2026-2027 Audition Information

Voice

• Audition piece - Awake the Trumpet's Lofty Sound (from "Samson") 

Piano

• Audition piece - A Fable - Dello Joio

            About the 2027 Guest Director - Dr. Dustin Cates

Dr. Dustin S. Cates is a teacher, conductor, singer, researcher and proud native of Kansas City, Missouri. He is passionate about music making and its ability to have a positive impact on the human condition.  As a result of his experience as a leader and educator, he is in demand as a choral adjudicator, clinician, presenter, and conductor throughout the United States. 

Dr. Cates conducts the Temple University Chorale, supervises graduate students, and teaches courses in music education, choral/vocal pedagogy and choral methods. His research focuses on issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice in choral music. Prior to his work at Temple, Dr. Cates served as Artistic Director and Conductor of Heartland Men’s Chorus, taught high school choral music in the Kansas City metropolitan area, and served as Associate Director of Worship Arts at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection. 

Dr. Cates is an active member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). He serves as National ACDA Repertoire and Resources Chair for Tenor/Bass choral ensembles and is Past President of the Kansas Choral Directors Association. Dr. Cates considers his most important roles to be husband to Dr. Raymond Cattaneo, and father to their son Emmaus.