KELLORI DOWER
Dr. Kellori Dower, Dean of Visual and Performing Arts at Cypress College in Cypress, California, has a wealth of experience. She has led two award-winning high school choral programs, served as a collegiate Director of Choral Activities, and held positions as High School Principal, Assistant Principal, and District Arts Administrator.
Recognized for her contributions, Dr. Dower received the Outstanding Music Educator Award for the California Music Educators Association Southeastern section in 2016. As an artist, she has composed and published several choral works, including performances with the San Diego Symphony. Her most recent choral publication, Spiritual Songs, was published by Hal Leonard in the Henry Leck Creating Artistry Series. Under her direction, choral ensembles have graced renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, Chicago's Orchestra Hall, and New York's Lincoln Center. Dr. Dower serves as a choral adjudicator, clinician, and conductor for All-State and regional High School Honor ensembles across the United States. She currently holds the position of President of the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO) and contributes to the California Arts Council grant review committee. Additionally, she previously served as the R&R Chair for Two-Year Colleges with the California Choral Directors Association (CCDA) before being elected as the Southern Section representative in 2023. Dr. Dower teaches on the graduate faculty of Longy School of Music of Bard College. Her dedication to cultural exploration has led her to develop collegiate courses in Rap and Hip Hop, Gospel Music, and African-American folk compositions. Outside of her professional achievements, Dr. Dower takes pride in being a devoted mother of four and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She also has a musical background as a former mellophone player and drummer in the Marching Storm Band at Prairie View A&M University. |