Harry Mathurin-Cecil (he/him/his)
Co-Founder / Artistic Director

My wife, my daughter, and my faith are the most significant features of my bio.  Any achievements I have gained have been because of my family’s love and support.

As an advocate for equity practices both in the classroom and in music programming, I have taught classes, published articles, and presented sessions at local and regional conferences. I have also performed extensive research on the preservation and accurate performance practice of African American music, presenting sessions for the Southwest Region American Choral Directors Association, Missouri Choral Directors Association, Missouri Statewide Collegiate Gospel Conference, and the Missouri Music Educators Association.  Along with memberships held with the aforementioned organizations, I am also a member of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Chorus America, and the Ohio Choral Directors Association. 

A double education in both gospel music and choral music have allowed me wonderful leadership opportunities in both worlds.  It began by being the music director of Unique Ensemble, the collegiate gospel choir at Truman State University (Kirksville, MO.).  After graduation, I accepted teaching positions at Jennings Sr. High School (St. Louis, MO.) and Mineral Area College (Park Hills, MO.).  I have also had the honor to serve in two significant symphonic choruses, as an assistant conductor of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra IN UNISON Chorus with Kevin McBeth, and as the Choral Conducting Fellow of the historic May Festival Chorus led by Robert Porco (Cincinnati, OH).  

I have received tutelage and training from great educators throughout my double education.  These mentors poured into me a great deal of perspective, knowledge, and technique.  Born and raised in Kansas City, my first influences were Mrs. Morgan, Mr. Gilpin, Mr. Fulkerson, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Newton, and the Bauchams, along with Dello Thedford in St. Louis.  As an undergraduate music major,  I owe a great deal to Dr. Mark Jennings and Dr. Thomas Hueber at Truman State University (Kirksville, MO.).  During my masters program in choral conducting at the University of Missouri-Columbia, Dr. Paul Crabb is responsible for my deeper study in music and helping me see that music must have an authentic impact on the world around us.  Currently enrolled in the DMA-Choral Conducting program at the College-Conservatory of Music (University of Cincinnati), Dr. Joe Miller and Dr. Brett Scott are continuously shaping the conductor I desire to be. 

Naming my mentors who shaped my professional biography was purposeful.  Without these advisors who graced me with opportunities and poured into me wisdom and support, my purpose to advocate, teach, and conduct would not be realized.  I stand on their shoulders.