Dr. Shekela Wanyama (she/her/hers) builds community through crafting innovative and meaningful choral experiences. A freelance conductor-educator, Dr. Wanyama serves on the faculty of Hamline University, the University of Minnesota, and the music staff at Unity Church-Unitarian.
Some of her recent conducting engagements have included programs with the Minnesota Chorale, Singers in Accord, and Vocalpoint. She currently sings with Border CrosSing and the Minnesota Chorale, and has previously performed with choirs in the United States and Germany.
A passionate educator, Dr. Wanyama taught middle and high school choir for over 10 years in public, charter, and independent schools. She serves on the faculty for the Seattle Kodaly Levels Program and has a certification in Smithsonian Folkways World Music Pedagogy.
Dr. Wanyama presents at choral and education conferences on repertoire for developing voices, building community in choir, contemporary repertoire by composers of the Global Majority, and holistic chorus preparation. Her writing has appeared in Choral Journal and the International Choral Bulletin.
Dr. Wanyama holds a DMA in conducting from the University of Minnesota, an MM in choral conducting from Temple University, a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Minnesota, and is a proud graduate of the Minneapolis Public Schools. She lives and gardens on Dakota land.
