2022–2023
Robert J. Ward | Casey L. Cook | Zac DelMonte | MGC officers
Robert J. Ward, conductor
Robert J. Ward currently serves as director of Choral Studies at The Ohio State University where he conducts the Men’s Glee Club and University Chorus. He also teaches courses in conducting and choral literature. Prior to his appointment at Ohio State, Dr. Ward was for sixteen years a member of the music faculty at Oklahoma State University. He has been honored with invitations to present concerts and lectures for National ACDA, National Collegiate Choral Organization, North Central Division ACDA, Central Division ACDA, International Kodály Educators, Organization of American Kodály Educators, Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Choral Directors Association, as well as Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Ohio, Utah, Arkansas, Louisiana and West Virginia Choral Directors Associations. He is currently the editor of a choral series published by Santa Barbara Music Publishers.
Casey L. Cook, collaborative pianist
Casey L. Cook began piano study at age four and was accompanying by age ten. Two of her most influential teachers were Mary Craig Powell, who nurtured her musical growth for 15 years, and Dr. Nelita True at the Eastman School of Music.
An accompanist for over 25 years, Ms. Cook has been honored to accompany national and regional honor choirs for the American Choral Directors Association, the Ohio Music Educators Association and the Ohio Choral Directors Association. In the School of Music, Ms. Cook serves as the principal accompanist for the choral program. Prior to coming to Ohio State, Cook accompanied choirs at Capital University and Bexley High School.
In addition to her academic appointment, Cook has served as pianist since 2000 for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra Chorus. This position has enabled her to play for some of the finest conductors and soloists in the world. In 2011 she joined the CSO as an Associate member of the orchestra.
Director of The Statesmen
Zac DelMonte is the artistic director for CCT (Columbus Children's Theatre), a professional and educational theatre company in Columbus. For the last decade, he has served as a producer, music director and conductor, voice teacher and accompanist for theatre companies around Central Ohio. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Zac earned his Bachelor of Music Education with a focus in Choral Music, and now serves on the Choral Conducting staff as the director of The Statesmen. In addition to his work with Ohio State, he is also the assistant artistic director of the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus and director of Illuminati, the CGMC’s sacred vocal ensemble. He is a frequent adjudicator for a cappella and choral competitions, and a featured presenter at the Ohio Educational Theater Association’s yearly conference. Zac is a passionate advocate for the arts and a proud member of the American Choral Directors Association and the Educational Theatre Association.
MGC Officers 2022–2023
- Colby Van Gorp, President
- Jay Jin, Vice President of Operations
- David Ricci, Vice President of Communications
- Andrew Highley, Vice President of Musicianship
- Grant Eckstrom, Vice President of Finance
