Assistant Conductor Michael Follis
Michael Follis is thrilled to join the Chorus Austin team for the 2023-2024 season as Assistant Conductor! He is currently pursuing a Master of Music in Choral Conducting at the Butler School of Music where he studies with Dr. JD Burnett and is a graduate teaching assistant in the choral department. He returns to the Forty Acres having completed his Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance in 2020. He is currently the Music Director for the Longhorn Singers (the university’s official show choir) and Assistant Director of the University Tenor Bass Chorus. During his undergraduate career, Michael was an active member and section leader in Texas Choirs and regularly performed with the University of Texas Chamber Singers, Concert Chorale, and as a soloist in the Bach Cantata Project under Dr. Jim Morrow.
Michael served as Instructor of Voice and Associate Director of Choirs at East View High School in Georgetown, Texas for two years. Students under his direction have earned sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert and Sightreading, received placement in TMEA All State Choirs, and been awarded superior ratings at Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest. In 2021, Follis was named Director of Music Ministries at Shepherd of the Hills Christian Church in Austin, Texas where he oversees the Chancel and Handbell Choirs.
Aside from being a choral conductor, Michael continues to be an active performer in the Central Texas choral music scene. He regularly sings in a number of professional ensembles including the Ars Longa Ensemble, San Antonio Chamber Choir, Texas Bach Festival Chorus, Austin Cantorum, Texas Early Music Project, and Inversion Ensemble.
Michael served as Instructor of Voice and Associate Director of Choirs at East View High School in Georgetown, Texas for two years. Students under his direction have earned sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert and Sightreading, received placement in TMEA All State Choirs, and been awarded superior ratings at Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest. In 2021, Follis was named Director of Music Ministries at Shepherd of the Hills Christian Church in Austin, Texas where he oversees the Chancel and Handbell Choirs.
Aside from being a choral conductor, Michael continues to be an active performer in the Central Texas choral music scene. He regularly sings in a number of professional ensembles including the Ars Longa Ensemble, San Antonio Chamber Choir, Texas Bach Festival Chorus, Austin Cantorum, Texas Early Music Project, and Inversion Ensemble.
