Megan Higle
Lansing,MI
Summary
Resourceful Artistic Director with MMUS (Choral Conducting) and BMUS (Vocal Performance) degrees and an extensive performing arts background. Taken two European Choral tours and actively mentors college music students. Creative, communications and business management skills leading to outstanding results.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Artistic Director
DeWitt Community Singers
08.2017 - Current
- Contributed to creative process through original ideas and inspiration.
- Selection of repertory for 30+ adult voices for two concerts, yearly.
- Implemented artistic vision to give art purpose and meaning.
- Monitored progress of projects, keeping on schedule and within budget.
- Aid in writing of grants and sponsorship asks
- Work closely with Collaborative Pianist on repertory and rehearsal schedule.
- Attend monthly Board meetings and offer support and guidance for ongoing initiatives.
Founding Artistic Director
Lansing Children's Choir
08.2015 - Current
- Bring choral music to 30+ children/yearly (tuition free) during the school year for almost 10 years. (The Lansing Children's Choir has touched over 1.,000 children/youth)
- Established an artistic vision and direction for Lansing Children's Choir by developing unique productions, events, and educational programs.
- Increased audience engagement by implementing innovative marketing strategies and community outreach initiatives.
- Enhanced organizational reputation by consistently producing high-quality performances that garnered positive reviews from critics and audiences alike.
- Aided in securing funding for Lansing Children's Choir through successful grant applications, donor cultivation, and fundraising events.
- Developed a diverse season of programming that showcased a variety of artistic disciplines and cultural perspectives - minimum of two concerts annually.
- Managed budgets and resources effectively to ensure the financial stability of Lansing Children's Choir while prioritizing artistic excellence.
- Nurtured relationships with key stakeholders in the arts community such as government representatives, media contacts, sponsors, donors to advance organizational objectives. Working closely with Board of Directors to maintain and improve our community recognition.
- Advocated for the importance of arts education and cultural programming within the community by participating in public speaking engagements or panel discussions at conferences events (Michigan ACDA Conference, Lansing School Board Meetings, etc.)
- Contributed to creative process through original ideas and inspiration. Creating exciting programs and opportunities for our singers to connect with their community.
Music Director
First Presbyterian Church Of Lansing
08.2014 - Current
- Managed budgets (music staff, music library, music resources, extra musicians, special events) effectively, allocating resources to support various music department needs.
- Spearheaded fundraising initiatives to secure financial support for program expenses and equipment purchases.
- Maintained an organized music library, streamlining access to scores for rehearsals and performances.
- Promoted upcoming concerts through social media campaigns, increasing audience turnout at events.
- Planned and scheduled rehearsals and performances and arranged details such as locations, accompanists and instrumentalists.
- Directed groups at rehearsals and live or recorded performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Handled requests for specific musical selections.
- Enhanced congregational worship experience by skillfully directing and arranging music for weekly services.
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive music program, resulting in increased participation and spiritual growth among members.
- Managed budgets, resources, and logistics for various music-related events, ensuring efficient utilization of funds and successful event execution.
- Recruited trained, and mentored volunteer musicians to build a cohesive team dedicated to excellence in worship.
- Collaborated with clergy to create engaging liturgies that supported sermon themes and promoted deeper understanding of theological concepts.
- Introduced diverse musical styles into the worship experience to broaden the congregation''s appreciation for sacred music.
- Oversaw the maintenance of musical instruments and sound equipment, guaranteeing optimal performance quality during services.
- Organized special events such as concerts, workshops, and guest performances to foster a vibrant church community centered around music.
- Designed seasonal programs incorporating traditional hymns alongside contemporary pieces to honor cultural diversity within the congregation.
- Served as liaison between Music Ministry volunteers and church leadership, ensuring clear communication lines were maintained at all times.
- Nurtured an inclusive environment for choir members through regular rehearsals focused on personal growth and teamwork.
- Provided pastoral care to musicians in times of need by offering support, encouragement, and guidance.
- Identified and recruited potential volunteer workers.
Music Director
Project Daydream
08.2011 - 05.2014
- Directed 60+ children/youth at rehearsals and live performances to achieve desired effects such as tonal and harmonic balance dynamics, rhythm, and tempo.
- Studied scores to learn music in detail and develop interpretations
- Hired and rehearsed musicians for performances
- Shows include: "Rent", "Beauty and the Beast", "Mulan Jr", "Willy Wonka Jr", "Cinderella", "Little Mermaid Jr", Les Miserable", "Annie", "Wizard of Oz" and "Suessical the Musical"
Adjunct Professor
Marygrove College
09.2011 - 04.2013
- Enhanced student comprehension by employing diverse teaching methods and incorporating multimedia resources.
- Boosted class participation rates by fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.
- Strengthened critical thinking skills in students through the incorporation of problem-based learning activities.
- Increased student retention by providing individualized support and tailored feedback on assignments.
- Cultivated strong relationships with colleagues, participating in interdisciplinary initiatives aimed at enhancing the academic experience for students.
- Improved overall course quality through the implementation of regular evaluations, incorporating student feedback into future improvements.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Taught Music courses (History, Technology, Aural Skills, Appreciation, providing instruction to up to 100 undergraduate students.
Education
Master of Music - Choral Conducting
Oakland University
Rochester, MI04.2011
Bachelor of Music - Vocal Performance
Marygrove College
Detroit, MI04.2007
Skills
- Art program coordination
- Art program evaluation
- Schedule coordination
- Managing budget
- Fundraising handling
- Artistic collaboration
- Creative vision
- Budgeting expertise
- Art program development
Accomplishments
ACDA-MI Board Member:
Repertory & Resource Chair for Children & Community Youth for ten years.
Recently appointed Historian for ACDA-MI (2025-2027 term)
Conductor of University Chorus (Oakland University) during Dr. Michael Mitchell's sabbatical.
Member of Mayor's Art & Culture Commission for the City of Lansing
aided in development and recommendation of fine arts ciriculum for Lansing Public Schools in a post-COVID community.
Affiliations
- American Choral Directors Association
- Michigan Schools Vocal Music Association
- Mayor's Art's Council (former member)
Timeline
Artistic Director
DeWitt Community Singers
08.2017 - Current
Founding Artistic Director
Lansing Children's Choir
08.2015 - Current
Music Director
First Presbyterian Church Of Lansing
08.2014 - Current
Adjunct Professor
Marygrove College
09.2011 - 04.2013
Music Director
Project Daydream
08.2011 - 05.2014
Master of Music - Choral Conducting
Oakland University
Bachelor of Music - Vocal Performance
Marygrove College
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