Anton Armstrong is the founding artistic director of the Stangeland Family Youth Choral Academy and an award-winning teacher widely recognized for his work with singers of all ages. He is the Harry R. and Thora H. Tosdal Professor of Music at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota, and has been conductor of the internationally acclaimed St. Olaf Choir since 1990. A graduate of St. Olaf, Armstrong earned advanced degrees at the University of Illinois and Michigan State University. Armstrong conducts and lectures around the world and has conducted ensembles and appeared before regional, national, and international gatherings of the American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America, National Association for Music Education, Choristers Guild, and the International Federation for Choral Music.
Dr. Therees Tkach Hibbard has served as conductor, adjudicator, and clinician for numerous choral organizations throughout Great Britain, Europe and North America; as well as in Hong Kong, Oman and recently in Lesvos, Greece. Her work as a vocal and movement specialist in the training of choral singers and conductors has created unique opportunities for her to collaborate with choirs and conductors from around the world. Her research on enhancing choral performance through movement training has led to the development of a comprehensive choral education philosophy of “BodySinging”; most clearly demonstrated through her work with the Oregon Bach Festival Youth Choral Academy, the St. Olaf Choir, and the American Boychoir. Therees has been on the faculty of the SFYCA since its inception, and was a member of the Oregon Bach Festival Berwick Chorus for over 20 years. She is presently Associate Professor of Choral Music at St. Olaf College where she directs the Manitou Singers and St. Olaf Chamber Singers.
Philip Biedenbender holds a bachelor’s degree in theory/composition from St. Olaf College and a master’s degree in choral conducting from Florida State University. He currently serves as Associate Minister of Music at Christ Lutheran Church, Charlotte, and Managing Director, Assistant Conductor, and Pianist for the Charlotte Master Chorale. As a pianist, he has collaborated with numerous honor choirs, ensembles, and organizations, including, since 2022, the Oregon Bach Festival Stangeland Family Youth Choral Academy. He is an award-winning composer whose works have been performed by musical groups across the globe. His music is available from earthsongs, EC Schirmer/Galaxy, and Biedenbender Music Publishing.