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2024 ACDA Western Region Conference March 6-9, 2024 Pasadena, California

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Biola University Cal Poly University - San Luis Obispo
Chorale Cantabile

The Biola University Chorale comprises thirty-seven Cal Poly Cantabile was founded in 2018 under the
undergraduate voices from various disciplines on cam- direction of Scott Glysson and is an advanced ensem-
pus. Nationally, the Chorale has enjoyed performances ble specializing in the performance of repertoire for
on the Tonight Show, at Disney’s D23 Convention, in soprano and alto voices. With sixty singers represent-
Carnegie Hall, and with the Pacific Symphony Orches- ing nearly every major at Cal Poly, Cantabile is a more
tra. Regularly touring domestically and internationally, than 75 percent non-music major ensemble. Since its
the Chorale’s most recent tours include South Korea, creation, Cantabile has commissioned more than four
Ireland, and Italy. Each spring they join forces with the new works by contemporary composers and has a mis-
Biola Symphony Orchestra for the performance of a sion of creating, celebrating, and performing music of
major choral-orchestral work. The Chorale performed female composers. Cantabile has been honored with
at ACDA Western Region Conferences in 2016 and performance invitations to the California MEA Con-
2020, and the NCCO’s 7th Biennial National Confer- ference in 2021 and Lincoln Center NYC in 2022.
ence in 2017.
Scott Glysson is the director of choral
Shawna Stewart is the director of cho- activities and vocal studies at Cal Poly
ral studies at Biola University in La Mi- University in San Luis Obispo, Califor-
rada, CA, where she conducts the Biola nia. Glysson has been recognized for his
University Chorale and the Vocal Jazz achievements in conducting in both the choral and or-
Ensemble. As associate professor, she chestral genres. He has led performances on five con-
teaches courses in conducting and choral methods. tinents and over ten countries. In 2013, Glysson was
Stewart holds degrees from the Eastman School of a finalist in the ACDA National Choral Conducting
Music (M.M. Conducting), the University of Southern Competition. Glysson was previously director of choral
California (D.M.A. Choral Music), and has served on activities at West Liberty University in WV and artistic
the faculty at John Brown University and North Da- director of the Tucson Masterworks Chorale. Glysson
kota State College of Science. She has also held the has presented and published in the fields of music edu-
position of music director at several churches in CA cation and musicology. He holds a DMA and MM in
and NY. She is the owner of and teacher at Children’s choral conducting from the University of Arizona and
Music Academy in Whittier, CA. a BME from George Mason University.

CHORAL JOURNAL January 2024 Volume 64 Number 5 171