Will McLean, M.M., Named Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Choral Activities for Baylor University’s School of Music

Waco, TX (Dec. 7, 2023) ­– After a nationwide search, the Baylor University School of Music and the Division of Choral Activities are proud to officially welcome Will McLean to the choral faculty in a tenure-track position. He joined the School of Music in fall 2022 as a temporary faculty member and will begin his full-time position effective June 1, 2024.

“I am so thrilled to be appointed as Assistant Professor and Associate Director of Choral Activities at Baylor,” said McLean. “To have the opportunity to work at a place that has been transformative for my family and me is incredibly humbling and a true honor. The opportunity to uniquely integrate spiritual, intellectual, artistic and musical life in my teaching were things that interested me in being at Baylor for the long term. I am looking forward to building on the successes that have occurred thus far this year and supporting our Baylor students in preparing for a life made more beautiful by their humanity and unique musical gifts.”

Prior to joining Baylor last fall, McLean was working toward and will continue to complete his dissertation in choral conducting at the University of North Texas. While at UNT, he served as the conductor of the UNT Chorale and taught undergraduate conducting. McLean also served as the associate conductor of the Dallas Symphony Chorus and served on the faculty at the University of Texas at Arlington. During his years of public-school teaching, ensembles under his direction performed at the National ACDA Convention and state NAfME conferences. His most recent research on repertoire trends in the United States was published in May 2023 issue of the Choral Journal.

“We are simply delighted to welcome Professor Will McLean to our faculty,” said Kristina MacMullen, D.M.A., The Mary Gibbs Jones Chair in Music and Director of Choral Activities. “His love for people, integrity, skill as a conductor-teacher, and artistic imagination will be integral in shaping the next chapter of choral music at Baylor University. We are so grateful!

McLean received his B.A. in Music Education from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and M.M. in Conducting from Baylor University, where he feels called home in his professional and artistic journey and honored to work with his esteemed colleagues.

“To continue working alongside the world-class faculty at Baylor is a dream come true,” said McLean. “In the Choral Area, and across the School of Music, I have been surrounded by gifted colleagues who value teaching the whole student and have committed to building collaborative relationships. I know that with our choral team of Kristina MacMullen, Reginal Wright, Randall Bradley, Michele Henry, and me, that we are well-positioned for the future. I believe in the work that we are doing at Baylor and that we will continue and build on the tradition of training some of the finest conductor-teachers-musicians in our field for years to come.

McLean will continue to conduct Bella Voce, the highly selective women’s ensemble, and the Concert Choir, the mixed choir with a strong reputation for choral excellence that performs music from all periods of the choral repertoire.

ABOUT THE BAYLOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Celebrating more than 100 years of musical excellence, the Baylor University School of Music provides transformational experiences that prepare students for careers in music. Students thrive in a Christian environment characterized by a nurturing resident faculty, an unwavering pursuit of musical excellence, a global perspective, dedication to service and devotion to faith. They investigate the rich musical and cultural heritage of the past, develop superior musical skills and knowledge in the present, and explore and create new modes of musical expression for the future. While preparing for future leadership roles, students join with School of Music faculty in enhancing the quality of community life, enriching the larger culture and making Baylor a place in which heart, mind and soul coalesce. Baylor’s School of Music is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Texas Association of Music Schools. Degree programs include bachelor’s and master’s degrees in performance, music education and academic majors, as well as doctoral degrees in church music. Degrees leading to the Bachelor of Music Education conform to certification requirements of the Texas Education Agency. Visit the School of Music website to learn more.