Ross Bernhardt

DR. ROSS C. BERNHARDT is Director of Choral Activities and Professor of Music at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, where he conducts the University Singers and teaches applied voice. He received a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting from Michigan State University, and Masters and Bachelors degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of Missouri, respectively.

Dr. Bernhardt served as assistant conductor for the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and was also the bass faculty for the Berkshire Choral Festival in Santa Fe. An active baritone soloist, Dr. Bernhardt has performed with musicians and organizations such as the Sparkling City Light Opera, Santa Fe Opera, Dave Brubeck, San Juan Symphony, Canterbury Choral Society, and the Santa Fe Symphony. He performed for 11 summer seasons with the Oregon Bach Festival under the direction of Helmuth Rilling.

An internationally recognized composer, Dr. Bernhardt was awarded third prize in the American Prize in Composition (opera/theater/film/dance) for his opera, "Olivia's Ocean". His choral compositions have won competition awards in the U.S., England, and Spain, and are published by Colla Voce, Shawnee Press, and Hinshaw. Dr. Bernhardt frequently conducts workshops for high school choirs throughout the South and Midwest. He previously served on the executive board of the West Tennessee Vocal Music Educators Association, is a charter member of the National Collegiate Choral Organization, and is a member of TMEA, ACDA, TCDA, NATS, and ASCAP.