Dr. Lawrence Abernathy
President-Elect Candidate
Lawrence Abernathy’s Bio:
Lawrence is a choral artist based in Lawrence, Kansas. He serves as Director of Choirs at Washburn University where he leads the University Chorale (SATB) and VoxAura (treble voices) while teaching a variety of music courses including conducting, diction, world music and music appreciation. Recognized for his dynamic conducting style, Lawrence was awarded the 2023 Dale Warland Prize in Choral Conducting presented by The American Prize and is regularly in demand as a guest artist and lecturer. Lawrence's research interest focus on conducting pedagogy, novel approaches to score study, and the importance of including historical information into the choral rehearsal. In addition to his academic duties, Lawrence is a life-long church musician who has served congregations in Texas, Indiana, South Carolina and Georgia, and is currently the Director of Vocal Music at Community Christian Church in Kansas City, and Lawrence also maintains an active schedule as a tenor and has performed with ensembles such as Spire Chamber Ensemble, Te Deum, the Bloomington Bach Cantata Project, and The Cecilia Ensemble (Augusta, GA). Lawrence holds a Doctor of Music from Indiana University and a Master of Music from the University of South Carolina.
Lawrence Abernathy’s Vision Statement:
As a candidate for President of the Kansas Choral Director's Association, I am committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where all choral conductors—regardless of background, experience, or teaching context—feel a strong sense of belonging. I believe that our community thrives when it is diverse, collaborative, and open to new perspectives. By fostering connections between conductors and providing access to top-tier professional development, I aim to ensure that every member has the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
Innovation is essential to the future of choral music, and as President, I will champion creative approaches to teaching, performance, and outreach. I am dedicated to expanding our professional development offerings to include not only the time-tested methods but also cutting-edge practices that meet the evolving needs of today’s choral community. Together, we can create an environment where every conductor is inspired, equipped, and empowered to shape the future of choral music in Kansas.
Mrs. Kristin Chisham
President-Elect Candidate
Kristin Chisham’s Bio:
Kristin Chisham is in her 22nd year of teaching. She currently teaches 6-12 music at Douglass High School/Sisk Middle School where she also organizes and directs school musicals. During her career, many of Kristin’s choirs and students have earned superior ratings in district, state, and various music festivals.
As an Olive Beech Scholar, Kristin earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Wichita State University. She also earned her Master of Music Education from Central Methodist University.
Kristin was the Music Director for the Music Theatre of Young People’s production of “Seussical” under the auspices of Music Theatre of Wichita. As a private voice teacher, she has had students perform in various District, Regional, and State Honor Groups as well as place in the National Association of Teachers of Singing competitions. She sits on the South-Central KMEA Board as the Elementary Choir Chair and is the upcoming Middle School Choir Chair. She is the Music in Our Schools Month KMEA Advisor.
Outside of teaching, Kristin currently serves as the Director of Music at Hillside Christian Church and the Director of the Delano Chamber Choir. She has had the privilege of being theDirector of the State FFA Choir as well as Music Director for Opera Kansas.
In her spare time, she enjoys watching costume dramas, taking her dog on walks, and strength-training.
Kristin Chisham’s Vision Statement:
My vision statement is almost identical to President, Alex Underwood’s Vision Statement. After experiencing various choirs in different states and situations, I think it is imperative to listen and give the opportunity to support all our choir directors (elementary, middle level, high school, higher education, church and community choirs). Every individual regardless of age, gender, or student deserves a choir experience that has the support from KCDA.
My vision for KCDA is to foster a joyful and inclusive community where every individual and choral ensemble is valued and empowers each singer to reach their best musical experience and potential. I also have the hope that KCDA can provide a safe and open space where individuals can experience the transformational power of singing and creating music together. I also hope KCDA to inspire to love for choral music in our younger singers providing them the skills and confidence to become advocates for the arts.
