Dr. Chris M. Marple is the Director of Choral Activities and Visiting Professor of Choral Music Education at Missouri Western State University. He conducts the Concert Chorale and Chamber Singers as well as teaches Adv. Choral Conducting, Secondary Choral Methods, and oversees the Griffon vocal music education student teachers and practicum students.

Dr. Marple earned his B.S.Ed. degree in vocal music education in 2002 from Northwest Missouri State University. After graduating from NWMSU, he earned a M.M. degree in choral conducting at the University of Nebraska-Omaha where he studied under Dr. Z. Randall Stroope. Chris is a 2021 graduate of The University of Iowa with a Ph.D. in music education.  

Chris taught high school choral music for 12 years in three states. His research interests include persistence and participation in choral ensembles and educating preservice music teachers. He has presented his research at several conferences including internationally in Czechia and Azerbaijan. He is excited to attend his first MCDA conference!

Dr. Marple lives in Kansas City, MO with his wife, Rev. Jealaine Marple, Interim Pastor at First Lutheran Church of Mission Hills, KS, and their nine-year-old daughter, Ellen Jean, who sings in the Youth Chorus of Kansas City. 

cmarple@missouriwestern.edu
(563) 663-5599
https://dot.cards/chrismmarple