Dr. Frank F. Eychaner

Dr. Frank F. Eychaner is in his third season as Artistic Director of The Colorado Chorale. Currently the Director of Choral Studies/Music Education at Colorado Christian University, Dr. Eychaner came to Colorado Christian University in 2006. The Choral program at Colorado Christian has doubled twice during Eychaner’s tenure and 11% of students that attend the University are in the choral ensembles. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and a Master of Arts in Choral Conducting at Central Washington University under the supervision of Geoffrey Boers. Eychaner completed his dissertation titled, "Transformational Collegiate Choral Leadership" and received the Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting at the University of Kentucky where he worked with Jefferson Johnson.

Eychaner has taught at the high school, community college, and university levels. Choirs under his direction consistently distinguish themselves through excellence both on and off-stage. They have been invited to appear at both state and regional conventions of the ACDA, the American Choral Directors Association and MENC, The National Association of Music Educators.

An active composer, conductor, clinician and presenter, Eychaner has published many articles on vocal jazz techniques and pedagogy including "The Jazz Choir Goes Legit: Copyright Law for the Vocal Jazz Educator" which was published in the *Choral Journal*, the National Journal of the American Choral Directors Association. Other research interests include teacher preparation, choral pedagogy, conducting, and leadership. His arrangements are available through UNC Jazz Press. Current research includes "10 Keys to Unlocking Artistic Choral Performances" a presentation for Nebraska Music Education Association and "Axioms for Choral Success.” Dr. Eychaner will present clinics and guest conduct in four states this season.

Though his first passion is teaching, Frank has enjoyed many performance opportunities. He has performed with the St. Martin's Chamber Choir, a Denver based professional ensemble that recently released their 9th CD. A past member of Male Ensemble Northwest, Frank also enjoys performing musical theatre, vocal jazz, and leading worship. Frank serves the choral community as the President-Elect of the College and University Council of the Colorado Music Educators Association and the Membership Chair of the Colorado chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.

When not making music, Frank enjoys spending time with Karen, his wife, and their three children. In the summertime, he can be found knee deep in a mountain river with fly rod in hand.

Steve Meininger

Steve Meininger is the associate director of the Colorado Chorale. Mr. Meininger, retired vocal music teacher from Green Mountain High School, currently teaches vocal music and theory at Metropolitan State College. Steve is a member of the CMEA Hall of Fame. He is also a past president of Colorado Music Educators Association and active in the American Choral Directors Association and MENC, the National Association of Music Educators. Steve received a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado.

Rachel M. Busch

Rachel Busch is the principal accompanist for The Colorado Chorale. She actively maintains a private piano studio in the Denver area, teaching piano lessons to students of all ages and backgrounds and working as a freelance accompanist, piano soloist, and chamber musician. Ms. Busch also served as an affiliate faculty member at Colorado Christian University from 2005-2010. A highlight of her experience at CCU was serving as the accompanist for the University Women’s Choir from 2006-2009. Ms. Busch holds a Bachelor of Music in piano performance from DePauw University and a Master of Music in piano performance from the University of Denver.