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Meet Paul Thompson

  • DMA, University of Colorado – Boulder
  • MM, University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee
  • B.A., Marian University

I am the Director of Choral Activities at Ripon College. I direct the Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, and Choral Union. I also teach Conducting I and II, Choral Techniques, Music History I, and in the Catalyst curriculum. My research includes applications of Servant Leadership in Choral Rehearsals, and the use of concepts from Information Pedagogy to frame Conducting Pedagogy. I conduct Aperi Animam, a professional early music choir in Milwaukee, and sing with several professional choirs throughout the country. In my free time, I love to spend time with my family and friends, read, golf and cook.


Icon for: What is something you've experienced that makes Ripon College special?

The faculty, staff, and students here, especially in the Music Department, are an extremely welcoming, supportive community.

What is something you’ve experienced that makes Ripon College special?

The faculty, staff, and students here, especially in the Music Department, are an extremely welcoming, supportive community.

Icon for: What's your favorite topic or course to teach and why?

I love teaching courses related to music education. It's extremely exciting to facilitate student growth as they strive to become their own best authentic selves in a teaching/leadership role.

What’s your favorite topic or course to teach and why?

I love teaching courses related to music education. It’s extremely exciting to facilitate student growth as they strive to become their own best authentic selves in a teaching/leadership role.

Icon for: Briefly describe a favorite assignment or in-class activity.

Once or twice a semester in choir, we put everyone's name in a hat. Each time we stop, we pull a name out of the hat, and that person is responsible for what happens next in the rehearsal. Buy-in, critical thinking, and ownership go through the roof.

Briefly describe a favorite assignment or in-class activity.

Once or twice a semester in choir, we put everyone’s name in a hat. Each time we stop, we pull a name out of the hat, and that person is responsible for what happens next in the rehearsal. Buy-in, critical thinking, and ownership go through the roof.



Recent News Updates

Paul Thompson

Ripon College Chamber Singers plan upcoming concerts and spring tour

The Ripon College Chamber Singers will participate in several activities this spring. Choral Festival and concert: A Choral Festival will be held Tuesday, March 21, […]

Paul Thompson, left, and Abby Schmidt

Ripon College choirs to present joint concert Sunday

The three Ripon College choral ensembles will present a combined concert Sunday, Feb 19. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. in C.J. Rodman Center […]