Erich Wangeman received his B.A. in Music Education and M.A. in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University. He has enjoyed teaching vocal music to middle and high school students for over thirty years alongside incredible colleagues who have been wonderful friends and inspiring educators. Mr. Wangeman has mentored student teachers from Alma College, Eastern Michigan University, Michigan State University, and the University of Michigan. His own students have attended these, as well as many other notable schools of music and several have gone on to careers in music education at the elementary, secondary, and collegiate levels. Other students of Mr. Wangeman currently perform for opera companies throughout the United States and Europe, as well as in musicals on Broadway. Choirs under Mr. Wangeman’s direction have earned highest ratings at MSVMA festivals and have performed at the Michigan Youth Arts Festival and the Michigan Music Conference numerous times. He has had choirs featured at both Regional and National Conventions for the American Choral Directors Association, and his programs have been recognized by receiving prestigious education grants from National Geographic and the Weill Institute at Carnegie Hall. Mr. Wangeman is a nationally recognized choral clinician and the subject of the book, “Swagger, Gentlemanliness, and Brotherhood: Explorations of Lived Experiences In a High School Men’s Chorus” by Andrea Ramsey. He is frequently asked to present interest-sessions about the developing male voice and building men’s choruses. Mr. Wangeman has been recognized by Haslett Public Schools with an “Inspiration Award” and also during his tenure in Traverse City Public Schools as a Michigan Education Department “Proud Michigan Educator”. He has served MSVMA as President and he continues to be an active and grateful member of the organization, which has had a truly significant impact on his personal and professional life. Though distinction in performance remains a focus in his teaching, Mr. Wangeman’s greatest joy comes from the traditions built over the years by young people who are dedicated to vocal excellence, musical achievement, and the unique community created when people share their voices in song.