Choir Adjudicators
Clinton Hardy - has directed choral music for eleven years, and is the choral director at Trinity Spring Middle School in Keller ISD. He received his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Texas Christian University and most recently earned his Master's degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas in 2018.
Prior to teaching at Trinity Springs Middle School, he taught high school and middle school choirs in the Keller and Mansfield school districts. At Trinity Springs, Mr. Hardy directs seven choirs and serves as the head of the fine arts department. His choirs consistently have earned Sweepstakes awards for superior ratings at the yearly University Interscholastic League Concert and Sight-Reading Contest. Choirs under his direction also have received the distinction of being invited as the select performing Honor Choir or the National Cambiata Institute Convention and named Grand Champion at the annual Hurricane Harbor Choral Festival.
The Keller Honor Choir, under the co-direction of Clinton Hardy, received the prestigious honor of being invited to perform for the Texas Music Educators Association convention in February 2017, after only three years of being a select ensemble in Keller ISD. In 2018 his Varsity Treble Choir was invited to perform at the National Cambiata Institute Convention. Most recently, Mr. Hardy's Varsity Treble Choir was invited to perform at the 2019 Texas Music Educators Association Conference.
Prior to teaching at Trinity Springs Middle School, he taught high school and middle school choirs in the Keller and Mansfield school districts. At Trinity Springs, Mr. Hardy directs seven choirs and serves as the head of the fine arts department. His choirs consistently have earned Sweepstakes awards for superior ratings at the yearly University Interscholastic League Concert and Sight-Reading Contest. Choirs under his direction also have received the distinction of being invited as the select performing Honor Choir or the National Cambiata Institute Convention and named Grand Champion at the annual Hurricane Harbor Choral Festival.
The Keller Honor Choir, under the co-direction of Clinton Hardy, received the prestigious honor of being invited to perform for the Texas Music Educators Association convention in February 2017, after only three years of being a select ensemble in Keller ISD. In 2018 his Varsity Treble Choir was invited to perform at the National Cambiata Institute Convention. Most recently, Mr. Hardy's Varsity Treble Choir was invited to perform at the 2019 Texas Music Educators Association Conference.
Nyadia Thorpe - is an enthusiastic educational leader in choral music. She graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in Music Education after singing, traveling and performing with various vocal ensembles under the direction of Professor Jing Ling Tam. Mrs. Thorpe went into teaching at Dallas ISD and proceeded to gain more experience from Duncanville, Midlothian, and Waxahachi ISD's. She has a very special love for young singers and has spent her public school career conducting middle school choirs. Her choirs have earned sweepstake awards in the annual choral evaluations of the University Interscholastic League. Mrs. Thorpe has founded and organized a community children's chorus which has become a chorus for both the younger and older singer located in Duncanville, TX. The Duncanville Community Chorus performs frequently throughout the year and has performed most recently in Carnegie Hall with the DCINY choral music celebration of Handel's Messiah in November 2018. Mrs. Thorpe is currently the Director of Choral Activities and Professor of music at Navarro College and is having the time of her life! She is blessed with a beautiful family that helps to keep her focused on what is truly important. Her husband Jeff, sons - Vince, Caden and Caius are the best joys of her life. She holds a principal certification, has served her TMEA Region as Treasurer, Coordinator-Elect, and Coordinator for the MS Vocal Division. She also holds membership in Sigma Alpha Iota, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Choral Directors Assocation and American Choral Directors Assocation.
Patrick Dill is the Associate Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Voice at Northwestern State University of Louisiana in Natchitoches. He began his career as the assistant choir director at Alief Hastings High School in Houston, Texas. Two years later, he joined the fine arts faculty at Anderson High School in Austin as director of choirs and coordinator of AP music theory & International Baccalaureate music. During his tenure at Anderson, choirs under his direction performed at the 2004 and 2008 Southwest division conventions of the American Choral Directors Association and the 2007 Music Educators National Conference (MENC) Southwest Symposium. As a clinician, Dr. Dill has conducted several honor choirs and presented interest sessions at both the Texas Music Educators Association and Southwest MENC conventions. In 2005, he was awarded the Silver Apple Award for excellence in teaching by the CBS affiliate in Austin, KEYE News. Additionally, Dr. Dill is currently the Chancel Choir director at First United Methodist Church in Natchitoches, and recently served as the resident choral artist for the Arts District Chorale in Dallas. He holds a doctoral degree in choral conducting with related fields in voice performance and early music from the University of North Texas, a master’s degree in choral conducting from Westminster Choir College, and a bachelor’s degree in music education from Millikin University. Dr. Dill has studied choral conducting with Brad Holmes, Andrew Megill, Joe Miller, and Jerry McCoy.
Brandon Bailey - is the Music Specialist at McKenzie Elementary School in Mesquite where he teaches 1st - 5th grade General Music. His ultimate educational goal is to create lifelong musicians.
Prior to teaching at McKenzie, he taught at Gentry Elementary in Mesquite for 3 years. Before teaching elementary music, he was a secondary band director in Rice, Texas and Quinlan, Texas. Mr. Bailey has created an after school choral program and an Orff Ensemble at McKenzie Elementary, and even though these groups are in their first year of existence, he has seen extraordinary growth in his students musical abilities and can’t wait to see what the future holds for these ensembles. Mr. Bailey has had choirs perform at Allen Americans hockey games, Texas Legends basketball games, and various community concerts throughout Mesquite. During his career he has had several students audition for and make the Dallas Children’s Chorus, Mesquite Children’s Chorus, Region bands, and even some who went on to qualify for Area and All-State.
Mr. Bailey lives in Mesquite with his wife Elizabeth and their dog Holly. When he isn’t in the classroom you can find him on the disc golf course, playing ice hockey, or watching the Dallas Stars.
He is a member of TMEA and has goals of taking his elementary ensembles to perform in San Antonio in the future.
Mr. Bailey received his Bachelor’s of Music Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2018.
Prior to teaching at McKenzie, he taught at Gentry Elementary in Mesquite for 3 years. Before teaching elementary music, he was a secondary band director in Rice, Texas and Quinlan, Texas. Mr. Bailey has created an after school choral program and an Orff Ensemble at McKenzie Elementary, and even though these groups are in their first year of existence, he has seen extraordinary growth in his students musical abilities and can’t wait to see what the future holds for these ensembles. Mr. Bailey has had choirs perform at Allen Americans hockey games, Texas Legends basketball games, and various community concerts throughout Mesquite. During his career he has had several students audition for and make the Dallas Children’s Chorus, Mesquite Children’s Chorus, Region bands, and even some who went on to qualify for Area and All-State.
Mr. Bailey lives in Mesquite with his wife Elizabeth and their dog Holly. When he isn’t in the classroom you can find him on the disc golf course, playing ice hockey, or watching the Dallas Stars.
He is a member of TMEA and has goals of taking his elementary ensembles to perform in San Antonio in the future.
Mr. Bailey received his Bachelor’s of Music Education from Texas A&M University-Commerce in 2018.
Mary Jane Phillips taught middle school choral music in Texas for 29 years before retiring from the classroom in 2018. She taught in Katy, Garland, Arlington, Birdville, and Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISDs. Her choirs received consistent UIL Sweepstakes awards and superior awards at festivals. She currently serves as a choral consultant for Dallas and Frisco ISDs and as a clinician, adjudicator, private voice teacher, and author. Ms. Phillips graduated cum laude from Texas Christian University with a Bachelors’ Degree in Choral Music Education. She has served as a UIL Contest Chairperson, TMEA JH/MS Region Secretary, and TMEA JH/MS Region Chairperson. She has served the Texas Choral Directors’ Association on the Scholarship, Hospitality, Nominating, Ways and Means, Governance, and Ballot committees and is also a past Secretary/Treasurer of TCDA.She presents workshops on the male and female adolescent changing voice, recruiting, literature selection, UIL planning and preparation, beginning the school year, and sight reading pedagogy and games for school districts, colleges, and professional organizations across the United States. She has authored three books – SOS – Simplifying Our Sightreading (co-authored with Laura Farnell), Sightreading 101, and Making Sightreading Fun! –used throughout Texas and the United States. She lives in Fort Worth, Texas. Her precious 21-year-old daughter, Zoe, is a musical theatre major at Wichita State University.
Christi Jones began her composing career in response to the needs of her own ensembles and from within the choral community. Several of her commissions have been performed at SWACDA, TMEA, and ACDA. Jones has published pieces with Carl Fischer Music, BriLee Music, Excelcia, and RBC Music.
Christi has been teaching choir since 2000 at Young Junior High in Arlington, Texas, where choirs under her direction have had multiple performances at TMEA, SWACDA, and National ACDA. She was awarded Teacher of the Year at Young Junior High School in 2011. Jones is a member of TMEA, TCDA, ACDA, and TMAA, and enjoys opportunities to serve as a Clinician and Adjudicator. She is also on staff as a Worship Ministry Assistant at First Baptist Church in Arlington.
Christi is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Scott, who teaches math at Young Junior High. Christi and Scott reside in Arlington with their sons, Neal and Carson.
Christi has been teaching choir since 2000 at Young Junior High in Arlington, Texas, where choirs under her direction have had multiple performances at TMEA, SWACDA, and National ACDA. She was awarded Teacher of the Year at Young Junior High School in 2011. Jones is a member of TMEA, TCDA, ACDA, and TMAA, and enjoys opportunities to serve as a Clinician and Adjudicator. She is also on staff as a Worship Ministry Assistant at First Baptist Church in Arlington.
Christi is happily married to her high school sweetheart, Scott, who teaches math at Young Junior High. Christi and Scott reside in Arlington with their sons, Neal and Carson.
Tiffany Mosley is an Orchestra Director at Berry Middle School in Mesquite ISD, under the leadership of Fine Arts Director Mr. Michael Stringer. With 17 years of experience in music education, she has built a career that reflects her passion and commitment to student success in all levels and disciplines. Prior to her current role, Ms. Mosley served as a Band Director from 2007-2012 in Rice, Texas, where she honed her skills in instrumental music education and built the new Middle School Band program.
From 2012-2023, Ms. Mosley focused on nurturing young talent through her work in Elementary Choir and Elementary & Middle School Orchestras in Cedar Hill, ISD before accepting her current position in Mesquite ISD. Her expertise lies in building and transforming struggling programs quickly into consistent UIL Sweepstakes award-winning ensembles. Both orchestra programs in Cedar Hill and Mesquite transitioned from ratings of 3s and 4s at UIL to Sweepstakes in one year, and consistently thereafter.
Ms. Mosley desires to inspire her students and young musicians to not only develop their musical abilities, but to gain confidence in themselves; discovering that hard work and dedication in music programs can greatly impact their adult lives. Ms. Mosley hopes to foster a love of music and learning among her students and is committed to creating an inclusive and engaging environment where every musician can thrive.
Ms. Mosley grew up in Arlington, TX, where she attended Martin High School, was an All-State horn player and co-principal horn in the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra. She attended SMU Meadows School of Music for Horn Performance, and studied in the studio of Gregory Hustis. She completed her degree in music education from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, TX under the direction of Dr. Tyrone Block. Ms. Mosley has one daughter, Melody who plays percussion at Midlothian High School. She is also on staff as the Worship Director, vocalist and pianist at Refiner’s Fire Ministries, Int’l in Ennis, Tx.
From 2012-2023, Ms. Mosley focused on nurturing young talent through her work in Elementary Choir and Elementary & Middle School Orchestras in Cedar Hill, ISD before accepting her current position in Mesquite ISD. Her expertise lies in building and transforming struggling programs quickly into consistent UIL Sweepstakes award-winning ensembles. Both orchestra programs in Cedar Hill and Mesquite transitioned from ratings of 3s and 4s at UIL to Sweepstakes in one year, and consistently thereafter.
Ms. Mosley desires to inspire her students and young musicians to not only develop their musical abilities, but to gain confidence in themselves; discovering that hard work and dedication in music programs can greatly impact their adult lives. Ms. Mosley hopes to foster a love of music and learning among her students and is committed to creating an inclusive and engaging environment where every musician can thrive.
Ms. Mosley grew up in Arlington, TX, where she attended Martin High School, was an All-State horn player and co-principal horn in the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra. She attended SMU Meadows School of Music for Horn Performance, and studied in the studio of Gregory Hustis. She completed her degree in music education from Southwestern Assemblies of God University in Waxahachie, TX under the direction of Dr. Tyrone Block. Ms. Mosley has one daughter, Melody who plays percussion at Midlothian High School. She is also on staff as the Worship Director, vocalist and pianist at Refiner’s Fire Ministries, Int’l in Ennis, Tx.
Shannon Carnley is currently the Assistant Choir Director at Trinity High School in Euless, TX. She has been a choir director in the Dallas-Fort Worth area for over 12 years. Before joining the team at THS, she served as Head Choir Director at de Zavala Middle School in Irving ISD and Wilkinson Middle School in Mesquite ISD, as well as Assistant Director at Watauga Middle School in Birdville ISD.
Shannon earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas in 2013, and her Master’s in Music Education from Southern Methodist University in 2021. Throughout her career, her choirs and students have consistently earned sweepstakes at UIL, various superior ratings at other contests, placements in All-State, All-Region and All-City choirs. Her ensembles have also been invited to perform for various district and community events.
She is a member of ACDA, TCDA, TMAA, and TMEA.
Shannon earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas in 2013, and her Master’s in Music Education from Southern Methodist University in 2021. Throughout her career, her choirs and students have consistently earned sweepstakes at UIL, various superior ratings at other contests, placements in All-State, All-Region and All-City choirs. Her ensembles have also been invited to perform for various district and community events.
She is a member of ACDA, TCDA, TMAA, and TMEA.
Cindy Franklin, a 30 plus year educator, has a Bachelor of Music
Education from Texas Christian University and a Masters in Education
Administration from the University of Houston-Victoria. Throughout her career, Mrs. Franklin taught choir, private voice, and private piano, as well as working as a church pianist, handbell director and university accompanist. Mrs. Franklin retired from public school teaching in 2023, where she led multiple middle school and high school choirs to earn Sweepstakes awards at UIL Contests. After retiring, Mrs. Franklin began directing the choirs at a private school, along with teaching private voice and piano. She has been married to her husband, Joe, for 27 years, and they have one son, Jake, who serves our country in the US Army and is stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McCord, just
outside of Seattle, Washington.
Education from Texas Christian University and a Masters in Education
Administration from the University of Houston-Victoria. Throughout her career, Mrs. Franklin taught choir, private voice, and private piano, as well as working as a church pianist, handbell director and university accompanist. Mrs. Franklin retired from public school teaching in 2023, where she led multiple middle school and high school choirs to earn Sweepstakes awards at UIL Contests. After retiring, Mrs. Franklin began directing the choirs at a private school, along with teaching private voice and piano. She has been married to her husband, Joe, for 27 years, and they have one son, Jake, who serves our country in the US Army and is stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McCord, just
outside of Seattle, Washington.
Contact:
877-940-0036
Cell: 817-312-1045
*It is best to email or text during festivals*
Cell: 817-312-1045
*It is best to email or text during festivals*
