The NAfME Council for Choral Education seeks to serve as a voice representing choral music education and to help choral educators with current practices in the choral field at all levels.
Find Council resources in the NAfME Resource Library, searchable by teaching area, level, type of resource, and more.
Maria A. Ellis
Maria A. Ellis is a passionate music educator and conductor. She is the owner of Girl Conductor LLC, which specializes in diverse music education resources and serves as the Artistic…
Council Members
Ocie S. Banks (2024-2026), Eastern Division Representative
Director of Choirs & Vocal Music Teacher
Thomas G. Pullen K-8 Creative & Performing Arts School
Landover, Maryland
James B. Kinchen, Jr. (2025-2027), North Central Division Representative
Professor of Music & Director of Choral Activities
University of Wisconsin-Parkside
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Raul Dominguez (2024-2026), Northwest Division Representative
Associate Director of Choral Studies
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, Washington
Christina Vehar (2025-2027), Southern Division Representative
Heather Blackwell (2024-2026), Southwestern Division Representative
Vocal Music Teacher
Holman Middle School
Saint Ann, Missouri
Austin Thorpe (2025-2027), Western Division Representative
Director of Choirs
Maple Mountain High School
Spanish Fork, Utah
Jason Sickel (2024-2025) Member-At-Large Representative
Olathe East & Olathe South High School Assistant Choral Director
Olathe Public Schools
Olathe, Kansas
Jasmine Fripp (2025-2026) Member-At Large Representative
Director of Choral Activities
Tennessee State University
Nashville, Tennessee
