Beginning in October of 2023, Dr. Chris M. Marple is the vocal music director at J.C. Harmon High School in Kansas City, KS where he teaches general music classes, piano, and directs the ensembles in the choral music program: Treble Chorus, Bass Chorus, Chamber Singers.
Prior to his current position, Dr. Marple was Director of Choral Activities and Visiting Professor of Choral Music Education at Missouri Western State University. While there, he conducted the Concert Chorale and Chamber Singers while teaching advanced choral conducting techniques, secondary choral methods, and choral literature. His dedication extended to overseeing the development of future vocal music educators as he observed and mentored Griffon vocal music education student teachers and practicum students.
Dr. Marple's journey through music education began with a Bachelor of Science in Vocal Music Education earned in 2002 from Northwest Missouri State University. He continued his academic pursuit by obtaining a Master of Music degree in choral conducting at the University of Nebraska-Omaha under the tutelage of Dr. Z. Randall Stroope. During this time, he played an instrumental role in organizing the 2004 Nebraska Choral Arts Society International Choral Festival. He conducted the UNO Concert Choir on international stages in Braunschweig, Germany, and Bratislava, Slovakia. His academic journey culminated with a Ph.D. in music education from The University of Iowa in 2021, where he taught choral conducting, psychology of music, choral methods, and music methodologies for elementary classroom teachers while observing and mentoring aspiring music educators.
Dr. Marple's passion for music and education has also been realized through twelve years of dedicated teaching experience in high school choral music across three states: Texas, Wisconsin, and Iowa. His versatility is evident in his ability to lead choral ensembles of varying genres, from vocal jazz and show choir to treble-clef and bass-clef singers, concert choirs, chamber singers, barbershop, and madrigal ensembles.
As a researcher, Dr. Marple's interests center around the persistence and participation of individuals in choral ensembles, as well as the education of preservice music teachers. His research findings have been shared at numerous conferences, including international presentations in Prague, Czechia, and Baku, Azerbaijan. Dr. Marple's dedication to music education extends beyond his research, as he is slated to present an informative session at the Nebraska Music Educators Association in November 2023, focusing on supporting music education student teachers.
Dr. Marple is also the Director of Music at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Liberty, MO. He sings in the Liberty Community Chorus and serves on the LCC Board of Directors. He lives in Kansas City, MO with his wife, Rev. Jealaine Marple, Interim Pastor at First Lutheran Church of Mission Hills, KS, and their ten-year-old daughter, EJ, who sings in the Youth Chorus of Kansas City.
Prior to his current position, Dr. Marple was Director of Choral Activities and Visiting Professor of Choral Music Education at Missouri Western State University. While there, he conducted the Concert Chorale and Chamber Singers while teaching advanced choral conducting techniques, secondary choral methods, and choral literature. His dedication extended to overseeing the development of future vocal music educators as he observed and mentored Griffon vocal music education student teachers and practicum students.
Dr. Marple's journey through music education began with a Bachelor of Science in Vocal Music Education earned in 2002 from Northwest Missouri State University. He continued his academic pursuit by obtaining a Master of Music degree in choral conducting at the University of Nebraska-Omaha under the tutelage of Dr. Z. Randall Stroope. During this time, he played an instrumental role in organizing the 2004 Nebraska Choral Arts Society International Choral Festival. He conducted the UNO Concert Choir on international stages in Braunschweig, Germany, and Bratislava, Slovakia. His academic journey culminated with a Ph.D. in music education from The University of Iowa in 2021, where he taught choral conducting, psychology of music, choral methods, and music methodologies for elementary classroom teachers while observing and mentoring aspiring music educators.
Dr. Marple's passion for music and education has also been realized through twelve years of dedicated teaching experience in high school choral music across three states: Texas, Wisconsin, and Iowa. His versatility is evident in his ability to lead choral ensembles of varying genres, from vocal jazz and show choir to treble-clef and bass-clef singers, concert choirs, chamber singers, barbershop, and madrigal ensembles.
As a researcher, Dr. Marple's interests center around the persistence and participation of individuals in choral ensembles, as well as the education of preservice music teachers. His research findings have been shared at numerous conferences, including international presentations in Prague, Czechia, and Baku, Azerbaijan. Dr. Marple's dedication to music education extends beyond his research, as he is slated to present an informative session at the Nebraska Music Educators Association in November 2023, focusing on supporting music education student teachers.
Dr. Marple is also the Director of Music at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Liberty, MO. He sings in the Liberty Community Chorus and serves on the LCC Board of Directors. He lives in Kansas City, MO with his wife, Rev. Jealaine Marple, Interim Pastor at First Lutheran Church of Mission Hills, KS, and their ten-year-old daughter, EJ, who sings in the Youth Chorus of Kansas City.
