Mark Merritt
Conductor, Composer, Clinician, Educator
Newberry,SC
Summary
Experienced choral conductor, composer, clinician and educator with a passion for teaching college undergraduate and graduate students outstanding choral techniques, musicology, music theory, music history and choral literature. Studied composition with Henry Hallstrom. Mr. Hallstrom studied composition under Randall Thompson and Howard Hansen. Skilled in teaching college students in choral music at all levels. Adept at mentoring graduate music students from other cultures, notably from Latin America and China. Long track record of producing outstanding choral programs and recruiting participants.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
Graduate Assistant in Choral Music
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC
05.2015 - 05.2018
- Assisted with directing Graduate Vocal Ensemble, Concert Choir, University Chorus and Summer Chorus
- Assisted with recruitment efforts
- Helped maintain the choral library
- Selected repertoire for four concerts
- Planned and scheduled local and international choral tours
- Coordinated movement of necessary equipment to concert venues.
- Presented relevant topics to graduate students for increased subject engagement.
- Supported graduate students in conducting research projects and compiling data for academic papers.
- Administered coursework, graded assignments and provided constructive feedback.
- Taught small groups of students focused on specific parts of coursework.
- Helped students develop diligent study habits and strategies to achieve successful outcomes.
- Monitored student progress to identify weaknesses and provide recommendations for improvement.
- Checked assignments, proctored tests and provided grades according to university standards.
- Devised and implemented strategies for engaging students in class discussions.
- Mentored and advised students to focus on academics and explore career paths and opportunities.
- Built and maintained professional relationships with students and faculty members.
- Documented attendance and completed assignments to maintain full class and student records.
Graduate Assistant Conductor
University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
San Antonio, TX
06.2012 - 05.2016
- Assisted in conducting the UTSA Concert Choir and UTSA Women's Choir
- Selected repertoire for one concert.
- Presented relevant topics to graduate students for increased subject engagement.
- Administered coursework, graded assignments and provided constructive feedback.
- Devised and implemented strategies for engaging students in class discussions.
- Monitored student progress to identify weaknesses and provide recommendations for improvement.
- Helped students develop diligent study habits and strategies to achieve successful outcomes.
- Taught small groups of students focused on specific parts of coursework.
- Checked assignments, proctored tests and provided grades according to university standards.
- Built and maintained professional relationships with students and faculty members.
- Mentored and advised students to focus on academics and explore career paths and opportunities.
- Used strong communication skills to direct multiple musicians in rehearsals and performances.
- Read and interpreted musical pieces to set appropriate tempos and styles.
Artistic Director, Associate Director and Composer in Residence
Voce Choral Ensemble
Mount Airy, NC
03.2002 - 07.2012
- Member of the founding board of directors
- Conducted regular rehearsals teaching new music
- Selected music for all concerts in coordination with the board of directors
- Conducted three or more concerts per season consisting of one holiday concert, a pops/Broadway concert, and a masterworks concert with orchestra
- Recruited and auditioned new singers with demonstrated growth from 18 singers in 2002 to over 40 singers in 2012
- Led the planning of two concert tours
- Significant performances by elite invitation include the NC Music Educators Conference, Biltmore Estate, and Bruton Parish Church.
- Established and maintained productive, professional working relationships to promote beneficial project results.
- Auditioned, selected and coached actors to execute high-quality performances and enhance production value.
- Contributed to creative process through original ideas and inspiration.
- Determined voices, instruments, harmonic structures, rhythms, tempos and tone balances required to achieve effects desired in each musical composition.
- Wrote and arranged classical, religious and show music in original styles.
- Scored compositions for consistency with instrumental and vocal capabilities.
- Consulted with directors and producers to determine placement of musical cues and coordinate artistic vision.
- Collaborated with performers and producers to determine and achieve desired sound for production.
- Filled in details of orchestral sketches such as adding vocal parts to scores.
- Transposed pieces from one instrument to another and one key to another to accommodate client and musician preferences.
- Selected and arranged music for numerous holiday performances and special events.
- Directed groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Attended regular practices and private lessons to hone skills.
- Positioned members within groups to obtain balance among instrumental or vocal sections.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated creativity and resourcefulness through the development of innovative solutions.
Music Theory Tutor/Grader
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
09.1980 - 05.1984
- Assisted the Professor of Music Theory in all aspects of position
- Tutored students
- Lectured as substitute
- Graded music theory assignments.
- Planned and executed targeted lesson plans to instruct on music theory, music history, and performance etiquette.
- Instructed students from freshman to senior level in reading sheet music and general music appreciation.
- Explained music theory, aural skills and fundamental concepts to teach students to understand, analyze, perform and create music.
- Performed music in styles such as contemporary Christian, classical and Broadway.
- Evaluated student music abilities by providing feedback and written reports.
- Instructed students in music theory and composition in classroom environment.
- Selected music from various genres for use as teaching pieces.
Director of Music Ministries
Grace United Methodist Church
Columbia
01.2015 - Current
- Recruit singers to the choir
- Significant growth, pre-Covid, stability since Covid
- Conduct the adult choir in weekly worship
- Prepare and conduct two multi-movement choral works per year, one during Advent and one during Lent
- Lead congregational singing
- Assist with worship planning as a member of the worship team
- Responsibly manage the music budget.
- Provided inspiring and motivational music ministry during worship services, programs and events to uplift, encourage and entertain people with positive messages and values.
- Planned, organized and led music ministry during worship service by motivating congregational participation and providing direction to choir members and musicians.
- Acquired music, equipment and supplies to perform designated duties in accordance with financial policies.
- Promoted fellowship within and helped recruit new volunteers into music ministry.
- Rehearsed choir and conducted warm-up prior to services.
- Engaged congregation through musical worship experience by spreading vitality.
- Utilized central screen for lyric projection to teach unfamiliar songs to congregation.
- Managed music ministry budget and submitted required reports, estimates and requests by deadlines.
- Promoted and empowered full participation of congregation by singing verses and acclamations designated for choir in dialogue with congregation and enriching liturgy with harmonies.
- Coached and mentored music ministry team members to become lifelong learners with respect to musical talents and spiritual development.
- Bridged generational and cultural differences by selecting balance of musical styles for every service and presenting spiritual context.
- Utilized technology in planning and presenting music to enhance worship message.
- Coordinated music and special vocals for worship services.
- Recruited volunteers for choirs and worship teams.
- Wrote and implemented innovative worship programs and documented worship plans for easy future retrieval.
- Held worship team accountable for facilitating God-inspired worship and continually encouraged, equipped and empowered volunteers.
- Supported pastor in discerning and meeting spiritual needs and helped church members and guests develop sense of belonging.
- Developed programs for holidays and unique events.
- Led and inspired worship team members and guided team in following church processes, guidelines and mission.
- Performed as versatile vocalist and instrumentalist to support inspirational worship services.
- Oversaw budget and programming for worship arts ministry and engaged outside services economically and responsibly.
Minister of Music
Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit
San Antonio
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Recruitment of singers from the church
- Established a successful Choral Scholars program
- Established Holy Spirit Community Concert Series
- Recruited and developed a church accompanist from a graduate piano student to a church organist
- Collaborated with other local churches for combined choir events, a choral evensong and two performances of the Fauré Requiem
- Spearheaded a successful campaign to purchase a Rodgers digital organ for the church
- Fostered growth in the choir with 12 new members in this fast-growing church
- Managed a musical staff of eight.
- Provided inspiring and motivational music ministry during worship services, programs and events to uplift, encourage and entertain people with positive messages and values.
- Planned, organized and led music ministry during worship service by motivating congregational participation and providing direction to choir members and musicians.
- Acquired music, equipment and supplies to perform designated duties in accordance with financial policies.
- Promoted fellowship within and helped recruit new volunteers into music ministry.
- Rehearsed choir and conducted warm-up prior to services.
- Engaged congregation through musical worship experience by spreading vitality.
- Utilized central screen for lyric projection to teach unfamiliar songs to congregation.
- Managed music ministry budget and submitted required reports, estimates and requests by deadlines.
- Promoted and empowered full participation of congregation by singing verses and acclamations designated for choir in dialogue with congregation and enriching liturgy with harmonies.
- Coached and mentored music ministry team members to become lifelong learners with respect to musical talents and spiritual development.
- Bridged generational and cultural differences by selecting balance of musical styles for every service and presenting spiritual context.
- Utilized technology in planning and presenting music to enhance worship message.
- Coordinated music and special vocals for worship services.
- Recruited volunteers for choirs and worship teams.
- Wrote and implemented innovative worship programs and documented worship plans for easy future retrieval.
- Held worship team accountable for facilitating God-inspired worship and continually encouraged, equipped and empowered volunteers.
- Supported pastor in discerning and meeting spiritual needs and helped church members and guests develop sense of belonging.
- Set up PowerPoint presentations with lyrics for congregation.
- Developed programs for holidays and unique events.
- Led and inspired worship team members and guided team in following church processes, guidelines and mission.
- Performed as versatile vocalist and instrumentalist to support inspirational worship services.
- Oversaw budget and programming for worship arts ministry and engaged outside services economically and responsibly.
Private Voice Studio
Self-employed
Lynchburg, VA
01.2002 - 01.2012
- Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions, and chords.
- Supported singers participating in recording sessions and live performances.
- Mentored struggling students with individualized approach to enhance learning.
- Advised parents of student progress by communicating student's achievements and developing methods for improvement.
- Taught fundamentals such as projection, breathing and vocal techniques.
- Taught students to identify different instruments from instrument's sound and shape.
- Adapted teaching programs to meet individual and group needs.
- Helped students prepare for auditions and special events.
- Taught performers of varying skill levels ways to improve overall range.
- Provided specific feedback to students, parents and record label representatives.
- Fostered love for art and learning to inspire students to pursue passions and interests.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments to foster positive classrooms that support student growth and learning.
- Attended concerts and performances to support students and arts community.
- Adapted instruction to meet individual student needs to differentiate instruction to meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Held afterschool meetings and rehearsals in preparation for shows.
- Provided extra help and support to offer additional support to struggling students and encourage success in art subjects.
- Planned and delivered lessons to teach classes in arts to engage and educate students.
- Supervised students during rehearsals to provide direction to students during practice sessions.
- Incorporated student interests and experiences to make learning relevant and meaningful.
- Communicated with parents to maintain regular communication about student progress and any concerns.
- Collaborated with community arts organizations to bring real-world experiences into classrooms and provide students with opportunities for learning and growth.
Education
Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting - undefined
University of South Carolina
Master of Music in Choral Conducting - undefined
University of Texas at San Antonio
Bachelor of Science in Sacred Music - Voice and Choral Music
Liberty University
Skills
Volunteer Recruitment
Curriculum writing
Project Management
Technology integration
Organization and Time Management
Critical Thinking
MS Office
Excellent Communication
Teamwork and Collaboration
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Learning enhancement
Rehearsals
Aural skills
Assemble leadership
Individual and group instruction
Proficient in trombone
Verbal and written communication
Relationship building
History of music
Classroom management
Musical Understanding
Knowledge of musicology, music theory
Affiliations
- American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (A.S.C.A.P.)
- American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)
- American Guild of Organists (AGO)
Related Experience
- Grace United Methodist Church, Columbia, South Carolina, Director of Music Ministries, 2015-Present, Recruit singers to the choir. Significant growth, pre-Covid, stability since Covid., Conduct the adult choir in weekly worship, Prepare and conduct two multi-movement choral works per year, one during Advent and one during Lent, Lead congregational singing, Assist with worship planning as a member of the worship team, Responsibly manage the music budget
- Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit, San Antonio, Texas, Minister of Music, 2012-2015, Recruitment of singers from the church, Established a successful Choral Scholars program, Established Holy Spirit Community Concert Series, Recruited and developed a church accompanist from a graduate piano student to a church organist, Collaborated with other local churches for combined choir events, a choral evensong and two performances of the Fauré Requiem, Spearheaded a successful campaign to purchase a Rodgers digital organ for the church, Fostered growth in the choir with 12 new members in this fast-growing church, Managed a musical staff of eight
- Private Voice Studio, Voice Studio, 2002-2012
Music Publications
- Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus, Print Music Source Music Publishing, 2015
- I'm Gonna Live So God Can Use Me, Print Music Source Music Publishing, 2015
- Love Came Down at Christmas, SATB chorus and organ, Dream Mill Music Company, 2007
- Precious Little One, SATB chorus, organ, and flute, Dream Mill Music Company, 2007
- Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day, SATB chorus, keyboard, and optional brass, Dream Mill Music Company, 2007
- Deo Gratias, SATB chorus, a cappella, Dream Mill Music Company, 2006
- Thank God Today, SATB chorus, a cappella, Dream Mill Music Company, 2006
- Bethlehem, SATB chorus, and keyboard, optional chamber orchestra, Dream Mill Music Company, 2006
- We Come to Your Table, SATB chorus and organ, Dream Mill Music Company, 2006
Unpublished Commissioned Works
- The Wanderer's Carols, 2010, Voce Choral Ensemble, Three-movement work for treble solo, SATB Chorus and Harp, North Carolina Music Educator's Conference
- How Firm a Foundation, 2010, John Mills for the Retirement of Sandy Beam, For SATB Chorus and Organ, First Presbyterian Church, Mount Airy, NC
- The Church's One Foundation, 2008, First Presbyterian Church, Mount Airy, NC, For SATB chorus, organ, and brass, optional timpani, First Presbyterian Church
- O God You Have Been Good to Us, 2008, Heritage United Methodist Church, Lynchburg, VA, For SATB chorus and organ, with optional a cappella section, brass and hand bells, Heritage United Methodist Church
- River Dreams, 2007, Catlettsburg Leadership Club and partially funded by the Kentucky Arts Council, Seventeen movement Broadway-style musical play, eleven movements fully orchestrated, Ashland Community and Techinical College Theater, Ashland, KY
- Joy Comes in the Morning, 2006, Surry County Ecumenical Hand Bell Festival, For two-part equal voices and hand bell accompaniment, optional organ accompaniment, First Baptist Church, Mount Airy, NC
- Her Hands, 2004, Mark Gillespie in honor of Tee Gillespie's 70th birthday, For medium vocal solo, keyboard, violin, and bass, Mount Airy Country Club
Research Ready To Submit For Publication
- The secular music forms of the Renaissance
- The Vespers of 1610 by Claudio Monteverdi
- Choral literature for men's and women's choruses by Johannes Brahms
Festivals
- Guest Conductor and Clinician, 49th annual Mystic Area Ecumenical Choir Festival, Mystic, CT, 2017
- Guest Conductor, UTSA Women's Choir, Texas Collegiate Women's Choir Festival at Texas A&M, College Station, TX, 2014
Other Significant Appearances
- Conductor, doctoral lecture recital with University of South Carolina Graduate Vocal Ensemble 2018
- Conductor, Haydn Theresienmesse and Hanson Song of Democracy, USC Summer Chorus 2017
- Conductor, Vivaldi Gloria and Haydn Missa brevis Sancti Joannis de Deo, USC Grad Vocal Ensemble with chamber orchestra 2016
- Conductor, Combined Choirs of Travis Park United Methodist Church and Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit with chamber orchestra, Requiem in D minor, G. Faure 2015
- Conductor, Master of Music Choral Conducting Recital with UTSA Concert Choir and UTSA Women's Choir 2014
- Conductor, VOCE Choral Ensemble in Choral Evensong at historic Bruton Parish Church 2012
- Conductor, VOCE Choral Ensemble in multiple performances at The Biltmore Estate 2010
- Conductor, VOCE Choral Ensemble in premiere of The Wanderer's Carols at the NC Music Educators Conference 2010
- Interview guest on National Public Radio WFDD Triad Arts up Close with David Ford 2010
- Premiere of River Dreams, commission partially funded by the Kentucky Arts Council 2007
Technology
Proficiency in Fourscore, Finale, MS Office, Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn
Teaching Competencies
Choral literature, vocal pedagogy, music history, science of singing, music theory, music appreciation, choral conducting
Awards
- Kappa Pi Lambda Music Honor Society (University of South Carolina) 2017
- Golden Key Honor Society (University of Texas at San Antonio) 2014
Publications
Merritt, Mark D. 'Merritt, Mark Daniel. Le Festival Œcuménique De Chorales De La Région De Mystic Sur La Côte Est Des États-Unis (June 2021): 135-142.' Review Istina LXVI, no. 2 (June 2021): 135-142., This is a summary of my doctoral paper on the Mystic Area Ecumenical Choir Festival in a French journal based in Paris, France.
Additional Information
Long career in corporate sales and finance in management positions.
Professional Affiliations
American Choral Director's Association
American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers
American Guild of Organists
Timeline
Graduate Assistant in Choral Music
University of South Carolina
05.2015 - 05.2018
Director of Music Ministries
Grace United Methodist Church
01.2015 - Current
Graduate Assistant Conductor
University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
06.2012 - 05.2016
Minister of Music
Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit
01.2012 - 01.2015
Artistic Director, Associate Director and Composer in Residence
Voce Choral Ensemble
03.2002 - 07.2012
Private Voice Studio
Self-employed
01.2002 - 01.2012
Music Theory Tutor/Grader
Liberty University
09.1980 - 05.1984
Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting - undefined
University of South Carolina
Master of Music in Choral Conducting - undefined
University of Texas at San Antonio
Bachelor of Science in Sacred Music - Voice and Choral Music
Liberty University