Missouri State University Chorale – Biography

The Missouri State University Chorale is the flagship choral ensemble at Missouri State University. Made up of a diverse group of people from a variety of backgrounds, this ensemble performs at an incredibly high level and enjoys an international reputation. This renowned ensemble has performed regularly at conferences of the American Choral Directors Association, Missouri Music Educators Association, the National Association for Music Education, and has toured through North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Recent highlights include invited performances for the National Collegiate Choral Organization, national and regional ACDA conferences, an 18-day concert tour of Iceland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden, and performances at the China International Chorus Festival, the Yellow River International Chorus Festival (Lanzhou, China), and the International Folk Song Festival/IFCM World Voices Conference (Kaili, China). Recordings of the Missouri State University Chorale can be found at https://tinyurl.com/yabwkbk3.

Recently, this ensemble 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.

Conductor Bio

Cameron F. LaBarr is director of choral studies at Missouri State University where he leads a comprehensive choral program including over 300 singers in eight choirs. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Missouri State University and he earned a Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of North Texas. He has completed further study in choral music and conducting with Simon Carrington and Alice Parker. Choirs under his direction have been selected for performance at the Tennessee Music Education Association Conference, Tennessee ACDA Conference, Missouri Music Educators Association Conference, Piccolo Spoleto Festival, National Collegiate Choral Organization, National ACDA, Southwest ACDA, Intercollegiate Men’s Choruses National Seminar, the China International Chorus Festival and the IFCM World Voices Conference. Dr. LaBarr has worked as guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia, most recently presenting at the China International Chorus Festival (2016 and 2018). In 2019, Dr. LaBarr will serve on the jury panel for the 8th Bali International Choir Festival and will guest conduct the Limerick Sings International Choral Festival (Ireland).