Conductor, Cameron LaBarr

Bio: The Missouri State University Chorale is the flagship choral ensemble at Missouri State University. Made up of a diverse group of students from a variety of backgrounds, this ensemble performs at an incredibly high level and enjoys an international reputation. This ensemble has performed regularly at conferences of the American Choral Directors Association, Missouri Music Educators Association, and has toured through North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Recent highlights include invited performances for the National Collegiate Choral Organization and national and regional ACDA conferences.

Ensemble Statement: This Missouri State University Chorale is a true cross-section of the campus community, with students from several historically marginalized groups, along with a strong presence of international students. The students in this choir also include those majoring in a variety of majors from across campus. This choir promotes equity and diversity on tour, both domestic and abroad. This choir is constantly working on introducing the community to music that is important and relevant. For instance, the choir recently commissioned an hour long work that significantly addresses the tragic lynchings of three innocent black men in 1906 on our town square. While the story is over 100 years old, we found incredibly impactful meaning and application to all that is going on today. Working on this piece was tremendously difficult, especially considering the diverse makeup of the group. We took a great amount of time discussing the interpretation/meaning, how the the choral art creates change, and why our leap of faith is so important, even while uncomfortable. This is simply an example of the efforts of this choir to take on difficult conversations directly and thoughtfully. In 2018, the choir adopted the following mission: The Missouri State University Chorale seeks to inspire listeners through musical excellence and diverse repertoire. Through performances and personal interactions both domestic and abroad, we strive to build an atmosphere of unity and belonging among ensemble members and those we encounter. We believe in the above statement. The choir members have this statement in their folders and it is often referenced by student leaders, when guiding new members into the experience of our choral community.