Mary Elizabeth Gibbs, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Music
Director of Choral Studies

Music is about the experience: the experience of the listener as well as the performer. In the rehearsal process, everyone works together to create the best interpretation they can to enhance this experience. The daily efforts in rehearsal are rewarded by the sense of accomplishment in performance, but a love and appreciation for the process is what drives me. This respect for the craft and for the students extends to the classroom as well.

- Mary Elizabeth Gibbs

Connect with
Mary Elizabeth Gibbs

building is Music Building - room is 113
Phone 863.680.4232

E-mail

Biography

Dr. Gibbs earned the Doctorate of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Miami in Coral Gables, FL, Master of Music degrees in Choral Conducting and Vocal Performance from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, and the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Stetson University in DeLand, FL. Dr. Gibbs spent six years teaching at the high school level in Atlanta, GA. She has recently conducted in the Chartres Cathedral in France, St. Paul’s Cathedral in Vatican City, and at the International Festival of Choirs in Santiago de Cuba. Active as a performer, she was a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus under the direction of Norman McKenzie, sang under the batons of Michael Tilson Thomas and Helmuth Rilling, and sings with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale conducted by Joshua Habermann.

At FSC, Dr. Gibbs conducts the Chamber Singers and the Concert Choir, and teaches Conducting, Choral Pedagogy, and Caribbean Music.

Education

D.M.A., Musical Arts, Choral Conducting, University of Miami
M.M., Choral Conducting/Vocal Performance, East Carolina University
B.M., Music Education, Vocal/General, Stetson University

Honors and Awards

  • Outstanding Graduate Student of the Frost School of Music, University of Miami - 2009/2010
  • Doctoral Dissertation "Exploring Cuban Music through the Choral Arrangements of Electo Silva," Defense Date: April 2, 2010