Six Decades of Leadership

Dr. Samuel “Sam” Gordon, a member of the music faculty at Southwest Missouri State College, served as the founding Artistic Director of the Mid-America Singers in 1966. Under his leadership, a new community choral ensemble took shape in Springfield, bringing together singers with a shared passion for choral music and a commitment to artistic excellence.

During his eight years of leadership, Gordon guided the ensemble through its formative period, establishing the musical standards and traditions upon which future directors would build. His work helped create an enduring place for the Mid-America Singers within Springfield's cultural and musical community.

His vision, dedication, and pioneering leadership laid the foundation for a musical legacy that continues to flourish six decades later through the ensemble now known as Springfield Singers.

Dr. G. Robert Chancellor succeeded founding director Dr. Sam Gordon as the second conductor of the Mid-America Singers in 1974. Following Dr. Gordon's tenure, Chancellor helped guide the ensemble through its first leadership transition, providing continuity and carrying forward the musical traditions established during the choir's formative years.

His tenure represents an important transitional chapter in the early history of the Mid-America Singers.

Dr. Darrell Benne served as Artistic Director of the Springfield Mid-America Singers from 1975 to 1982, guiding the ensemble through an important period in its early development. Building upon the foundation established by his predecessors, he continued to strengthen the choir's musical traditions while expanding its opportunities for performance beyond the Springfield community.

A highlight of his tenure came in 1976, when the Mid-America Singers traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the nation's Bicentennial celebration. Under Dr. Benne's direction, the ensemble performed on the steps of the United States Capitol as part of Missouri Day, representing its home state during this historic national observance.

This memorable appearance remains an important milestone in the choir's history and reflects the growing reach of the ensemble during Dr. Benne's years of leadership.

Charles “Chuck” Facer served as Artistic Director for eighteen years, one of the longest tenures in the ensemble's history.

A respected conductor, composer, and music educator, Facer was a significant presence in Springfield's musical community. A notable milestone during his tenure came in 1990, when the Mid-America Singers performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City with the Manhattan Philharmonic. 

Facer's influence extended well beyond the conductor's podium. In the mid-1980s, he helped establish KSMU's The Choral Tradition, a weekly radio program dedicated to choral music that also provided an opportunity to showcase the Mid-America Singers. His contributions to the profession earned national recognition, including service as Chair of the American Choral Directors Association's National Committee on Community Choirs in 1999.

His legacy continues through the Charles Facer Memorial Scholarship, honoring his dedication to choral music and music education.

Dr. David Benz served as Artistic Director following the long tenure of Charles Facer.

A meticulous conductor with exacting musical standards, Dr. Benz emphasized precision, proper intonation, and attentive listening, encouraging singers to critically evaluate their own voices and their blend within the ensemble.

His tenure with the Mid-America Singers remains part of the ensemble's continuing legacy of distinguished musical leadership. 

Mark Lawley brought extensive experience as a choral conductor and music educator to his leadership of the Springfield Mid-America Singers. A respected figure in Missouri's choral community, Lawley is known for his dedication to musical excellence and his commitment to developing singers of all ages.

A highlight of his tenure was the ensemble's 40th-anniversary celebration in February 2007, held at Evangel University Chapel. The concert brought together more than 60 volunteer singers and featured Mass for the Common Man, composed by choir member Ron Atteberry, along with guest soloist Julie Minasian.

Throughout his years with the Mid-America Singers, Lawley continued his distinguished work in choral education, including national convention appearances with his Willard High School choirs. His leadership helped carry forward the ensemble's longstanding tradition of community-based choral music-making.

Sharon Wilkins brought both musical experience and a personal connection to the Springfield Mid-America Singers, having previously performed as a member of the ensemble.

Her distinguished background included directing choirs at Evangel University, Springfield Regional Opera, and the Messiah Project, where she conducted performances throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Drawing upon this experience, Wilkins guided the Mid-America Singers through a period of leadership transition, maintaining the ensemble's commitment to musical excellence and its longstanding tradition of choral performance in the Springfield community.

During the 2009–2010 season, the Springfield Mid-America Singers continued its musical activities under the direction of various guest conductors.

This transitional period helped sustain the ensemble's tradition of choral performance as the organization prepared for its next chapter of artistic leadership.

In 2011, Dr. Tom Matrone took to the podium of the Springfield Mid-America Singers, beginning a new chapter in the ensemble's history. Building upon decades of musical tradition, his tenure has been marked by an expanding repertoire, increasingly ambitious performances, and a growing reputation for choral excellence.

Under his direction, the ensemble has continued to refine its musical identity while embracing new opportunities for artistic growth. His wife, Dar Matrone, has been an important part of this chapter, contributing her talents as the choir's accompanist.

During this period, the organization also adopted the name Springfield Singers, reflecting a renewed identity while preserving its longstanding commitment to bringing exceptional choral music to the community.

As the ensemble enters its seventh decade, the Matrone years represent a significant period of artistic development and renewed distinction in the choir's history.