DAVID HAAS

David Haas is currently pursuing the M.M. in Choral Conducting at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, where he also serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant as well as Assistant Director for the Tallahassee Community Chorus. Mr. Haas formerly served as Assistant Conductor for the FSU Men’s Glee Club. Additionally, Haas serves as Director of Music at Centenary United Methodist Church in Quincy, Florida where he directs the Chancel Choir and Bell Choir.

Prior to his studies at Florida State, Mr. Haas served as Director of Choral Activities for Washington High School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, during which his choirs sang at state convention and were consistently awarded superior divisions in contest. His responsibilities included overseeing the choral department, maintaining the choral music library and directing Freshman Men’s Chorus, Warrior Chorus, Concert Choir, Select Men’s Ensemble and Classic Connection Show Choir. Before teaching at Washington, David served as a long-term substitute Assistant Choral Director at Linn-Mar High School in Marion, Iowa. David graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. His mentors include Weston Noble, Dr. Craig Arnold, Dr. Tim Peter, Dr. Sandra Peter, Dr. Z. Randall Stroope, Dr. Judy Bowers, Dr. Kevin Fenton and Dr. Andre Thomas. David resides in Tallahassee where he lives with his loving wife Sarah, and his faithful dog, Luther.

LESLEY MANN

Lesley Maxwell Mann, a native of Atlanta, GA, is currently enrolled in the PhD program at Florida State University, seeking a Doctorate of Choral Conducting and Music Education. Additionally, she serves as the Music Minister at First Presbyterian Church of Thomasville, in Thomasville, GA. Most recently, Ms. Mann held the post of Assistant Professor at the College of Central Florida, where she directed the vocal music programs, including Applied Voice lessons, directing the Concert Choir and Musical Theatre Ensemble, as well as Ear Training classes. Previously, Ms. Mann was Director of Choral Activities at William R. Boone High School in Orlando, FL. Additionally, Ms. Mann sings and is a frequent soloist with the Festival Singers of Florida, and served as the Creative Director for their Broadway Revue, The Three Stephens.

Ms. Mann is an active performer in a wide variety of styles, and has enjoyed performing in Finding Nemo: the Musical! at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. She has also produced a jazz Christmas album, and was a featured soloist on the Garnet and Gold Christmas Album.

Ms. Mann is an active member of the Florida Vocal Association, Florida Music Educators Association, and the American Choral Directors Association. She is also a sought-after clinician and adjudicator. She holds the Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Choral Music Education from Florida State University, and is thrilled to be returning to the Tallahassee Community Chorus after a 14 year hiatus.