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.
