Dr. Brandon A. Boyd serves as Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Missouri's College of Music, holding the Marie M. and Harry L. Smith Endowed Chair. He directs the MU University Singers, Sankofa Chorale, and Choral Union Symphonic Chorus while teaching graduate courses in choral conducting, literature, and arranging. His research focuses on community-building through choral singing, with specific interests in organizing choirs for homeless populations, studying the social and physical effects of choral singing on senior citizens, and creating authentic field experiences for music therapy and choral education students. His work extends internationally through partnerships with Bolivian universities and domestic community initiatives including prison choirs and senior citizen ensembles. As a composer and arranger, Dr. Boyd's works appear in publications by Hinshaw Music, Gentry Publications, GIA, and Kjos Music Press. He curates the 'Brandon A. Boyd Choral Series' with Hinshaw Music and serves as Executive Choral Editor for Gentry Publications. His compositions primarily focus on African-American spirituals and traditional arrangements, often incorporating gospel elements and contemporary rhythmic signatures. Notable performances include collaborations with the London Symphony Orchestra, NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra, Nashville Symphony, Missouri Symphony, and St. Louis Symphony, with multiple appearances at Carnegie Hall as conductor, composer, and collaborative pianist. Marie M. and Harry L. Smith Endowed Chair National ACDA Composition Initiative committee member Executive Choral Editor of Gentry Publications Dr. Boyd maintains active community engagement through initiatives like the Santa Fe Desert Chorale's 'Giving Voice to the Voiceless' program, where he served as Composer-in-Residence and created the Interfaith Community Shelter Street Choir for homeless populations. His international work includes conducting workshops at Universidad Católica Boliviana and Universidad Evangelica in Bolivia through Partners of the Americas. He directs significant choral community partnerships including the Tallahassee Senior Choir, RAA Middle School Partnership Choir, and MTC Women's Prison Glee Club, demonstrating his commitment to music's social impact beyond traditional academic settings.
