COLLEGIATE CONDUCTING
MASTERCLASS
Undergraduate
Oregon State University
Brenda Olvera
Brenda Olvera is a senior music education major at Oregon State University, where she has played a key role in expanding the ACDA student chapter through active recruitment, event coordination, and campus outreach. She represents all students on both the NWACDA and Oregon ACDA boards, contributing to regional choral initiatives and student engagement. Brenda currently serves as the Music Ministry Intern at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in Corvallis, where she assists the Music Director with the traditional Sanctuary Choir, Children's Choir, and the Schola Cantorum, an ensemble dedicated to Gregorian chant, while also serving as a cantor. In addition to her collegiate and church work, Brenda is currently student teaching in the Salem-Keizer School District, supporting middle school choir development and fostering inclusive, joyful music-making. Passionate about community-centered choral artistry, she is committed to creating expressive and meaningful musical experiences for singers of all ages.
University of Montana
Jackson Bautista
Jackson Bautista is a sophomore at the University of Montana, double majoring in Music Education and Trumpet Performance. He is passionate about music at every level and is a member of six ensembles at the university, including the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Chamber Chorale where he serves as the Bass 2 section leader. Despite only being in his second year, Bautista is an officer in UM's ACDA student chapter and has already been featured as a guest conductor for the University Concert Band, Chamber Chorale, Tuba/Euphonium Ensemble, and Horn Choir in addition to conducting at several of his peers’ recitals. Even though he is primarily an instrumentalist, singing in choir is a defining part of Bautista's musical journey, and he feels deeply inspired by the power and community of choral singing.
Graduate
Central Washington Univeristy
Christopher Lerch
Christopher Lerch is a conductor, educator, and tenor whose work blends a deep love of choral music with a commitment to thoughtful teaching. He is currently completing his Master of Music in Choral Conducting at Central Washington University, where he enjoys working closely with ensembles and supporting the musical life of the program as a graduate assistant. Christopher has taught in both classroom and private studio settings, and his early years of teaching and directing choirs in Illinois shaped his belief in the power of musical community. He spent a portion of his past summer as conducting scholar at the Spire Conducting Institute in Kansas City. He also is an active performer, including roles with the International Lyric Academy and ongoing work in opera and choral settings at CWU. Christopher is driven by a desire to help singers grow artistically and emotionally while fostering musical experiences that bring people together.
Portland State University
Phill Hatton
Phill Hatton is a music educator, choral conductor, and bass-baritone currently based in Portland, Oregon. Phill graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor’s degree in vocal music education in 2020. Phill has experience singing choral music at the highest level with groups such as the Voces8 US Scholars, the Charles Wood Singers, the University of Louisville Cardinal Singers, and the Portland State Chamber Choir. From 2021-2024, Phill worked full time as an educator at Legend High School in Parker, Colorado. While at Legend, he directed four choirs, two orchestras and taught an AP music theory course, along with serving as the music director for the school’s musical theatre productions. Now in Oregon, Phill is pursuing a Masters Degree in Choral Conducting from Portland State University. He directs two choirs at PSU and is the choir director of Valley Community Presbyterian Church.