Dr. Frank F. Eychaner

The Colorado Chorale is proud to name Dr. Frank F. Eychaner as its new Artistic Director. Currently the Director of Choral Studies/Music Education at Colorado Christian University, Dr. Eychaner came to Colorado Christian University in 2006. He completed his BA in Music Education and an MA in Choral Conducting at Central Washington University under the supervision of Geoffrey Boers. Eychaner recently completed his dissertation titled, "Transformational Collegiate Choral Leadership" and received the DMA 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. Recent conference presentations include "Balance, Blend and Vocal Voodoo: A Principled Approach to Achieving Ensemble Unity" and "Blow Man, Blow! Ten Keys to Developing Vocal Improvisers," clinics given at both the Colorado and Northwest MENC conventions in 2009.

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 released their 9th CD this spring. 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 of 18 years 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.

Leah Nemeth-Nunn

Leah Nemeth-Nunn, the principal accompanist for the Colorado Chorale, has been an honored elementary music teacher for many years. Ms. Nemeth-Nunn is active in Colorado Music Educators Association and the American Choral Directors Association. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Knox College and a Master of Music Education from the University of Colorado.

Carol Carlberg Meswarb

Carol Carlberg Meswarb is our assistant accompanist and principal accompanist for Encore, the smaller performing ensemble in the Chorale. Ms. Meswarb has been a private piano teacher, a handbell choir director, and church organist. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Music Education and Special Diploma in Pipe Organ Performance from Denison University in Granville, Ohio