Associate Professor, Music Education
Associate Director of Choral Activities
Welcome to JMU!
I am in my ninth year as a member of the faculty in the JMU School of Music. I am so proud of the work of our students and faculty, and the beautiful music experiences that we create. In my role at JMU I teach classes in choral conducting, graduate choral literature, and music education. In addition, I work with our musical theatre shows and operas—but my main love and passion is as a choir director. I work with auditioned and non-auditioned choirs, comprised of music majors and non-music majors, as well as graduate and undergraduate students. An exciting part about choirs at JMU is the number of students who sing that study music, but their main instrument is not voice. The possibilities that exist in ensemble music are truly great, and making music with many diverse people is one of my greatest joys.
In all of my classes, shows, and choirs one of the most important lessons I try to impart to my students is that of balance. College music students are very busy, often involved in many credit hours of classes, multiple ensembles, and countless activities. Learning how to maintain a sense of one’s self while juggling multiple obligations is such a difficult task, and one of the most important lessons of the college experience. Sharing my journey of finding balance in my life and remaining open to students’ struggles is a constant goal of mine. Through our shared stories we create meaningful connections that help serve life-changing musical experiences.
I welcome you to be in contact, come visit a rehearsal or performance, or check out recordings of our choirs below or our live-stream. Go Dukes!
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. W. Bryce Hayes maintains an active career as a conductor, teacher, church musician, pianist, accompanist and singer. Bryce is currently Associate Professor of Choral Music at James Madison University, in Harrisonburg, Virginia and was honored by being named Distinguished Teacher for the College of Visual and Performing Arts for the 2018-2019 academic year. At JMU Dr. Hayes conducts Treble Chamber Choir, The University Men's Chorus, The University Chorus, and teaches graduate choral literature, undergraduate conducting, and courses in music education.
Dr. Hayes is an active adjudicator and clinician, recent and upcoming appearances include conducting honors choirs and workshops in Virginia, New Jersey, California, and Delaware All-State Choir. Bryce also conducts the Crozet Community Chorus, a group of 80-plus volunteer singers.
Dr. Hayes is a certified Kodály educator, and his current research interests include strategies for improving musicianship with secondary and collegiate choirs, the role of gender in choral ensembles, and creativity in the choral classroom. Bryce is active as a church musician where he currently serves Trinity Presbyterian Church in Harrisonburg, Virginia where he coordinates worship music and conducts the church choir.
A New Jersey native, Dr. Hayes hails most recently from Minneapolis, Minnesota where he completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting from The University of Minnesota. Prior to his time in Minnesota, Dr. Hayes received a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Temple University. His career began with a Bachelor of Music degree in music education summa cum laude from Westminster Choir College following which he served as the Director of Upper School Choral Music at Princeton Day School. When not making music, Bryce enjoys teaching and practicing yoga, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, and cooking.
Lisa M. Maynard
Associate Professor, String Music Education,
Coordinator of Music Education
maynarlm@jmu.edu
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William Dabback
Professor, Director of Graduate Studies and Admissions
dabbacwm@jmu.edu
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W. Bryce Hayes
Associate Professor, Associate Director of Choral Activities
hayeswb@jmu.edu
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Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy
Associate Professor, Director of Choral Activities, Coordinator of Voice Area
vanderjx@jmu.edu
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David Stringham
Director of Research, Entrepreneurship, and Engagement in the College of Visual and Performing Arts
stringda@jmu.edu
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Benjamin Guerrero
Preparing Future Faculty Fellow, Instructor
guerrebj@jmu.edu
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Rhonda Stees
Instructor
steesrl@jmu.edu
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Stephen P. Bolstad
Professor, Director of Bands
Ensemble Area Coordinator
bolstasp@jmu.edu
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Foster Beyers
Assistant Professor
Director of Orchestras
beyersfj@jmu.edu
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Chuck Dotas
Professor, Director of Jazz Studies
dotascj@jmu.edu
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W. Bryce Hayes
Associate Professor, Associate Director of Choral Activities
hayeswb@jmu.edu
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Scott Rikkers
Director of the Marching Royal Dukes, Assistant Director of Bands
rikkersd@jmu.edu
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Kevin J. Stees
Professor, Conductor of the JMU Brass Band
steeskj@jmu.edu
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Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy
Associate Professor, Director of Choral Activities, Coordinator of Voice Area
vanderjx@jmu.edu
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Nieves Villaseñor
Assistant Director of Athletic Bands
Director of Pep Band
villasnx@jmu.edu
Yi-Ping Chen
Instructor, Conducting
chenyc@jmu.edu
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Greg Thomas
Instructor
thoma3gp@jmu.edu
Jo-Anne van der Vat-Chromy
Associate Professor, Director of Choral Activities, Coordinator of Voice Area
vanderjx@jmu.edu
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Sonya Baker
Professor
bakersg@jmu.edu
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W. Bryce Hayes
Associate Professor, Associate Director of Choral Activities
hayeswb@jmu.edu
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Jamison Walker
Assistant Professor
walke5jl@jmu.edu
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David Newman
Instructor
newmanda@jmu.edu
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Brenda Witmer
Instructor
witmerbk@jmu.edu
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