Guest Clinicians for 2009

Brian Galante - Conductor of the Youth Choir

Brian Galante is Associate Director of Musical Activities at Pacific Lutheran University in Washington where he conducts several ensembles and teaches Vocal Pedagogy for Music Educators, Choral Methods and Materials, and Choral Literature. Brian received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of North Texas in 2008 (Choral Conducting, with a related field in Voice Science and Pedagogy). He holds Master of Music and Bachelor of Music Education degrees from Louisiana State University. Previous choral appointments include Instructor of Choral Music and Interim Assistant Director of Choral Studies at Louisiana State University; Conductor of the 160-voice UNT Men’s Chorus and Conducting Associate of the UNT A Cappella Choir; Director of Choral Music/Coordinator of K-12 Music at Highland Park High School, Dallas, Texas; Director of Choirs at Episcopal High School and Director of Music at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church, both in Baton Rouge.

In addition, Galante has enjoyed success and acclaim as a composer and arranger: his compositions are published by Colla Voce Music, have been performed by professional, collegiate, and advanced high school choirs throughout the United States and Europe, and recorded for commercial release by Centaur Records.

Frequently in demand as a clinician and adjudicator, Galante has conducted honor choirs at both the high school and junior high level. He is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO), Washington ACDA, and the Washington Music Educators Association. He serves ACDA on the National Technology Committee and the 2009 National Convention Committee.

Elaine Quilichini - Conductor of the Junior Choir

Award-winning conductor Elaine Quilichini is recognized the world over for her exceptional musicianship and distinguished work with choral ensembles. In 1995 Ms. Quilichini founded the Calgary Girls Choir, one of Canada’s most dynamic and awardwinning ensembles, which has performed to great acclaim across North America. In addition to her work with the CGC and her private music studio, Ms. Quilichini also directs the University of Calgary’s Women’s Choir, is Artistic Director of the Nebraska Wesleyan University Summer Youth Choral Program and the Summer Kodály Programs at Wichita State University. She also serves as conductor for the youth and children’s choirs at the Kodály Music Institute, New England Conservatory in Boston’s choral summer program.

Linda Miller - Conductor for Ringspiration

Linda Miller is the Music/Band/Tech Lead teacher at Holy Spirit Catholic School in Sherwood Park. She is currently teaching Grade 1-4 Music, Junior High Band and directs the Holy Spirit Handbell Choir. She has directed handbell choirs for the past eight years, all of which have received recognition and awards for their outstanding performances at various festivals. Linda has been a handbell presenter at various conventions and professional development workshops in Alberta. She is the mother of three and takes an avid interest in track, acting as a coach for the Holy Spirit Heat, the Alberta Summer Games and Grant MacEwan College Cross Country Team.

Chris Cheng - Honour Handbells

A graduate of Hong Kong Baptist University, Chris Cheng is currently a graduate student at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Majoring in percussion performance and pedagogy and minoring in handbell performance under the direction of Ms. Emily Li and Mr. Kevin Ko, Chris has also studied voice with Ms. Rosaline Pi and choral/orchestral conducting with Geoffrey Simon, Dr. Esther Mang and Carmen Koon. He holds several diplomas in music including one for percussion performance, and has been awarded singing and piano certificates with distinction. He also holds the AGEHR Level I Handbell Director’s Certificate.

Chris is the conductor of several choral ensembles at Ying Wa College and he also directs the handbell choir of Tsim Sha Tsui Baptist Church and the Carillon Ringers. He is currently a member of the emBellishment handbell ensemble, the principal timpani of Millennium Youth Orchestra, Pro Arte Orchestra of Hong Kong, and a member of Hong Kong Chamber Choir. He has been active for several years as a conductor, handbell teacher and performer.