William Plummer

Dr. William Plummer serves as Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's School of Music and Performing Arts, leading the acclaimed UL Lafayette Chamber Singers since its 2012 founding while teaching choral conducting, literature, and keyboard courses.

His academic credentials include:

• Bachelor of Arts in Music from Berea College (2000)
• Master of Music in Choral Conducting from University of Louisville (2004)
• Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from Louisiana State University (2017)

Research focuses on performance practices, Hungarian and Eastern European choral repertoire, and early music, with emphasis on historically informed performance and revival of centuries-old works. His scholarship bridges musicology with practical conducting through modern premieres of neglected compositions.

Recent publications demonstrate interdisciplinary reach across music composition, historical consultancy, and material culture studies. The 2025 book Relics examines North American artifacts while choral works and historical reconstructions like Graupner's cantata showcase his dual expertise in contemporary creation and archival recovery.

Major accolades include:

• Grand Prix at Michelangelo International Music Festival (2022)
• National Finalist for Dale Warland Award (2023)
• 1st Place at Wales International Choir Competition (2021)
• Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor (2020-21)
• Multiple international competition placements with Chamber Singers

As an award-winning mentor, he guides student research through premiere performances of new works and historical reconstructions. Funded projects include Carnegie Mellon's Civil War monuments initiative and collaborations with The Imagination Movers, providing students with professional recording opportunities.

He directs the internationally recognized UL Lafayette Chamber Singers, which has performed at Louisiana ACDA conferences, received UK radio airplay, and collaborated with global ensembles including Imperial College Choir. His regional partnerships with artists like cellist Molly Plummer expand performance opportunities beyond campus.