Thomas Porter

A native of North Dakota, Tom Porter is a Professor of Music at the University of Mary where he teaches and directs the choirs. In addition, he directs the Bismarck-Mandan Civic Chorus, the Dakota Chamber Chorale, and the Cathedral Children’s Choir. He earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (2000), and holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame (MA Theology 86), DePaul University (MM 80), and the University of Mary (79). Tom’s life-long experiences in a rural diocese and his twelve years as the Director of the Office of Worship for the Diocese of Bismarck provide him with insights into the blessings and challenges of small parishes. For the past fifteen years he has directed school, church, university, diocesan, and honor choirs throughout the Midwest. He presents conducting and liturgical workshops at local parishes as well as state, regional, and national conferences.

Since 1986, GIA has published Tom’s music, including octavos, psalms, hymnals, “Assembly Mass,” and the recording, “By My Side.” Tom is currently a composer in residence for two churches in Saint Cloud, Minnesota, through the Faith Partners program of the American Composers Forum. He enjoys the collaborative process of creating music for individual parishes and special occasions.

Workshops

Festival Choirs - Other

From diocesan choirs to special parish events to conferences, Tom Porter is available to conduct event choirs and workshop parish choirs. He has directed music and worship events and festival choirs at local, state, and regional conferences as well as honor choirs from middle school through adult.

Oil Can - Sacred Music

How many times do we as church choir conductors leave rehearsal or liturgy feeling like the rusted Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz? This workshop provides practical tips for the conductor, a "tune-up" of sorts, on relaxation, posture, stretching, and conducting gestures for the church choir director.

Please God, Just One Tenor - Sacred Music

This was my prayer every Sunday as I drove to conduct my church choir. But when the tenor didn't show, I learned to adapt music and voices for a successful, prayerful performance. This workshop examines practical ways choir directors can select and adapt music to fit the needs of their choir and the needs of their assembly.

Small in Number, Large in Faith - Sacred Music

How do we, in smaller settings, live out the traditions and the rituals of the Church? This workshop focuses on the role of the musician to enable prayerful liturgical music in parishes with small congregations or limited resources.

Volunteer Singers and Vocal Development - Sacred Music

Singing well is an art, and we need to practice good technique in order to attain good technique. This workshop focuses on practical, hands-on ways for volunteer singers to be aware of the needs of their voice, and positive ways their voice can develop as they serve as ministers of music in their community.

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