Biography

Dr. David Benz
Potter Hall 112C, 816-271-4428
dbenz@missouriwestern.edu

Dr. David Benz is the Director of Choral Activities at Missouri Western State University. He joined the Missouri Western music faculty in August 2004. He received his Bachelor degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Southwest Baptist University (1978), his Masters of Music degree in Choral/Orchestral Conducting from the University of Kansas (1981), and his doctorate in music education from the University of Missouri (1988). Benz has taught choral music at the high school level in Missouri and Florida. He has served as director of choral activities at universities in Missouri, Texas, and Louisiana. At both levels, Dr. Benz' choirs have been noted for their tonal beauty, technical precision, and expressive artistry. In addition to his conducting, Dr. Benz, a lyric baritone, remains active as a soloist. He is a past winner of the Advanced Division of the National Association of Teachers of Singing in Missouri.

Dr. Benz’ choirs at Missouri Western have been invited to perform for the Missouri Music Educators State Conference three times (2006, 2008, 2011). These MMEA performances by the Missouri Western choirs have kept the university’s music department active at the state level. Dr. Benz remains supportive of Missouri’s choral programs by actively serving as a clinician for church, school, and community choral events. He is considered a model teacher who continually inspires choral teachers and students to achieve a high level of musicianship in their learning and performance.

Dr. Benz serves as the Artistic Director of the St. Joseph Community Chorus and Chamber Choir. This year, 2010-2011, the Community Chorus is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Throughout its 30 years of performing, the Chorus and Chamber Choir have maintained a strong commitment to the presentation of beautiful choral music for its regional community. The 90-voice Chorus is one of the strongest volunteer choral programs in the state and region.

Additionally, Dr. Benz is a co-founder and Artistic Director of Missouri Verses and Voices. Verses and Voices is about poetry (Verses) and the many artistic ways we express creative words (Voices). Dr. Benz has initiated two new programs for Missouri through Verses and Voices; the Governor’s Verses and Voices Festival Concert of Missouri and the Missouri Composer Laureate position. The Composer Laureate is appointed to compose a song setting a poem by Missouri’s Poet Laureate. For more information about Verses and Voices go to: versesandvoices.org.