In 2016, Paul Thompson completed his DMA in Choral
Conducting and Repertoire at CU-Boulder, where his TA duties included directing
two vocal jazz ensembles, working with several choirs, and assisting in the
teaching of undergraduate conducting. Prior
to his doctoral studies, Paul was a member of the choral faculty at
UW-Milwaukee, directing the University Choir, the Men's Chorus, and teaching
conducting and voice classes. Paul also
spent time on the faculty at UW-Manitowoc where he taught music theory, aural
skills, music literature and appreciation, history of rock and roll, and directed
the choir.
Paul holds a MM in Choral Conducting
from UW-Milwaukee, and a BA in Voice from Marian University in Fond du
Lac. Between these degrees, he was
director of vocal music and jazz studies at St. Mary's Springs High School in
Fond du Lac, WI, where he directed the Concert Choir, Vocal Jazz ensembles,
Madrigal Singers, Music Liturgy Ensemble, and the Jazz Band. He has also directed church music for a
number of years and was most recently the director of choirs at Bethlehem Lutheran
church in Longmont, CO. In addition,
Paul served as artistic director and conductor of Cantabile in Boulder, CO and
the Lakeshore Choral in Sheboygan, WI.
Paul was also the music director at Maximillians in Mt. Calvary, WI,
where he is instrumental in the production of two professional music reviews
each year, and has prepared singers for performances with the Milwaukee
Symphony Orchestra and Bob McGrath of Sesame Street.
As a singer, Paul has received honors including winning the
2008 UW-Milwaukee Concerto and Aria competition and taking first place at the
Wisconsin NATS competition as a college senior in 2005. He has appeared as a soloist with the Boulder
Philharmonic, The Green Lake Festival, the Fond du Lac Summer Music Festival,
the South Shore Chorale, and the Fond du Lac Chamber Singers. Paul also
performed regularly with the East Side Chamber Players, a group of young
professional musicians from the Milwaukee area who perform concerts of chamber
works throughout the Midwest. In
addition, Paul has appeared as a guest artist with Vocal Tapestry, the
UW-Milwaukee University Community Orchestra, Present Music in Milwaukee, and as
a performer on the Yolanda Marculescu Vocal Arts Series.
As the Director of Choral Activities
at Francis Marion
University, Paul is taking an active role in the furtherance
of choral/vocal music both at the university and in the Florence area.
Paul is also a member of the Charleston based professional vocal
ensemble, The King's Counterpoint.