Dr. Michael Hanawalt is the Director of Graduate Choral Studies at Florida State University, where he conducts the Chamber Choir and teaches graduate courses in conducting and choral literature. Previous appointments include Director of Choral Activities at Wichita State University, Chorus Director at the Wichita Symphony Orchestra and Visiting Instructor of Music at St. Olaf College.
Dr. Hanawalt is a founding member of the professional male vocal ensemble Cantus, based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. During his 11-year tenure, he recorded 12 CDs, participated in 200 educational outreach events, performed in or oversaw the booking of more than 500 concerts and served for six years as Executive Director.
Dr. Hanawalt is also active as a tenor soloist and composer. His choral arrangements are published by Boosey & Hawkes, Colla Voce and the Niel. A Kjos Music Company.
Dr. Hanawalt holds a B.M. in Vocal Performance from St. Olaf College, a M.M. in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University, and a Ph.D. in Choral Music Education from Florida State University. He is the recipient of the 2016 Mickey and Pete Armstrong Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Wichita State University College of Fine Arts.