About
Michael Engelhardt is a choral and pop music artist whose work has been featured on ABC, NBC, PBS, and NPR broadcasts, the Carnegie Hall stage, and national conferences of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), and the Jazz Education Network (JEN). He has numerous choral works published by Walton Music (GIA) and Hinshaw Music in addition to his self-published catalog. In the pop music field, he has arranged and/or performed backing vocals for such artists as O.A.R., Ben Folds, Take 6, Kansas, and Patti Austin, and he has produced concert video for Michael McDonald.
Michael is currently working on a project called WholeNotes which is designed to be a soundtrack for self-development and mental wellness by producing modern pop songs with themes of positivity, affirmation, and empowerment. Though not a licensed therapist, Michael has completed extensive online coursework in Positive Psychology at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and the University of Pennsylvania. WholeNotes is a culmination of those studies and Michael’s songwriting skills.
In 2014, his quest to invent new forms of participatory music led to the launch of a social singing movement called Beer Choir. The project is focused on bringing people of all skill levels together to sing in public spaces for fun, social connectivity, artistic outlet, and to support craft beer brewers. The organization has chapters in major cities across the USA.
A native of Woodstock, Illinois, Michael holds a Bachelor of Music (Vocal Performance) degree from Millikin University (Decatur, IL) and a Master of Music (Choral Conducting) degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He is currently based in St. Louis, where he lives with his wife and two children.
Artist's Statement
My dad worked in a plastic molding factory and my mom was a dressmaker, so I have always lived in the tension between industry and artistry, pop culture and haute couture, blue jeans and white gowns. Artistically, I deliberately fuse these influences together to create pop-leaning, classically-crafted choral music. As a conductor, my stylistic and historical interests are wildly diverse. As a composer, there are two main genre hybrids that guide most of my creative output – Gospel/Soul and Ancient/Future. One involves retrofitting and the other is a kind of forward-fitting.
After years of listening to Motown, funk, soul, and pop radio stations as a kid, it turns out that I am a very capable R&B singer myself (for a guy with a last name like Engelhardt). That, combined with my educational background in vocal jazz and classical choral music, has led to some incredibly fulfilling opportunities as a Gospel/Soul choir director, composer, singer, and producer. My ‘legit chops’ in the choral realm allow me to retrofit contemporary gospel ideas – jazz derivative harmonies, funk grooves, chest-voice belted triadic vocals, learned by rote – into a format more familiar to traditional 4-part (or more) choirs of intermediate to advanced ability level such as high school, university, community, and church choirs.
The other main genre is a forward-fitting of historical choral material into radically modernized settings – what I call Ancient/Future. Using ancient source material such as chants, hymns, and ancient languages, I construct contemporary-sounding versions that also exhibit a high standard of compositional craftsmanship and scholarship. I often reach into my pop music toolkit to incorporate elements of groove, electronic programming, and industrial percussion. Harmonically, my preference is to allow the source melody to spin out into its own harmonic language, usually resulting in an array of brilliant cluster chords completely born from the original tune and mode. Edgy, unique, and rabidly ill-received by purists, the Ancient/Future genre represents my most innovative and recognizable contribution to the choral music field.
These hybrid genres just feel natural to me as they seem to bring unity to the inherent dichotomy of my musical background. They also provide a safe framework for exploring many dichotomies of the human experience – strength/weakness, joy/sorrow, faith/doubt, victory/victimhood, true self/false self, empowerment/discouragement, unity/division, harmony/discord.
I consider myself a semi-independent composer because my approach to publishing is also hybrid in nature. Six works are published with the highly-esteemed Walton Music/GIA Publications, one is published by Hinshaw Music. The rest are self-published, sold via my website and the online music retail giant, J.W. Pepper. I have been honored to have my music grace the stage of Carnegie Hall three times in the past three years – once with the published work ‘Gaudete’ and twice with the self-published ‘I Will Sing.’
Although distinctly positive in vibe, my choral work frequently references personal forays into the shadow side of life which provides an honest and sober backdrop for often exuberant and groove-driven expressions of awe, joy, empowerment, and gratitude. A kindred invitation is extended to those who have also experienced contrasting seasons of darkness and light. Always, the goal is to facilitate moments when singers, conductors, and audiences can meet at the soul level – as deep cries unto deep.
Pursuit of that ideal has recently led to experimentation with a song-based approach to personal development, mental health, and social harmony. I have produced a number of my own community singing events, meditative singing exercises, and participatory songs that encourage vulnerable self-exploration. I am compelled by rapidly emerging research on the topics of positive psychology, meditation practice, neuroplasticity, and the role of music in memory and cognition. The overwhelming and ultimately inspiring conclusion is anything but surprising. Singing, especially group singing, holds an enormous untapped potential for psychological and social transformation.
It makes me wonder: Is there a new genre waiting to be born? Could we create a style of participatory music that promotes personal wellness and social harmony? Could this new music have a measurable and sustainable positive effect on the lives of real people? What would it look like? What would it sound like? And once created, what would be the best vehicle for sharing it with the world?
Curriculum Vitae
professional experience
Independent Choral/Vocal Artist (St. Louis, MO) – Composer, Conductor, Producer, Singer [WEBSITE]
2010-present
• Musical works have been featured on Good Morning America, PBS, and Carnegie Hall as well as national, regional, and state conferences for ACDA, NAfME, and JEN (Jazz Education Network)
• 16 choral works published by Walton Music (GIA) and 1 work published by Hinshaw Music
• Arranged and/or performed backing vocals for artists such as Ben Folds, O.A.R., Take 6, Kansas, and Patti Austin, as well as producing concert media (video) for Michael McDonald.
• Production credits on 10 full-length albums and 5 broadcast television programs (NBC/WAND-TV)
• Audio editing, mixing, and mastering of choral rehearsal tracks for Choral Tracks LLC (2017)
• Proficient in Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Melodyne, Final Cut Pro, ProPresenter, and Finale
Beer Choir LLC (St. Louis, MO) – Founder [WEBSITE]
2014-present
• Created a social singing movement with events in pubs and breweries across America
• Composed, edited, and/or arranged all music for the Beer Choir Hymnal (proprietary songbook)
• Largest event: 500+ participants in Minneapolis on January 29, 2017
Millikin University (Decatur, IL) – Instructor of Music [WEBSITE]
2008-2014
• Conducted choral ensembles Collegiate Chorale, University Women’s Choir, Millikin Men’s Choir, BluBop vocal jazz ensemble, Commercial Pop/Rock ensemble, orchestra for 3 opera productions and 2 major choral works
• Taught coursework in conducting, music theory, choral methods, and commercial vocal styles
• Producer of 6 full-length recording projects for various choral ensembles on the First Step record label
First Christian Church (Decatur, IL) — Director of Worship Arts [WEBSITE]
2010-2014
• Director of arts, choir, band, vocal ensembles, and digital media for a 1,000-member church
• Supervisor of department staff, interns, volunteers, special guests, and budget
• Initiated launch of the First Christian Arts Academy, a multi-disciplinary arts academy for children
Decatur Park District (Decatur, IL) — Music Director [WEBSITE]
2008-2010
• Director of The Decatur Park Singers college-age pop touring ensemble with 10 singers and 8-piece band
• Conductor of The Greater Decatur Chorale, a community choir with 80-100 voices
• Music Director of middle school summer musical activities, involving some students with special needs
Willow Creek Community Church (Chicago, IL) – Vocal Director & Essence Creator [WEBSITE]
2003-2006
• Lead singer and member of creative planning team for contemporary-style church of over 20,000 attendees
• Managed and maintained a pool of over 100 volunteer and professional singers, including a gospel choir
• Collaborated to create original songs, media, and theatrical works published by the Willow Creek Association
Alderson-Broaddus University (Philippi, WV) — Instructor of Music [WEBSITE]
1999-2001
• Conducted The University Chorale, Chapel Choir, major works, and musical theater productions
• Directed touring commercial music ensemble The West Virginians, official ambassadors of West Virginia.
Hannibal-LaGrange University (Hannibal, MO) — Instructor of Music [WEBSITE]
1997-1998
• Directed SATB pop touring ensemble
• Launched and directed TTBB pop touring ensemble
selected compositions
I Will Sing (SATB Choir, Piano, Bass, Drums) [AUDIO/SCORE] [PROGRAM]
2020 — Published by Walton Music/GIA Publications
2015, 2016 — Performed at Carnegie Hall
2015 — Premiered by Minnesota All-State Choir and Kansas All-State Choir
2014 — Co-commissioned by Minnesota and Kansas Music Educators Associations
Love (SATB Choir unaccompanied) [AUDIO/SCORE]
2020 — Published by Walton Music/GIA Publications
2016 — Recording was mixed and mastered by Grammy Award-winner, Bill Hare
2013 — Commissioned by the Love Cancer Foundation
O Antiqui Sancti (SSAA Choir, Synth Bass, Percussion) [AUDIO/SCORE]
2017 — Published by Walton Music/GIA Publications
2017 — Selected for Editor’s Choice catalog by J.W. Pepper online retailer
2016 — Commissioned and premiered by Elmhurst College (Illinois)
Rest (SATB Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Rhythm Section) [AUDIO/SCORE] [ALBUM]
2017 — Released on Downbeat Award-Winning EP Otoño (First Step Records)
2016 — Performed at Jazz Educators Network (JEN) National Conference
2015 — Commissioned by Millikin University’s ‘OneVoice’
Courage Up (Solo, SATB Choir, Rhythm Section) [AUDIO] [VIDEO]
2015 — Co-written with Brian Owens and students from Confluence Academy (St. Louis)
2015 — Finale for ‘Soul of Ferguson’ concert, PBS/Nine Network of Public Media
I Believe (SATB Choir, Piano, Bass, Drums) [AUDIO/SCORE] [VIDEO]
2016 — Performed by Oklahoma All-State Jazz Choir
2015 — Published by Hinshaw Music
2014 — Commissioned by Mississippi Music Educators Association
2014 — Performed by Mississippi All-State Choir
Victimae Paschali Laudes (SATB/TTBB Choir, Vocoder, Electronic Tracks) [AUDIO/SCORE] [VIDEO] [VIDEO]
2015 — Premiered at American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Conference
2014 — Commissioned by University of Kentucky
Wayfaring Stranger (SATB Choir, Percussion, Electronic Tracks) [AUDIO/SCORE] [VIDEO]
2015 — Performed at ACDA National Conference
2014 — Published by Walton Music/GIA Publications
Gaudete (SATB/SSAA/TTBB Choir, Percussion, Electronic Tracks) [AUDIO/SCORE] [VIDEO] [VIDEO]
2015 — SATB version performed at Carnegie Hall [RADIO] [RADIO]
2015 — Featured on radio program ‘Performance Today’ (American Public Media)
2015 — Featured on St. Olaf Christmas Festival, Minnesota Public Radio and PBS
2014 — SATB version published by Walton Music/GIA Publications
2012 — TTBB version published by Walton Music/GIA Publications
2012 — TTBB version performed at ACDA National Conference
2011 — SSAA version published by Walton Music/GIA Publications
And Suddenly (SATB/SSAA/TTBB Choir, Rhythm Section, Horns) [AUDIO/SCORE] [AUDIO] [VIDEO]
2015 — Performed at ‘Christmas At Luther’ (Luther College), PBS National Broadcast
2013 — Published by Walton Music/GIA Publications
How Good! (SATB Choir, Piano, and Rhythm Section) [AUDIO/SCORE]
2013 — Published by Walton Music/GIA Publications
2012 — Commissioned by Kentucky ACDA All-State Choir
discography
Otoño, Millikin University’s OneVoice [ALBUM]
2017, First Step Records
Arrangement of ‘Rest’
Winner of 2017 Downbeat Magazine Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Performance
And On Earth Peace, The Choirs of St. Olaf College [ALBUM]
2015, St. Olaf Records
Arrangement of ‘Gaudete’
Exsultate, The Millikin University Choir [ALBUM]
2014, First Step Records
Producer
Christmas at Luther, The Choirs of Luther College [ALBUM]
2013, Luther College Recordings
Composer of ‘And Suddenly’
Vespers 2013: Gloria!, The Choirs of Millikin University
2013, First Step Records
Co-Producer, Conductor
Filled With Wonder, The Band and Choir of First Christian Church, Decatur, Illinois
2012, First Christian Church
Producer, Director, Lead Vocalist, Songwriter of ‘Overwhelming’
How Sweet The Sound, The Millikin University Choir
2012, First Step Records
Producer
Christmas With Cantus, Cantus Vocal Ensemble [ALBUM]
2011, Cantus Records
Arrangement of ‘Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow’
Hearts All Whole, The Millikin University Choir
2010, First Step Records
Producer
Vespers 2010: Shout The Good News, The Choirs of Millikin University
2010, First Step Records
Co-Producer, Conductor
Vespers 2009: This Wondrous Day, This Shining Night, The Choirs of Millikin University
2008, First Step Records
Co-Producer, Conductor
Vespers 2008: From Generation To Generation, The Choirs of Millikin University
2008, First Step Records
Co-Producer, Conductor
At The Foot Of The Cross, Willow Creek Community Church
2003, Ever Devoted
Choir Director
Chapter 6 Live, Chapter 6
2001, Chapter 6 Records
Arrangement of ‘Jump, Jive, and Wail’
conferences and festivals
2012, 2015, 2020 Millikin University Vocal Jazz Festival - Clinician
2018 Missouri ACDA All-State Vocal Jazz Ensemble - Conductor
2018 Kansas City Jazz Summit - Clinician
2016, 2018 Eastern Show Choir Festival (Boston, MA) - Adjudicator
2017 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Conference - Presenter
2017 Northern Arizona University Jazz/Madrigal Festival - Clinician
2016 Oklahoma ACDA All-State Vocal Jazz Chorus - Conductor
2015 West Virginia ACDA All-State Honors Chamber Chorus - Conductor
2015 Illinois NAfME District 2 Vocal Jazz Chorus - Conductor
2013 Illinois NAfME District 9 Vocal Jazz Choir - Conductor
2011 Illinois NAfME District 4 Vocal Jazz Choir - Conductor
2011 University of Louisville Choral Invitational - Adjudicator, Clinician
2003, 2004, 2005 Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit (Germany) - Vocal Director, Co-Producer
performance and production credits
O.A.R. (2020)
Arranger/Director/Performer of background vocals for NHL All-Star Game performance in St. Louis
Michael McDonald (2019)
Video producer for Night For Life concert at the Touhill Theater in St. Louis
Vespers at Millikin (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019)
Video Producer for live-to-tape broadcast on NBC affiliate WAND-TV in Decatur, IL
Take 6 (2018)
Background vocalist for Gospel Christmas with the Saint Louis Symphony’s InUnison Chorus
Ben Folds (2011, 2014)
Background vocalist for national touring and recording artist Ben Folds (from NBC’s “The Sing Off”)
Patti Austin and the Kansas City Chorale (2014)
Backing vocal/choral arrangements for live concert collaboration between Grammy Award-winning artists
Linda McCrary (2003, 2004, 2005)
Background vocals for Warner Alliance recording artist
Kansas (2003)
Background vocalist for rock band Kansas
Chicago Voice Exchange (1996-1998)
Tenor in professional male a cappella quintet, winners of 3 Harmony Sweepstakes Regional competitions
conducting videos
Rehearsal and concert conducting videos may be viewed by CLICKING HERE
major works conducted
Bernstein, Leonard Chichester Psalms (Alderson-Broaddus College)
Handel, G. F. Messiah (Decatur Community Sing-Along, St. Louis Sing Along)
Humperdink, Engelbert Hansel und Gretel (Millikin University)
Jenkins, Karl Adiemus (Millikin University)
Poulenc, Francis Dialogues Of The Carmelites (Millikin University)
Porpora, Nicola Laetatus Sum (Millikin University)
Ray, Robert Gospel Mass (Union United Methodist Church)
Vivaldi, Antonio Gloria (First Presbyterian Church of Waterloo, Iowa)
Whitacre, Eric Five Hebrew Love Songs (Millikin University)
education
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Master of Music in Choral Conducting (2007)
University of Northern Iowa, studies toward Master of Music in Choral Conducting (1998-1999)
Millikin University, Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance (1997)