Board of Directors

Stephanie Knol, President
Richard Snyder, Secretary
Parker G. Emerson, Treasurer
Lainie Lapis, Board Member
Amanda Sabicer, Board Member
Shaun Kolcz, Board Member
Emily Pomoroy, Board Member
Gerhard Kramer, Board Member
Scott McGookin, Board Member
Priscilla Walters, Board Member

Artistic Director

Alan Wellman joined the Claremont Chorale as Artistic Director in 2018. Wellman previously served as Artistic Director of the Northwest Choral Society from 2010 to 2017, has directed choirs at several churches in Chicago, and recently at the First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, CA. He joined the performing arts faculty at Polytechnic School in Pasadena, CA in the fall of 2017.

Dr. Wellman's degrees include a Doctor of Sacred Music from the Graduate Theological Foundation (Mishawaka, IN), a Master of Music Education from San Jose State University, a Master of Music in choral conducting from California State L.A., and a Bachelor of Music—vocal/choral emphasis from Roosevelt University. Dr. Wellman is pursuing an M.Div. through Mercer University, specializing in Spiritual Care and Chaplaincy.

Accompanist & Assistant Director

Matthew D. Swartz joined the Claremont Chorale as Collaborative Pianist in 2023. Having moved to Claremont in 2010 to pursue a career in music, Swartz has since developed a steadfast belief in the importance of choral singing and its many benefits across all ages, backgrounds, and communities. Since 2014, Swartz has served as a choir accompanist for all grade levels in Bonita Unified School District, including all five award-winning choirs at Bonita High School. As a choral singer himself, Swartz has sung with numerous local ensembles including over a decade with Pomona College Choir. Swartz earned his DMA in Music Composition from Claremont Graduate University (2017) and his BM in Piano Performance from the University of Connecticut (2010).

As a composer, Swartz’s growing body of choral works has been decorated and performed by the Yale Glee Club, Indiana University’s NOTUS, McGill University’s Schulich Singers, Choral Arts Initiative, the 2019 CCDA SATB Honor Choir, and others. To learn more or to reach out to Matthew, please visit www.MatthewSwartz.com.