Education 1992 Doctor of Musical Arts 1984 Master of Music 1979 Bachelor of Arts University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music Kansas City, MO Major: Conducting; extensive study in Choral and Instrumental Conducting, Voice, Choral Literature, Music History, Music Theory, Church Music, Acoustics, Music Psychology, and Foreign Languages (German, Italian, and Latin). Dissertation: The Large Choral Works of Ron Nelson, U.M.K.C., University Microfilms, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1992. University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music Kansas City, MO Conducting; extensive study in Choral and Instrumental Conducting, Voice, Choral Literature, Music History, and Music Theory University of Sioux Falls Sioux Fall, SD Major: Music Education; additional study in Voice, Conducting and Secondary Methods. Certification: K 12 Professional Experience Summary Music Director David R. Thye, DMA P r o f e s s i o n a l R e s u m é 2005-Present 2007-2016 Teaching 2007-2016 1989-2005 1979-1989 208 W. Smoke Tree Road Gilbert, AZ 85233-6910 davethye@gmail.com (940) 765-2956 Conductor-in-Residence with MidAmerica Productions and MidAm International in New York City (Conducting concerts in Carnegie Hall and abroad) Chorus Master of Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra The Robert L. Burton Chair/Professor of Conducting at Southwestern School of Music Professor of Music at universities in South Dakota, Montana, and Arizona Music Instructor at high schools in Iowa and Kansas Choral 1979-2016 Director of Choirs at Southwestern School of Music, Director of Choral Activities at Southwestern College, The University of Montana, The University of Sioux Falls, Olathe North Senior High School (large Kansas City suburban school) and Lincoln Comm. School (rural Iowa junior/senior high school) Church 1977-2014 Director of Music & Worship at mega-churches (5,000+ membership) in South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Montana, Texas, and Arizona Conductor 1981-Present Conductor/Clinician/Adjudicator/Lecturer for numerous professional and civic music organizations, universities, high schools, churches, and the Music Educators and Choral Directors Associations in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, California, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Idaho, Texas, Pennsylvania, New York, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Montana, Wyoming, Washington, and Arizona Voice 1977-Present Guest Soloist/Clinician/Adjudicator/Lecturer for universities, high schools, churches, professional and civic music organizations, and the Music Educators and Choral Directors Associations in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, California, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania, New York, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, and Arizona Director/Chair 1981-2016 Department Director/Music Chair at every employed institution
Musical Honors 2005-Present Principal Conductor-in-Residence MidAmerica Productions & MidAm International Largest independent producer of concerts in NYC s Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center and concerts abroad in Florence, Vienna, Syros, Shanghai and Beijing annually. 2007-2016 The Robert L. Burton Chair & Professor of Graduate Conducting Southwestern School of Music/Fort Worth, TX 2007-2016 Chorus Master Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra 2007-2016 Artistic Director and Music Director Southwestern Master Chorale/FWSO Principal Chorus The Southwestern Master Chorale performs 4-6 annual concerts in Bass Hall under the baton of Miguel Harth-Bedoya and other world-renown conductors. Dr. Thye s Master Chorale combines with the FWSO under his baton for an average of 4 concerts annually in Bass Hall and MacGorman Chapel (Messiah, Gala of Music, and 2 other major works). In June of 2011, under Dr. Thye s baton, the Master Chorale was featured with the New England Symphonic Orchestra and professional soloists in a sell-out concert performance featuring 2 master work World Premieres and Mozart s Requiem; Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts Avery Fisher Hall in NYC 2011. 2006-2007 Music Director & Conductor Park Slope Singers (Community Chorus Brooklyn, NY) 2005 Conductor of the Southwestern College Chorale selected to perform a Prelude Concert solo performance in Carnegie Hall on Easter Day in New York City; Dr. Thye s choirs also joined forces to present John Rutter s Gloria and Te Deum under the baton of Rutter himself; Phoenix, AZ. 2005 Conductor of the Southwestern College Choirs selected to perform at the Arizona State Music Educators Convention; Phoenix, AZ. 2002 Founder and Writer of the Southwestern College Music Department program; two degree programs in Music Education and Music Ministry were granted by Arizona and North Central Education Association Accreditation; Phoenix, AZ. 1981-Present Guest Conductor/Clinician for numerous state and regional Choir Festivals. 1995-2000 Conductor of Grace Community Church Annual Concert Series, Christmas Productions and Easter Pageants where over 10,000 people attended each concert; Tempe, AZ. 1995 Choral Host of the Montana All-State Choral Festival and Conductor of the University of Montana Choirs selected to perform a Host Night Concert for the Montana M.E.N.C. Convention; Missoula, MT. 1995 Conductor of the University of Montana Chamber Chorale chosen to perform in the House and Senate Chambers and Rotunda at the Montana State Capitol Building in Helena, MT. 1992 Guest Conducting Artist for the Reno County Choral Society; Hutchinson, KS. 1990-1991 Conductor of the University of Sioux Falls Concert Chorale and Singing Camerata which were selected to represent the state of South Dakota at the following performances: 1. The M.E.N.C. North Central Convention in Madison, WI; Sioux Fall, SD, ( 91) 2. The 100 th Anniversary Celebration of Carnegie Hall in N.Y.C. (performed Verdi s Requiem with the Manhattan Philharmonic); Sioux Falls, SD ( 91) 3. The South Dakota A.C.D.A. Convention in Pierre, SD; Sioux Falls, SD ( 90) 1984 & 1989 Conductor of the ONSHS A Cappella Choir which took first place ( Sweepstakes Winner ) at the Worlds of Fun Festival of Choirs in Kansas City, MO; Olathe, KS. 1983 & 1989 Conductor of ONSHS A Cappella Choir and Chorale which performed at the K.M.E.A. State Convention; Olathe, KS.
1988 Conductor of ONSHS A Cappella Choir chosen as one of six choirs in the nation to perform in the Big Apple H.S. Choral Festival in Lincoln Center s Avery Fisher Hall in New York City; Olathe, KS. 1985 Conductor of ONSHS Chorale which represented the state of Kansas at the Young Americans National Performance Choir Festival in Los Angeles, CA; Olathe, KS. 1981-1989 Conductor of numerous ONSHS students accepted into the Kansas State-Wide Chorus (averaged 25 students annually); Olathe, KS. 1981-1989 Conductor of ONSHS A Cappella Choir, Chorale, numerous ensembles and soloists who consistently received "I" ratings at Kansas Large and Small Group Contests (i.e. the ONSHS choral program received a total of 46 superior ratings at the 1987 Kansas State Solo and Ensemble Festival); Olathe, KS. 1987 University of Sioux Falls Pacesetter Award (honoring one alumnus who has made a noticeable impact in their chosen field); Olathe, KS. 1986 Inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society for maintaining a 4.0 cumulative grade point average in Graduate Studies; U.M.K.C. 1979 Don McCabe Award (outstanding student teacher in music); U.S.F. 1979 Lee Bright Choir Award (outstanding senior choir member); U.S.F. 1979 Purple Feather Award (outstanding character, scholarship, leadership, service); U.S.F. Professional & Civic Memberships American, Arizona and Texas Choral Director s Association National Association for Music Educators, Arizona and Texas Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Conductor s Guild Objective My personal objective is to provide artistic leadership, conduct, teach and inspire musical mastery while establishing a reputation for the highest professional standards of performance, skill, expertise, and artistry. I truly enjoy supporting and promoting artists and music organizations who seek the highest levels of performance standards and scholarly demonstrate professional outcomes in live musical performance and presentation. As a professional conductor and Artistic Music Director, I desire to lead, administrate, and/or conduct any of the following: professional choral organizations and/or symphonic orchestras, university choral programs, state high school honor choirs, or any choral/orchestral ensemble desiring to continue its legacy of musical expertise that is meritorious for its artistry, exquisite musicianship, and stellar performance standards. Professionally, I desire to provide cutting-edge artistic and administrative leadership to continue the reputation of an already established music and arts school of music and/or professional arts organization.
Professional Work Experience 2007-present 2007-present Conductor-in-Residence MidAmerica Productions, Inc., Carnegie Hall; New York, NY MidAmerica is the largest independent producer of concerts in Carnegie Hall. Thye continues to travel to NYC to conduct 4-6 major concerts annually. Each concert features a 250-voice choir performing a choral masterwork accompanied by The New England Symphonic Ensemble and professional soloists. Conductor-in-Residence MidAm International, Inc., Concerts Abroad; New York, NY MidAm International produces tours and concerts overseas and abroad. Thye continues to travel to Italy, Austria, Greece and China to conduct major concerts annually with local symphonies and professional singers. 2007-2016 The Robert L. Burton Chair and Professor of Graduate Conducting Southwestern Seminary School of Music; Fort Worth, TX Conducted/Taught: Master Chorale, Southwestern Singers and all graduate (masters and doctoral) courses in choral and instrumental conducting. 2007-2016 Chorus Master Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra Prepared and conducted large choral works to be performed annually with the FWSO. (The Southwestern Master Chorale is the principal chorus of the FWSO.) 2005-2007 Principal Conductor-in-Residence MidAmerica Productions, Inc., Carnegie Hall; New York, NY MidAmerica is the largest independent producer of concerts in Carnegie Hall. While living in Manhattan, Thye prepared choruses for incoming Guest Conductors as the Principal Conductor-in-Residence and personally conducted 6 major concerts annually. Each concert featured a 250-voice choir performing a choral masterwork accompanied by The New England Symphonic Ensemble and professional soloists. 2000-2005 Director of Choral Activities, Professor of Music, Chair of Music Program Southwestern College; Phoenix, AZ Conducted/Taught: SWC Chorale, SWC Jubilate, Conducting, Music History, Music Theory, Secondary Choral Methods, Vocal Pedagogy, Applied Voice Lessons; also Director of Musicals/Operas/Major Works, Director of annual choir tour, Academic Advisor of Music Majors. 1995-2000 Director of Music Ministries Grace Community Church; Tempe, AZ Conducted/Taught: Adult Choir and Orchestra, Masters Chorale, Youth Choir, Handbell Choir, numerous vocal and instrumental ensembles including several Worship Teams, Applied Vocal Lessons; also Worship Leader, Director of annual "Singing Christmas Tree" Production/Musicals/Major Works, Administrator of music programs/worship services. Over 10,000 people attend weekly services. 1994-1995 Director of Choral Activities, Associate Professor of Music University of Montana; Missoula, MT Conducted/Taught: University Choir, Chamber Chorale, Choral Conducting, Applied Voice Lessons, Voice in Class; also Chair of Choral Division, Academic Advisor of Music Majors, Advisor of Collegiate MENC Chapter on campus, Director of annual choir tours, Director/Administrator of annual choir festivals. 1991-1994 Director of Music Ministries First Mennonite Brethren Church; Wichita, KS Conducted/Taught: Sanctuary Choir, Master's Chorale, Youth Choir, Orchestra, Men's and Women's Choruses, Handbell Choir, numerous vocal and instrumental ensembles including two Worship Teams, Applied Vocal Lessons; also Worship Leader, Director of Musicals/Major Works, Administrator of all music programs/worship services. Around1,000 people attend weekly services.
1989-1991 Director of Choral Activities, Asst. Professor of Music, Chair of Music and Arts Dept. University of Sioux Falls; Sioux Falls, SD Conducted/Taught: Concert Chorale, Singing Camerata, Chapel Choir, Madrigal Dinners, Conducting, Music History, Secondary Choral Methods, Vocal Pedagogy, Applied Voice Lessons; also Director of Musicals/Operas/Major Works, Director of annual choir tour, Academic Advisor of Music Majors. 1981-1989 Choral Music Instructor and Chair of Music and Arts Department Olathe North Senior High School; Olathe, KS Conducted/Taught: A Cappella Choir, Chorale, O.N.H.S. Singers, Music Theory, State-Wide Chorus Auditioners, Soloists/Ensembles for State Festivals, Applied Voice Lessons; also Director of Musicals/Major Works, Director of annual recording produced at a Kansas City recording studio, Director of annual choir tour. 1979-1981 Choral Music Instructor and Music Department Chair Lincoln Community School; Stanwood, IA Conducted/Taught: Junior High Chorus, Junior High General Music, High School Mixed Chorus, Girls' Glee, Swing Choir, Chamber Choir, Madrigals, All-State Quartets and Small Ensembles, Applied Voice Lessons, Musical Director. Professional Performance Experience 2007-present 2007-present Conductor-in-Residence for MidAmerica Productions conducting in NYC s Carnegie Hall and/or Lincoln Center 2-4 times annually. Conductor-in-Residence with MidAm International producing and conducting tours and concerts overseas and abroad in Austria, Italy, France, Greece, and China. 2007-2016 Chorus Master of the Southwestern Master Chorale/FWSO Principal Chorus 2005-2007 Principal-Conductor-in-Residence for MidAmerica Productions, conducting in Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center 6 times annually, additionally rehearsing and preparing choir monthly for concerts featuring incoming world-renowned conductors. 1982-present 1981-present 1979-present 1977-present Guest Conductor/Clinician/Adjudicator for the Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, Washington, Wyoming, New York, Arizona, and Texas Choral Directors Associations. Guest Conductor/Clinician/Lecturer for 300+ colleges/high schools/churches/civic and professional music organizations internationally and nationwide. Conductor of 150+ oratorios/opera/choral masterworks/musicals or large-scale music productions Conductor of 1000+ professional/collegiate/church/community/high school choral/instrumental concerts 1983, 86, 87 Masters & Doctoral Conducting Performances; U.M.K.C. 1982 Acquired Graduate Voice Level; U.M.K.C. 1978 & 1979 Junior & Senior Recitals in Voice; U.S.F. 1974-present Vocal Soloist for numerous churches/professional music organizations nationwide
Other Job-Related Experience Director of Choral Activities Southwestern Graduate School of Music; Fort Worth, TX, 2007-2016 Southwestern College; Phoenix, AZ, 2000-2005 University of Montana; Missoula, MT, 1994-1995 University of Sioux Falls; Sioux Fall, SD, 1989-1991 Olathe North Senior High School; Olathe, KS, 1981-1989 Lincoln Community School; Stanwood, IA, 1979-1981 Music Department Chairman Southwestern College; Phoenix, AZ, 2000-2005 University of Sioux Falls; Sioux Falls, SD 1989-1991 Olathe North Senior High School; Olathe, KS, 1981-1989 Lincoln Community School; Stanwood, IA, 1979-1981 Coordinator/Host of Conference, Regional and State Choral Music Festivals Private Voice Instructor Director of Music Ministries/Adult Choir and Orchestra Director North Central Association Visiting Evaluation Team Member Guest Conductor/Clinician/ Adjudicator/Lecturer Guest Vocal Soloist/Clinician/ Adjudicator/Lecturer Guest Lecturer on Worship Arts/Music Ministry Guest Conductor/Clinician University of Montana; Missoula, MT, 1994-1995 University of Sioux Falls; Sioux Falls, SD, 1989-1991 Olathe North Senior High School; Olathe, KS, 1981-1989 Lincoln Community School; Stanwood, IA, 1979-1981 Various locations; 1976-present First Baptist Church; Justin, TX, 2009-2015 Grace Community Church (full-time position); Tempe, AZ, 1995-2000 Arizona Community Church; Tempe, AZ, 2000-2002 Bethel Baptist Church; Missoula, MT, 1994-1995 First Mennonite Brethren church (full-time position); Wichita, KS, 1991-1994 First Baptist Church; Sioux Falls, SD, 1990-1991 Community Bible Church; Olathe, KS, 1987-1989 First Baptist Church; Olathe, KS, 1982-1986 First Christian Church; Sioux Falls, SD, 1977-1979 Numerous high schools in Kansas City, KS, 1988-1989 Numerous universities, high schools, churches, professional and civic organizations, and the Music Educator and Choral Directors Associations in 25 states and overseas; 1988-present Numerous universities, high schools, churches, professional and civic organizations, and the Music Educator and Choral Directors Associations in 25 states; 1988-present Numerous churches nationwide; 1988-present Numerous Music Store Reading Sessions nationwide; 1993-present
Background I was born and raised in Burlington, Iowa. My musical career began studying trumpet and vocally singing as a soloist in my hometown. My career continued as a conductor and music director in universities, schools and churches throughout the Midwest, Northwest, Southwest and Northeast. My entire professional career has been involved as an arts advocate while conducting and administrating vocal and instrumental musical forces while involving creative and performing artists in art and design, dance and theatre. My wife is a 30-year public school educator and has become my full-time artistic assistant. We have been married 39 years and we have two awesome adult sons with beautiful wives who are all fine musicians. Six healthy and happy grandchildren delight our lives these days. Interests I am interested in producing outstanding "live" musical performances as a vocation. I equally enjoy working with consummate artists (i.e. musicians, dancers, actors. and both graphic and creative designers with the highest professional standards and abilities, especially those who seek the most exquisite outcomes with regard to style, nuance and phrasings, tone and color, cutting-edge artistry and dynamic excitement and beauty) to present the highest professional purposes and outcomes in order to stir and inspire a new generation and age of creativity and performance. I also enjoy motivating, inspiring and training musicians to create a superb level of live performance. I enjoy sharing and communicating the awesome majesty of the combined arts in order to inspire both the performer and the listener. I desire to live my daily life with the highest level of integrity and character and professionalism with a personal desire for both musical and personal accountability. I truly have a deep love for inspiring excellence in others. I have a passion for people and realizing the best in them. I also enjoy many indoor and outdoor sports and activities: football, basketball, tennis, racquetball, golf, snow/water skiing, swimming and hunting. I enjoy success in team endeavors. Being a professional musician and conductor, I consider myself to be an artistic coach one who inspires musicians to the highest standards of professional performance and outcomes. Professional Goal I enjoy motivating through music and have a deep passion for teaching and inspiring excellence in others. Professionally, my interpersonal skills and corporate leadership style causes cutting-edge artistic outcomes and outstanding performing organizations where discipline, creativity and knowledge is reinforced. My primary musical goal is to teach and conduct choral and instrumental music at the professional, collegiate, and multi-age levels of performance and education. I seek to inspire musical excellence in others as an artistic director, conductor, educator, performer, administrator, clinician, adjudicator and lecturer. My music appreciation and knowledge extends from the Middle Ages to the most contemporary styles and trends. My musical taste singles out the finest aesthetic and artistic compositions from these many diverse eras. My professional goal, with over 39 years of leadership experience in the arts, is to continue to conduct and manage an organization of musicians and artists with ages ranging from elementary-age to professional-based adult ensembles encompassing such varied genres as jazz, symphonic works, musical theatre, opera and oratorio while cross-culturally involving art and design, dance and theatre. My expertise in administrative leadership, coupled with my passion for collaboration and multi-disciplinary work, along with my experience as an educator, artist and conductor, combine with my professional and personal desire to be an Executive Director, Dean, or General Director of an arts organization or large university s College of Fine Arts. As a conductor, I desire to direct a professional music organization performing multiple concerts annually with access to a repertoire containing a wide variety of music. I am at ease with directing instrumentalists or vocalists, and I enjoy combining musical forces in performance. Ultimately, I am a team player and inspirational motivator seeking to find a professional organization or institution in search of a dynamic director, administrator, and conductor desiring to establish a world-renown tradition known for its exquisite artistic excellence.
References Dr. Brent Garrison Dr. Stephen Johnson Dr. Peter Tiboris Dr. Aaron Rice Dr. Eph Ehly Past President of Southwestern College in Phoenix, AZ. Present Vice President of Education with CEO Forum in Colorado Springs, CO. Past Dean of the School of Music at Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, TX. Present Dean of the School of Music at Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA. CEO, General Director, Artistic and Music Director of MidAmerica Productions, Inc. and MidAm International in New York City, NY. Graduated doctoral conducting student of mine and Director of Choral Activities at Shorter University. Retired Professor of Choral Music and Director of Choral Activities at the U.M.K.C. Conservatory of Music in K.C., MO. 27221 N. 55 th Drive Phoenix, AZ 85083 brent@ceoforum1.org (719) 659-4776 Mobile 1305 Paseo Encanto San Dimas, CA 91773 stephenjohnson@apu.edu (626) 822-0414 Mobile MidAmerica Productions, Inc. 39 Broadway Ave., Suite 3600 (36 th Floor) New York, NY 10006 mozart11@aol.com (973) 725-2622 Mobile Shorter University 315 Shorter Avenue Rome, GA 30165 aaronrice10@gmail.com (919) 740-8116 Mobile 17317 West 70 th Street Shawnee, KS 66127 ehlye@umkc.edu (913) 268-9022 Home (913) 271-6107 - Mobile