Chorister's Workshop Faculty

 Adam Potter is Visiting Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at the University of Missouri School of Music. Recognized as a “teacher of teachers,” he blends musical excellence with holistic pedagogy, inspiring singers and conductors to approach music-making with both precision and humanity. He is committed to uniting singers from diverse backgrounds into expressive communities whose performances reflect each ensemble’s evolving strengths and the joy of shared creation.

Passionate about nurturing the next generation of choral leaders, Dr. Potter provides individualized instruction and meaningful podium opportunities for aspiring conductors, preparing them for careers marked by high artistic standards, rigorous pedagogy, and empathy-driven, relationship-based leadership. His students have consistently earned placements in American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) conducting masterclasses and secured graduate assistantships for advanced study; many now serve as successful conductors and music educators across the country.

Dr. Potter’s own academic journey began under the guidance of Brandon Johnson at Houghton College and continued at Florida State University, where he earned a PhD in choral conducting and music education while studying with Judy Bowers, Kevin Fenton, and André Thomas—mentorships that deepened his conviction that excellence and human connection must be inseparable in music education. Before joining Mizzou, he was Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor of Music at Roberts Wesleyan University (Rochester, NY), conducting The Roberts Chorale, Coro di Voci Treble Choir, and Redhawk Voices Tenor–Bass Chorus. In addition to administering the choral program and teaching conducting, vocal methods, and music education, he revitalized the program through innovative, narrative-arc concert designs that expanded student engagement and captivated audiences at major conferences, on national tours, and abroad in Canada, France, and the Baltics. Earlier appointments include Director of Choral Activities at Delta State University (MS) and Director of Vocal Music at Dansville High School (NY), where he developed thriving vocal music curricula.

An active guest conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and presenter, Dr. Potter has led honor choirs, choral-orchestral collaborations, competitions, and workshops across the United States. Internationally, he has conducted in China, conducted research in Russia, and lectured and performed in Kenya. His presentations span music literacy, ensemble vocal technique, program building for emerging teachers, and the unique challenges and opportunities of rural music education. Potter’s research explores sight-singing pedagogy, voice building in the choral rehearsal, and the integration of servant-leadership principles into ensemble conducting. Situated at the intersection of pedagogy and leadership, his work seeks to empower conductors to cultivate ensembles where musicianship, vocal technique, expansive repertoire, and a deep sense of belonging are inseparably linked.

The first in his family to attend college, Potter traces his roots to a family dairy farm in rural Pennsylvania—an upbringing that instilled respect for hard work, a belief in education’s transformative power, and a dedication to meaningful relationships. Beyond his professional life, he is an avid traveler and hiker who enjoys exploring diverse cuisines and fostering committed friendships—pursuits that mirror the curiosity, resilience, and community-building he brings to his musical work. Learn more at www.AdamPotterMusic.com.

Dr. Rachel Cornacchio is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Music Education. As a public school educator, she has taught in New York, New Jersey, and Florida in grades K-12. Dr. Cornacchio served as an elementary general music specialist in Peekskill, NY and Director of Choral Activities at Newburgh Free Academy in Newburgh, NY. While in Newburgh, choirs and soloists under Dr. Cornacchio's direction received top honors at solo and ensemble festivals. Community organizations with which she has worked include the Newburgh Symphonic Chorale and the Oregon Young Women's Choir. Before coming to Messiah University, Dr. Cornacchio acted as Visiting Instructor at the University of Oregon where she directed the University Concert Choir and taught courses in Choral Music Education.

Her professional affiliations include the Music Educators National Conference, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, American Choral Directors Association, and Pi Kappa Lambda. She currently serves as Repertoire & Standards Chair for Women's Choirs for the American Choral Directors Association - PA. Dr. Cornacchio is active as a certified Music Together instructor, an early childhood music program.

Dr. Joy Elizabeth Meade is the Director of Choral Activities and an Assistant Professor of Music at Messiah College, where she conducts Concert Choir, Chamber Singers and Choral Arts Society. These choirs tour nationally and internationally and perform regularly on campus, in the community and collaborate with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. Dr. Meade also teaches undergraduate and graduate choral conducting at Messiah, as well as applied voice. Prior to her recent appointment at Messiah College, Dr. Meade was the Associate Director of Choirs at Georgia State University in Atlanta. There, she was the recipient of the 2018 Center for International and Collaborative Arts grant and also started a permanent collaboration and graduate assistant opportunity between Georgia State's choral department and the Atlanta Homeward Choir. Prior to earning her doctorate in conducting at the University of Georgia with Dr. Daniel Bara, Dr. Meade worked as a public school educator in the Unionville-Chadds Ford School District, teaching choir and orchestra. She earned her masters of music in choral conducting from Westminster Choir College, where she had the opportunity to sing under the batons of the finest maestros in the world. She continues to perform regularly as a professional choral singer and soloist, as well as serve as a clinician and adjudicator at high schools, universities and festivals on the East Coast.