Executive Artistic Director
Chris Brammer
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
Jennifer Stammers
Originally from Denver, CO, Jennifer Stammers teaches choir and piano at Nixa High School in Nixa, Missouri. She holds degrees in journalism and music education from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, is a Level 3-Certified Kodaly Educator, and is working toward a master’s degree in music education from Missouri State University. She has taught choir and general music at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, and has served as a clinician for honor choirs at all levels. Stammers is the recipient of Missouri House Resolution No. 2598 recognizing her work with children’s choirs at Platte County (MO) R-3 where she was also named Teacher of the Year in 2014. In addition to teaching private voice and piano lessons, Stammers has several sacred anthems published with St. James Music Press, and recently published her first secular piece – She Who Could Bind You – with Endeavor Publishing. She and her husband Jon are proud parents of adult daughters Jessica and Jordan.
Boys Choir Artistic Director
Spencer Fleury
Spencer Fleury serves as Artistic Director of the Boys Choir of Springfield and is an educator at Willard Intermediate School. With several years of experience working with youth choirs and young musicians, he is passionate about helping students discover their voices, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of music. Spencer believes in creating meaningful musical experiences that challenge, inspire, and connect young singers through high-quality choral education and performance. He is honored to lead the Boys Choir of Springfield and continue its tradition of artistic excellence while fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for every singer.
Ethan Sykes
Executive Director
Ethan Sykes, Ed.D. 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.
Shelly Renee’ Reece Clark
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.
Katie Kring
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.
Connor Gately
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.
Nick Shannon
Membership Development
Nick Shannon is entering his sixth season with Springfield Chamber Chorus, and his third season serving on the Executive Board. A Springfield local, Nick lives here with his wonderful wife, Morgan, and their dog, Teddy. He currently works for Drury University in the office of Records and Registration, and volunteers his time at Schweitzer Church. He graduated from Missouri State University in 2021 with his Bachelor’s in Music Education. While 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, the Springfield Little Theater, and various gigs playing trombone
Laine Scholz
Boys Choir Chair
Laine Scholz is a passionate advocate for youth arts education and has been involved with the Boys Choir of Springfield for many years, including serving as Executive Director. Through her leadership, she helped strengthen the organization’s impact on young singers and foster meaningful connections throughout the community. Laine continues to support the choir as an advisor and champion for choral music, helping ensure future generations have access to exceptional musical opportunities.
Springfield Chamber Chorus 