertized worldwide. Alums are teaching throughout the country, running collegiate programs of national importance, leading worship, and are currently under contract as singers with the Metropolitan, San Francisco, Cincinnati, and LA Operas and professional choirs.
NCCO11 Conducting Masterclass:
selections by California composers
Dr. Jonathan Talberg, Director of Choral Activities
Dr. Jonathan Talberg is in his twenty-fifth year as Director of Choral Activities at CSULB’s Bob Cole Conservatory, where he is conductor of the international award-winning Bob Cole Chamber Choir and the University Choir. A passionate advocate for choral music education, he is regularly engaged to conduct honor choirs and present workshops around the globe, but his greatest joy remains mentoring the brilliant musicians at Cal State Long Beach.
Columbus State University Schwob Singers
Schwob Singers is the flagship choral ensemble at Columbus State University. Comprised primarily of undergraduate voice and music education majors, the 40-voice auditioned ensemble focuses primarily on unaccompanied works for advanced chamber choir. Recent highlights include invitations to perform at the 2025 GMEA Conference and the 2024 GA-ACDA Conference. Committed to innovation and inclusion, Schwob Singers regularly commissions and champions new works and underrepresented voices.
NCCO11 Program:
"Refractions"
Dr. David Hahn, Director of Choral Activities
Dr. David Hahn is the Paul S. and Jean R. Amos Distinguished Chair in Music and Director of Choral Activities at Columbus State University, where he conducts the Schwob Singers, Choral Union, and leads the graduate choral conducting program. He has commissioned and premiered works by many composers, and his choirs have performed by invitation at state and national conferences. Hahn holds degrees from the University of Michigan (DMA), Eastman School of Music (MM), and Moody Bible Institute (BM).
Louisiana State University Tiger Glee Club
Founded in 1916, LSU’s Tiger Glee Club—the university’s oldest choir—unites tenor and bass voices from every academic discipline across the university. Renowned for stylistic range, vocal and artistic excellence, and its commitment to community, the Tiger Glee Club has performed for the Louisiana State ACDA Conference. The ensemble headlines campus concerts, civic ceremonies, and athletic events and tours regularly, including recent performances in Varna, Bulgaria and Carnegie Hall.
NCCO11 Program:
"Holler, River, Mountain"
Dr. Trey Davis, Associate Director of Choral Studies
Trey Davis is Assoc. Director for Graduate Studies and Assoc. Director of Choral Studies at Louisiana State University. He frequently conducts All State and honor choirs throughout the nation. Recipient of the Herford Dissertation Prize, Dr. Davis has presented at state, regional, and national ACDA conferences and for international conferences of CMS. Dr. Davis is the founder and conductor of the professional choir, Red Shift, which performed for the 2020 ACDA Southern Region Conference.
Northern Arizona University Shrine of the Ages Choir
Northern Arizona University Shrine of the Ages Choir is comprised of passionate singers from majors across NAU and the Kitt School of Music. Through our shared mission of artistic expression through diverse choral music, we are committed to transforming communities through collaborations and inspiring performances. We seek to build bridges of understanding through music initiatives that engage with today’s challenges and opportunities to pursue a more just, inclusive, and creative world.
NCCO11 Program:
"Abya Yala Choral Suite"
Dr. Timothy Westerhaus, Director of Choral Studies
Timothy Westerhaus serves as Director of Choral Studies at Northern Arizona University and as Artistic Director of Choral Arts Northwest in Seattle. He previously served as Director of Choirs and Vocal Studies at Gonzaga University and as President of Northwestern ACDA. He performs professionally as a pianist, continuo keyboardist, and tenor. He received his degrees from the University of Saint Thomas and Boston University, studying with Drs. Angela Kasper and Ann Howard Jones.
University of Alabama Treble Chorus
The University of Alabama Treble Chorus is a non-auditioned ensemble consisting of students from over 35 academic disciplines. Under the philosophy "make serious music unseriously," we create dynamic, staged performances that result in immersive experiences that challenge traditional views of treble singing. Our concerts feature thematic programming with a focus on composer representation and variety to enhance meaningful connection between repertoire and our personal and global identities.
NCCO11 Program:
"Music's Transformation"
Dr. Morgan Luttig, Director of Choral Activities
Morgan Luttig, Ph.D. is Director of Choral Activities at the University of Alabama, leading University Singers, Treble Chorus, Druid City Chorus, and the choral conducting programs. Previously, she taught at Washington and Lee University and in K-12. Her research focuses on conducting pedagogy, inclusive programming, and singer engagement. Luttig holds leadership roles in ACDA and NCCO, with degrees from Florida State University, Westminster Choir College, and Washington and Lee University.
University of Arizona Symphonic Choir
Symphonic Choir is a select ensemble carrying on a 75-year tradition of excellence in choral music and education at the University of Arizona. The choir is celebrated for its innovative programs, vibrant tone, stylistic flexibility, expressive commitment and philanthropic engagement. In addition, the choir is regularly featured on regional and national conferences, and recent collaborations include performances with Arizona Symphony Orchestra, Phoenix Children’s Chorus and Mariachi Arizona.
NCCO11 Program:
"Someone's Singing"
Dr. Elizabeth Schauer, Director of Choral Activities
Elizabeth Schauer (she/her) is Director of Choral Activities at University of Arizona, where she conducts Symphonic Choir, and teaches graduate conducting and choral literature. Dr. Schauer is recognized for her innovative and inclusive curricular approach, and is the recipient of numerous awards for excellence in teaching, performance and scholarship. Former students are active as conductors and music educators in schools, faith communities, colleges, and universities throughout the world.
University of Colorado Boulder University Choir
Singers within the University Choir are among the brightest students at the University of Colorado Boulder. Approximately one-third are music majors, and two-thirds are pursuing degrees in other disciplines, such as Astrophysics, Aerospace Engineering, and Environmental Studies, to name a few. Under the direction of Dr. Elizabeth Swanson, the University Choir has performed at Colorado MEA (2023) and Carnegie Hall (2022, 2024).
NCCO11 Program:
"Cultivating Transformation"
Dr. Elizabeth Swanson, Associate Director of Choral Activities
Elizabeth Swanson is Associate Professor of Music and Associate Director of Choral Activities at CU Boulder, where she conducts the University Choir and Treble Chorus, teaches conducting, and serves on graduate committees. Swanson was recently awarded the university-wide Provost’s Faculty Achievement Award, recognizing her contributions to the university. She is also Associate Conductor of the Boulder-based Ars Nova Singers and is National ACDA Student Activities Co-Chair. Her degrees are from Northwestern Univ (DMus), Ithaca College (MM), and St. Olaf College (BME).
University of North Texas University Singers
While comprised primarily of musicians from the College of Music, the UNT University Singers welcomes artists of every academic discipline with a love and capacity for choral singing. The ensemble explores a variety of repertoire to push the boundaries of what a choral ensemble can do. Recent performances have included Shaw’s To the Hands, a concert production of Puccini's Tosca, a collaboration with the UNT Jazz Singers, Bach motets, and premieres of works by student composers.
NCCO11 Program:
"Lift Every Voice and Sing"
Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett, Associate Professor of Choral Studies
Marques L. A. Garrett (he/him) is Associate Professor of Choral Studies at the University of North Texas. He regularly serves as a choral clinician and guest conductor for festival and honor choirs throughout the country. He is an accomplished vocalist and composer with his works available through several publishers and performed by festival/honor, all-state, professional, and college/university choirs such as the Los Angeles Master Chorale and the Oakwood University Aeolians.
University of Texas at Austin Concert Chorale
The Concert Chorale bears a tradition of maintaining the highest standards of musical excellence, performing at venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York and at regional conventions like the American Choral Directors Association. This ensemble offers students an excellent opportunity to study and perform a broad range of choral literature, and to tour annually throughout the Texas region. Typically once each year, the chorale joins with the other choirs to collaborate with the Symphony Orchestra.
NCCO11 Program:
"The Heart Starts Singing"
Dr. J.D. Burnett, Director of Choral Activities
J.D. Burnett is Director of Choral Activities and Head of the Division of Vocal Arts at the University of Texas Butler School of Music, where he conducts the UT Concert Chorale and guides the graduate program in choral conducting. Burnett is also the Artistic Director of two professional chamber choirs: Kinnara (Atlanta) and Orpheus Chamber Singers (Dallas). Formerly, he was Associate Director of Choral Activities at the University of Georgia.