Springfield Chamber Chorus

Artistic Director

Chris Brammer has been the steady hand and guiding voice behind the Springfield Chamber Chorus (SCC) for many years as its Artistic Director. With a keen ear for harmony and a knack for bringing out the best in his singers, Brammer has led SCC through numerous successful seasons. Under his direction, SCC has become known for its polished performances and innovative repertoire choices, earning a reputation as a cornerstone of the local music scene. Brammer’s dedication to excellence and his ability to foster a supportive musical community have been instrumental in SCC’s continued growth and success.

Associate Artistic Director

Amy Brammer has been teaching choral music in Missouri public schools since 2006. Amy earned her bachelor’s degree in music education and master’s degree in choral conducting from Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. She has served as a District or State Choir coordinator for the majority of her career, and currently serves on the State MCDA Board. Amy is blessed to teach choir at Ozark High School, and is active in her church praise team, chancel choir, and hand bell ensemble. She enjoys spending time with her best friend and SCC Artistic Director, Christopher Brammer, and three wonderful children, Wyatt, Will, and Izzy.

Executive Director

Ethan Sykes, E.dD has sung with the Milwaukee Master Singers and the Missouri State University Concert Chorale, performing in venues across the world including New York, Paris, Austria, Washington D.C., and Germany. He currently serves as Executive Director of the Springfield Chamber Chorus, where he also contributes his skills as the group’s web designer and supports publicity efforts. Beyond music, Ethan is the Director of Housing and Residential Programs at Drury University, where he oversees housing operations and student engagement initiatives. A lifelong lover of musicals, he never misses a chance to belt out a favorite tune—whether on stage, in rehearsal, or even in the car.

Business Manager

Shelly Renee’ Reece Clark began singing in church in Harrisonville, Missouri and was active in music under the direction of Ed Roberts (band) and Lisa Walker (choir). While attending Southwest Missouri State University (now MSU), she performed for five years under the direction of Dr. Guy B. Webb in the Concert Chorale,  and Jerry Hoover and Belva Prather with the Bruin Pride Marching Band, Concert Bands and Flute Ensembles.  She has a B.S. in Political Science and an MBA in Economics from Missouri State University.  Shelly attended Oklahoma City University, a private, liberal arts school, for her Juris Doctorate in Law and practices family law and mediation.  She lives in Republic MO with her husband Zane and their two sons Christian and Christopher and enjoys watching live music with local musicians. 

Operations Manager

Katie Kring is a choral composer, writer-of-musicals, and baker. Katie’s choral works and commissions are performed internationally, and she has served as SCC’s Composer-in-Residence for several years. Her piece At the Hour of Closing was the winner of the 2019 MCDA Opus Award. Katie’s musical theatre works include Pearl, Onward, Farmers Market the Musical, In the Swim, Kelly the Destroyer vs. the Springfield Cobras, and Think Big for the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Katie is the owner of B+B Boulangerie & Bakery and KatieMade Baking & Cooking School. She received her MFA in Musical Theatre Writing at NYU and her BFA in music at the University of Michigan.

Public Relations

Connor Gately is from St. Louis, MO, and is currently the Assistant Choir Director at Ozark High School and Junior High School. He graduated from Missouri State University in 2020 with his Bachelor’s in Vocal Music Education. While at MSU, he studied  conducting under Dr. Cameron LaBarr and voice under Dr. Chris Thompson. While a member of the Missouri State University Chorale, Connor toured with the ensemble to China, Scandinavia, and across the U.S. Along with directing the choirs at Ozark, Connor also teaches private voice, piano, and guitar lessons.

Singer Representative

Nick Shannon is from Springfield, Missouri where he lives with his wonderful wife, Morgan. He is currently the choral director and elementary music teacher at Conway, MO. He graduated from Missouri State University in 2021 with his Bachelor’s in Music Education. PWhile attending, he sang under the leadership of Dr. Cameron LaBarr, studied voice under Dr. Carol Chapman, and trombone under Dr. Jason Hausback. Along with SCC, Nick also occasionally performs with the Queen City Chorale, Springfield Little Theater, and the Springfield Community Jazz Ensemble.