KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University's Irving S. Gilmore School of Music has appointed Dr. Amanda Quist as the new director of choral activities, starting in fall semester 2024, projecting her experience and talent will have a transformative impact on WMU's choral program.
A WMU alumna and Michigan native, Quist joins us from the University of Miami's Frost School of Music, where she has been the director of choral studies for the past five years. Her career includes previous roles as chair of the Conducting, Organ and Sacred Music Department at Westminster Choir College and director of choral activities at San José State University. She holds a Bachelor of Music in music education and a Master of Music in choral conducting from WMU. In addition, she earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in choral conducting with a Doctoral Cognate in voice pedagogy and science from the University of North Texas.
Renowned for her transformative and gripping performances, Quist's work has been lauded by The New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer and New York Classical Review. She has collaborated with prestigious ensembles such as the Philadelphia Orchestra, New York Philharmonic, New World Symphony, Palm Beach Symphony, Dresden Staatskapelle and the Spoleto Festival.
Quist's honors include the Distinguished Teaching Award from Westminster Choir College, James Mulholland National Choral Award and the Audrey Davidson Early Music Award. She has received invitations to serve as a clinician internationally in Indonesia, Australia and South Africa.
As a sought-after guest conductor, her upcoming engagements feature the Texas All State TTBB Honor Choir, professional choir Seraphic Fire and the New Mexico All State SATB Honor Choir. Quist will serve as headliner for the Voices United Conference for ACDA and the Michigan Music Conference in 2025. A professional member of the GRAMMY recording academy, she recently served on the Choral GRAMMY Screening Committee for the 64th awards ceremony.
“Western Michigan University played a pivotal role in shaping me as an artist, conductor, and person," Quist says. "I am thrilled at the prospect of returning to this incredible institution, and to serve the WMU community.”
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.