MUNSTER, Ind. (August 24, 2022) – The Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, and Music Director and Conductor Kirk Muspratt, have welcomed Thomas McNichols as the new Director of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus, replacing Dr. Nancy Menk who retired earlier this year.
“After an extensive search and many fine recommendations, we chose Tom to direct our wonderful chorus,” Maestro Muspratt said. “I am sure that the chorus is going to enjoy working with him both as a musical colleague and as a human being.”
McNichols is currently the Director of Choral Activities and Vocal Studies at Saint Xavier University in Chicago. An alumnus of SXU, Thomas earned a double undergraduate degree in vocal performance and music education. He has previously been on faculty at Stoney Creek Elementary, St. Bernadette Catholic Academy, St. Cajetan School, St. Catherine of Alexandria School, and Mother McAuley High School.
While completing his graduate studies in vocal performance at North Park University, McNichols was a featured soloist with the University Choir, Chamber Singers, and orchestra. As part of his choral experience at North Park, he was a tenor soloist in performances of Handel’s Messiah, and a participant in the Bach Week festival Chorus in Chicago, under the direction of Dr. Richard Webster. He has also performed internationally.
In addition to his work as a performer and instructor at SXU, Thomas is the choir director for the Queen of Martyrs and Saint Bernadette Parish in Evergreen Park and has been a clinician for the “Choir Tune-Up” hosted by the Chicago Chapter of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians.
As Chorus Director for the Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus, McNichols will work closely with the Symphony’s Music/Artistic Director to ensure the highest standards for the ensemble and will be responsible for all musical preparation of the choir.
Established in 1987, the Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus performs regularly with the symphony for popular concerts such as Holiday Pops, and joins the orchestra for major works. The chorus also presents its own concerts of masterworks and popular repertoire. This talented group of approximately 100 volunteer singers draws from the entire Northwest Indiana and South Chicago area, ranging in age from 17 and older.
Related
- NISO launches South Shore Summer Music Festival at Lansing’s Fox Pointe (July 24, 2022)
- Video: A visit with Flutist Cindy and Trombonist Tom of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra (July 21, 2022)
