ETMIH Welcomes New Director, Peter Cunningham
Peter Cunningham is a versatile and accomplished conductor, educator, and vocalist with over a decade of experience in choral and vocal music. He holds an M.M. in Choral Conducting from The Pennsylvania State University (2023), where he served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for mixed and like-voice choirs and conducting courses. His academic journey also includes a B.A. in Music Education from the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he graduated magna cum laude, and an Associate of Arts from Northwest Vista College, where he earned a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Peter is currently the Department Chair and Director of Choral and Vocal Studies at Kilgore College. His conducting expertise has been honed through numerous prestigious opportunities, including a Conducting Fellowship at the Norfolk Chamber Choir Festival and participation in masterclasses at the Bent, But Not Broken conference and the Texas Choral Directors Association convention. His directorship roles span diverse ensembles, including church and community choirs. As Section Leader and then Interim Director of The Marcsmen, he led the group to multiple district championships and international competitions.
An experienced music educator, Peter has taught at the high school and collegiate levels, working with ensembles ranging from beginner to advanced. In his position at Kilgore College, he leads two choral and vocal ensembles in community performances, including a premiere of his own new edition of Fauré’s Requiem for Wind Band and Choir. He also teaches courses in Music Theory, Ear Training, and Music Literature. At The Pennsylvania State University, he served as graduate assistant to the Glee Club, Oriana Singers, University Choir, and the internationally acclaimed Concert Choir, participating in a collaborative concert with Grammy-nominated British vocal ensemble VOCES8. While teaching at James Madison High School, he co-directed nine performing ensembles, consistently achieving top ratings at UIL contests and earning accolades for his students in regional and national competitions. His teaching extends to clinics and workshops, including faculty roles at Harmony University and guest lectures on topics such as choral arranging and vocal health.
Peter’s involvement with the Barbershop Harmony Society is extensive and distinguished. A certified Singing Judge, member of the Singing Category Board of Review, and member of the 2023 International Judges Panel, he has also contributed to The Harmonizer with articles on sight-singing, vocal health, and creating performance opportunities. As a performer, Peter has sung with championship ensembles, including The Academy, the 2014 International Collegiate Quartet Champions, and Southern Stride, the 2018 U.S. representatives to the World Mixed Quartet Contest. Currently, he sings Lead with Opus IV, the 2024 Southwestern District Quartet Champions.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Peter is passionate about fostering the next generation of musicians. He has served as a clinician and mentor at youth events across the country, bringing his expertise and enthusiasm to singers of all ages.
Peter lives in Whitehouse, Texas, with his wife, Sarah, their two daughters, Annalise and Claire, and their dog, Hazel.
