About the Director

A music educator, Professor Moninger holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Millikin University and a Masters degree in Music Education from Northwestern University. Director of Student Choral Activities at Elmhurst College, Professor Moninger conducts the Elmhurst College Choir, Chamber Singers, & the internationally acclaimed vocal jazz ensemble "Late Night Blues."

Recently named to Who's Who Among Teachers in America, Susan has also served as an adjudicator for numerous high school and collegiate clinics, District and All-State Festivals, and competitions in the United States, Canada, Italy, Poland, Amsterdam and London. Also, for the past six years she has been the adjudicator for the prestigious Downbeat Magazine's "Student Music Awards" in the vocal jazz ensemble category. As a composer her educational songs are published by KJOS of San Diego, California.

Susan Moninger has persuaded consumers through her singing on commercial jingles for companies such as United Airlines, Green Giant, Kraft, 7-Up, Montgomery Ward, United Express Airlines, McDonald's, and Molly McButter among others. This fall she was one of the adjudicators to help choose the next voice for the "Voice of McDonalds" to be aired on commercials worldwide. There were 3600 entries from over 53 countries.

Professor Moninger has served as the Standard and Repertoire Chairperson for Vocal Jazz and Show Choir Central Division of the American Choral Directors Association. Celebrating her 29th year as Co-founder and Co-director of Showchoir Camps of America, she has worked with over 27,000 students and directors from around the world. These workshops have been held at Millikin University, Heidelberg College, and Walt Disney World Resorts and focus on teaching and refining singing, dancing, and performing techniques.

Recently, members of the Elmhurst College Concert Choir performed Leonard Bernstein's Chichester Psalms with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra in Prague, Czech Republic. Currently the Elmhurst College Concert Choir is preparing for their recruitment tour to Boston and New York area.