Dr. Jeffrey Allen Murdock is internationally known as a conductor and clinician. He currently serves as Director of Choral Activities, Professor of Music, and founding director of the Arkansas Center for Black Music at the University of Arkansas. He is the 2016 Connor Endowed Faculty Fellow in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Science, and 2019 Most Outstanding Faculty at the University of Arkansas. He is the 2021 GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year.

Dr. Murdock has conducted regional and state honor choirs, and headlined conferences in 26 states and 8 countries. With research interests including of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in the Choral Classroom, Music in Urban Schools, and Social Justice in Music Education, he has presented at state, regional and national conferences of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), the International Society for Music Education (ISME), and the American Choral Directors Association, where he serves as president of the Southwestern Division, past-president of Arkansas ACDA, and serves on the national diversity subcommittee. Choirs under Dr. Murdock’s direction have performed at the Arkansas All-State Conference and the Southwestern Division Conference of the American Choral Directors Association. In addition to being an accomplished conductor of western choral music, Dr. Murdock is also a skilled gospel musician and conductor. He has served on the conducting staff of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., has collaborated with numerous world-renowned Gospel recording artists.

Dr. Murdock holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting, both from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Music Education from the University of Memphis.

Tracy Hilaire is currently the Director of Choral Ensembles at Delta State University in Cleveland, MS. Hilaire recently served on the music faculties of Tiffin University and Defiance College as an Affiliate Professor/ Instructor of Music and Director of Choral Activities. At these institutions, he conducted the Tiffin University Choir, TU GOSPEL Choir, Defiance College Choir, and Men's of DC (Tenor/Bass Choir), in addition to teaching music survey courses. Currently, Hilaire is a doctoral student at William Carey University’s Winters School of Music, where he is studying Music Ministry with an emphasis in conducting with Dr. Joel Dunlap and Dr. Brandon Hardin. Hilaire, a proud New Orleans native, has a profound love for Traditional Spirituals, R&B, and Jazz. Passionate about advancing music education across the country, he views himself as a “vocal activist” for this cause. His graduate thesis research explores the concept of “Educators as Servant Leaders in Christ.” Hilaire earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a focus in Voice and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Belhaven University, and he also holds a Master of Music degree from William Carey University.   Hilaire has performed internationally at prestigious venues including Westminster Abbey, Bath Abbey, and St. Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge, London. He has collaborated with renowned composers such as John Rutter and Bob Chilcott. Additionally, Hilaire has worked closely with distinguished figures in the choral, instrumental, and worship community, including Dr. Vernon Whaley, Dr. Cameron Weatherford, Dr. Francis Cathlina, Dr. Mark Stover, Dr. Jessica McMillan, Dr. Paxton Girtmon, Professor Casey Kirk, and Professor Chris Phillips. 

A native of Ashland, Virginia, Dr. Brandon T. Cash is a distinguished conductor, music educator, vocalist, and choral clinician, widely recognized for his dedication to artistic excellence and student success. He currently serves as Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU), a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), where he conducts the University Choir, Valley Singers, Men’s Glee Club, and Women’s Chorale. He also teaches courses in Choral Conducting, Secondary Choral Methods, and Applied Voice. Dr. Cash’s academic and professional journey reflects a steadfast commitment to education and performance. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education PreK-12 and a Master of Arts in Counseling with an emphasis in Student Affairs and College Student Development from Hampton University. He later earned a Master’s in Choral Conducting from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and a Doctor of Education in Choral Music Education from the University of Georgia. Additionally, Dr. Cash holds advanced certifications in Educational Leadership from the University of Georgia and Music Education K-12 from Piedmont College, reflecting his dedication to leadership and lifelong learning.

Since joining MVSU in 2019, Dr. Cash has revitalized the choral program, cultivating a culture of musical excellence and achievement. Under his leadership, the Valley Singers earned their first-ever invitation to perform at the 2025 Mississippi Music Educators Association (MMEA) and Mississippi American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) State Conference. The University Choir also gained national recognition with a performance at the 2022 National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO) Conference. An active guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and presenter, Dr. Cash we led the 2025 Mississippi All-State Junior High Treble Choir and has prepared ensembles for regional, national, and international performances. In March 2025, the Valley Singers competed in the 33rd International Verona Choral Competition in Italy, where they earned 2nd place (Silver Cup) in their mixed choir category. Dr. Cash’s experience spans both K–12 and higher education, and he is known for guiding ensembles to high levels of artistry and performance. He currently serves on the National Board of the National Collegiate Choral Organization, Phi Mu Alpha, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and sings with The Greenwood Chorale.

Alex Gartner is the Artistic & Executive Director of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus (PCC). Under his leadership since 2016, PCC’s programs have expanded to include 14 unique choirs and unique musical initiatives that spread music throughout Northwest Florida and Southwest Alabama through innovative means of performance, creativity, and collaboration. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Gartner previously served as the Assistant Director of the Cincinnati Youth Choir. He is an active composer, clinician, and conductor. He has led honor choirs and led presentations throughout the United States, and his choirs have performed in esteemed concert halls across the country and internationally in China, Italy, Costa Rica, and Ireland. A prominent advocate for the arts in the United States, he presently serves on the national Advocacy & Collaboration Standing Committee of the American Choral Directors Association and previously served on the Arts Education Advisory Committee for Americans for the Arts. He is the co-author of The Business of Choir: A Choral Leader’s Guide for Organizational Growth, a resource for choir directors who seek to expand the scope and scale of their choral programs. Mr. Gartner holds degrees in Music Education from the University of Florida and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM). He has been recognized by CCM, Chorus America, and several Pensacola institutions for his leadership in the fields of music education and the arts.