Springfield Chamber Chorus

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 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 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 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 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. 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, Springfield Little Theater, and the Springfield Community Jazz Ensemble.

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.