As a creative jazz artist and classically trained singer, Brian McCallister is thrilled to be a part of the BEAT staff. As an educator, Brian is passionate to connect with musicians and encourage students to dig deeper into style, interpretation, and technical foundation. Before making his return to Bloomington, Brian worked as an arranger, private voice instructor, drummer, and choral clinician. In addition, he served as vocal jazz director at Buffalo Grove High School, and as show choir band director for Wheaton North Flight. Brian is grateful for his experiences on stage in various jazz groups, vocal ensembles, and with legends such as Kenny Loggins, Bobby McFerrin, Kurt Elling, Ben Folds, and more.
Over the summer, you can find Brian at Show Choir Camps of America and as a clinician at the School for Music Vocations Vocal Jazz Camps in the Midwest, West Coast, and Canada. While at IU, Brian received his BM in Jazz Studies, and spent a semester in Vienna, Austria studying German and Austrian baroque, modern, and chamber music. Brian continues to study voice with Tim Noble, internationally renowned, operatic bass/baritone and distinguished professor of voice at IU. When Brian isn’t making music, you can find him at home with his fiancée, Maddy, cooking vegan pot pie, hanging out with their cats, or exploring one of Indiana’s many outdoor nature preserves.
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