Vocal Division Region 2

Thomas Gerber to conduct Region 2 Mixed Choir

Originally from Austin, Minnesota, Thomas Gerber serves as the Assistant Director of Choral Activities at Texas A&M University, where he is honored to direct the Century Singers and Reveliers In addition to his work at Texas A&M, Gerber is also the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Brazos Valley Chorale. Before arriving at Texas A&M, he served as Music Director at Bishop England High School, where he conducted the Mixed Choir, Chorale, and Chamber Choir. During his tenure, the choirs of Bishop England made their Carnegie Hall debut, performing Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna and the Carnegie Hall premiere of William Menefields, Prism. In 2016 he was the recipient of the Outstanding New Faculty Member award. During his time at Bishop England, he also taught music history and music theory and was music director for the annual Spring musicals.

Gerber served as the Associate Music Director of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chorus from 2018-2020. During this time, he had the pleasure of preparing annual performances of Handel’s Messiah. Additionally, in 2019 he prepared the chorus for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ in collaboration with CineConcerts and their Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series.

Gerber received his Bachelor of Arts in Choral and Instrumental Music Education from Luther College in Decorah, IA, under Dr. Allen Hightower and Dr. Edwin Andereck, where he was a section leader of the internationally acclaimed Nordic Choir. Gerber received his Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, OH, under the tutelage of Dr. Earl Rivers and Dr. Brett Scott while also studying voice with David Adams. While at CCM, Gerber served as a graduate research assistant to Dr. Eva Floyd and also taught the undergraduate voice methods class and voice lessons. Currently, he is finishing up his DMA in Choral Conducting with a related field in Vocal Pedagogy at the University of North Texas, Denton, TX, where he is a student of Dr. Allen Hightower, Dr. Kristina MacMullen, and Dr. Stephen Austin.

Gerber has an extensive background in outdoor ministry and enjoys working with students of all ages and abilities. He has a strong desire to make music available to those who might not have the opportunity or the means. He is passionate about getting as many people involved in a choir as possible, all while creating a sense of community through musical creation. When he’s not performing, Tom can be found jogging or walking his dogs, Chloe and Luna, and enjoying the outdoors!

 Heather Orr to conduct Region 2 Women’s Chorus

Heather Orr currently serves as Assistant Director of Choral Activities at Texas A&M University, where she conducts the two new freshmen ensembles, Bella Voce and Legacy Voices. Prior to joining Texas A&M, she completed a distinguished 30-year career in public school education as Head Choir Director and Fine Arts Department Chair at Montgomery High School. She earned a Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Heidelberg College, and she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Music Education.

Throughout her career, Orr’s ensembles have consistently achieved the highest levels of recognition, earning UIL Sweepstakes Awards as well as multiple Mark of Excellence Awards from The Foundation for Music Education and The American Prize. During her twenty-four years at Montgomery High School, she directed nine invited convention choirs, including appearances at the TMEA Convention (2024, 2018, 2010, 2005), the National ACDA Conference (2025, 2021, 2011), and the Southwestern ACDA Conference (2022, 2018). In addition, her choirs were featured in seven Honor Choir performances at the Madrigal Festival in San Antonio and Dallas, as well as at the Celebration of Excellence in Houston.

Her professional achievements have been recognized through numerous honors, including the Texas Choral Directors Association Choral Excellence Award, the UIL Sponsor Excellence Award, and the Montgomery County Fine Arts Teacher of the Year Award. She has also twice been named a Grammy Music Educator Semi-Finalist. A respected voice in the field, Orr is frequently engaged as a clinician, adjudicator, and conference presenter, with particular expertise in developing tone in treble choirs, effective rehearsal strategies, and vertical alignment. Her presentations have been featured at professional development events nationwide and at conferences of TMEA, TCDA, SWACDA, and SDMEA. She also contributes to the profession through service on TMAA and UIL committees.