Matthew Callaghan obtained his Masters of Music in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University in 2016 under the tutelage of Dr. David Rayl and Dr. Johnathan Reed and also holds a Bachelors of Music Education (B.M.E.) from Grand Valley State University where he studied under Prof. Ellen Pool, Dr. Charles Norris and Dr. Kathryn Steiler. During his time at GVSU, Mr. Callaghan performed multiple solo and ensemble works throughout West Michigan, along with acting in multiple musicals and operas. While performing, he honed his conducting skills while being the choral director of the Cosmopolitans, and all men's vocal group in Muskegon.
After graduating from GVSU, Mr. Callaghan moved to Parachute, CO where he taught K-5 General Music. During his time in Parachute, he created multiple after school choirs that led to an increase in enrollment in choir classes. Mr. Callaghan then worked with students in the town of Florence, CO where he helped to revive choral singing at the high school level. Starting with a high school concert choir of 15 students, he helped to recruit their numbers to 90 members by the end of the year and created their first auditioned ensemble.
Following his move to Hastings, Mr. Callaghan is dedicated to keeping the rich tradition that is known of the choral program. With strong energy, a love for singing and new ideas, he plans to build the program to it's former numbers over his time here. Along with his wife of 7 years - Amanda and their son David and daughter Aria, they plan to work with students to foster a love for choral music that will create a foundation for life long learning in music.
Mr. Callaghan has directed and performed in multiple musicals including;
Bye Bye Birdie
Oklahoma!
Maxwell P.I.
Damn Yankees
The Pirates of Penzance
La Traviata
Amahl and the Night Visitors
Monkey See Monkey Do
The Pajama Game (Vocal Director)
Charlottes Web (Vocal Director)
Shoestring Theatre (Director)
Once Upon a Mattress (Vocal and Stage Director)
The Music Man (Vocal and Co-Director)
Seussical the Musical (Vocal and Co-Director)
Once Upon a Mattress (Vocal and Co-Director)
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (Vocal and Co-Director)