In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Richard Napierala Biography

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Living in: Toledo, United States.
Richard Napierala is a life-long Northwest Ohio resident living in Monclova, Ohio. He holds a Bachelor of Education and Masters in Music Performance from the University of Toledo.

In 2012, Rick became the fourth musical director of the Toledo Choral Society. Under his leadership, the Choral Society has performed both classical and contemporary works such as Faure's Requiem, Mozart's Missa Brevis in C, John Rutter's Gloria, Ola Gjeilo's Sunrise Mass, Haydn's Creation, and Handel's Messiah. Rick has also been instrumental in expanding the Choral Society's repertoire to showcase contemporary composers, premiering works by American composer Gwyneth Walker and Toledo composer David Jex. Rick has been actively engaged in the membership and musical growth of the Society through collaborative efforts with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra, the University of Findlay Concert Chorale, and the Alma Drum and Dance Experience. These efforts have allowed traditional and non-traditional audiences to be exposed to the beauty and excitement of contemporary choral music.

Rick was instrumental in creating the Samuel P. Szor Scholarship, which financially supports a graduate conducting student. To date, he has selected and mentored five scholarship recipients. He is also active in other facets of music performance and education, including being a clinician and guest conductor for honors ensembles and high school bands, and actively performing in instrumental and vocal ensembles in the Northwest Ohio area. He holds life membership in Kappa Kappa Psi (a National Band Honorary and Service Fraternity) and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia (a National Music Social Fraternity which is dedicated to the preservation and advancement of music in America), and is a member of the Ohio Music Education Association and NAME: The National Association for Music Education.