Faculty

Scott Hochstetler

Scott Hochstetler

Professor of Music

Email
scottmh@goshen.edu
Phone
(574) 535-7929

Scott Hochstetler, DMA, is Professor of Music at Goshen College, where he teaches and conducts in the choral, vocal and opera/musical theater areas. He is also the musical director of Camerata Singers, an area professional choir. Previous appointments include Western Mennonite School (OR), the University of Michigan – Flint, and Corban College (OR).

Dr. Hochstetler is a diverse conductor, having successfully led church, school, college, and community ensembles, and worked with singers from novice to professional. Under his direction, the Goshen College Men’s Chorus performed to acclaim at the ACDA regional convention in March 2012. Hochstetler is an active guest clinician, and has led groups on tours throughout the USA and Canada. He served as guest conductor for the 2024 and 2016 Mennonite Schools Council choral festivals and the 2020 District 2A Circle the State with Song middle school choir. He also guest-conducted the 2014 Southwestern Michigan College Choral Boot Camp and the MSVMA Men’s Choral Invitational in Berrien Springs, MI, and he has helped prepare local high school singers for the Indiana All-State Choir since 2009. Hochstetler is the founder and music director for the annual Goshen College Low Voice Festival. He has also prepared choruses for performances with the symphony orchestras of Elkhart, Ft. Wayne, Toledo, Lansing and Detroit, including Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony with Elkhart County Symphony in 2023 and the Verdi Requiem with the Ft. Wayne Philharmonic in 2015. In 2023, Hochstetler guest-conducted the Elkhart County Symphony and Camerata Singers in Vivaldi’s Magnificat.

In May 2015, Hochstetler appeared with the Goshen College Chamber Choir on NPR’s A Prairie Home Companion. In 2015-16, Hochstetler and the Chamber Choir appeared in concert with Bobby McFerrin and famed Norwegian baritone Njål Sparbo. In 2010, Hochstetler was chosen as the second director in the 40-year history of Camerata Singers, the premier chamber choir in Northern Indiana. In 2023, Camerata Singers recorded “The Gift to Sing” on works by composer Lee Dengler, and they performed a concert of Dengler’s works, collaborating with three area high schools. In commemoration of Camerata’s 40th anniversary in 2014, Hochstetler led the Goshen College Chamber Choir and Camerata in a performance of Tallis’s 40-part Spem in Alium. In the 2016-17 season, Hochstetler conducted Rachmaninoff’s All-Night Vigil with the GC Chamber Choir and Camerata with Grammy-winning basso profundo, Glenn Miller, and in 2016, he conducted the GC Orchestra and combined choirs in the US collegiate premiere of Larry Nickel’s Requiem for Peace. Hochstetler conducted the world premiere of Bruce Trinkley’s Mennonite Songs with poetry by Julia Kasdorf in fall 2017.

In the areas of opera and musical theater, Hochstetler has served as music director and/or conductor for numerous productions including Into the Woods, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Orfeo ed Euridice, The Pirates of Penzance, Godspell 2012, Le Nozze di Figaro, Dido and Aeneas, Old Maid and the Thief, Urinetown, Utopia Limited, Trial by Jury and The Music Man. Hochstetler served as music director of the Goshen College Musical Theatre Camp from 2015-2018, and 2021-22.

As a baritone, Dr. Hochstetler has performed opera and oratorio roles and given recitals in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Oregon. In 2023, he sang the baritone solo in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Elkhart County Symphony under the baton of Soo Han. He also performed as baritone soloist in Fauré’s Requiem with the Toledo Symphony and Goshen College choirs under the baton of Vance George in 2012. Hochstetler has also performed as soloist with the Elkhart and Lansing Symphonies, Michigan State University Chorale and the Goshen College Chamber Choir and has sung in choirs under major conductors including Vance George, Helmut Rilling, Nicholas Kramer, Robert King, Gustav Meier, Dennis Keene and Moses Hogan. In fall 2016, he performed as Melchior in Amahl and the Night Visitors and presented a recital of Dichterliebe and The Songs of Travel in spring 2017. In fall 2023, he presented La Bonne Chanson by Fauré. A passionate vocal pedagogue, Hochstetler’s voice students have consistently placed highly in vocal competitions, including winners of the 2019, 2016 and 2013 Indiana NATS competition and runners-up of the 2019, 2017 and 2014 competitions. Hochstetler’s former voice students have earned advanced degree in voice from schools such as Bowling Green State University, Ball State University and Yale University. Two of his former students, Josh Liechty and Caleb Liechty, together with their sister Bekah, won NBC’s The Voice in December 2021 as the folk trio Girl Named Tom.

As a scholar, Hochstetler’s interests are choral diction and peace-themed choral masterworks. The Choral Journal has published his work on Vaughan Williams and federalism, and he is also the co-author of Translations and Annotations of Choral Repertoire, Volume II: German Texts, IPA pronunciation guide, published by earthsongs, with a second book on French and Italian diction in process.

In addition to teaching in the music department, Hochstetler led three consecutive Study Service Terms in Peru during the 2018-19 school year. Together with his wife Rachel Hostetler and local coordinators, he helped administer a program serving 49 students. Along with studying culture and language and living with families in Lima for the first six weeks, the students performed voluntary service in the provinces for the final six weeks. Hochstetler helped place two students for the first time in service locations with Sinfonia por El Perú, a social change music program started by Peruvian tenor Juan Diego Florez in 2009 and modeled after Venezuela’s El Sistema.

Hochstetler holds a DMA in choral conducting from Michigan State University, a double MM in conducting and voice from the University of Michigan, an MAT in education from Western Oregon University, and a BA in music and biology from Goshen College. He has studied conducting with David Rayl, Sandra Snow, Jonathan Reed, Jerry Blackstone, Theodore Morrison and Kenneth Kiesler, and he has studied voice with Leslie Guinn, Stephen Lusmann, Doyle Preheim, Richard Fracker, and Anthony Frisell.

Dr. Hochstetler lives in Goshen, Indiana with his wife Rachel and two children, Leah and Aaron. In his spare time, he enjoys cooking Thai food and riding his bike on the Pumpkinvine Trail.
Education
- B.A., Goshen College, 1997
- M.M., University of Michigan Ann Arbor, 2000
- M.A., Western Oregon University, 2005
- D.M.A, Michigan State University, 2008
Festivals/Workshops:
- Indiana Choral Directors’ Summer Workshops
- Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) Vocal Pedagogy Institute
- Chorus America National Conference
- ACDA National, Regional, and State Conferences
- Sound in the Lands (Conference on Mennonite Music)
- Toronto Bach Festival, Oregon Bach Festival
- Conductors’ Retreat at Medomak
- Dennis Keene Choral Festival
- René Clausen Choral School
- Mike Klinger Music Technology Retreat
- Soundsation Vocal Jazz Camp
- Middle Level Choral Institute
Masterclasses:
- Helmut Rilling, André Thomas, Rodney Eichenberger,
- Gunther Schuller, David Epstein, Robert Page,
- Peter Bagley, Vance George, David Lockington
Active Memberships:
- American Choral Directors Association
- National Association of Teachers of Singing
- National Association for Music Education
PERFORMANCE

Vocal (Baritone)

Opera Roles:
- Melchior, AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS, Iowa Mennonite School
- Marchese, LA TRAVIATA, University of Michigan Opera Theatre
- Armored Man/Priest, THE MAGIC FLUTE, University of Michigan Opera Theatre
- Somnus, SEMELE, Michigan Opera Works
- Captain Corcoran, HMS PINAFORE, Bristol Opera House
- The Pirate King, PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Goshen College
Partial Roles:
- Dancairo, CARMEN, University of Michigan Opera Workshop
- Alidoro, LA CENERENTOLA, University of Michigan Opera Workshop
- The Dark Fiddler, A VILLAGE ROMEO AND JULIET, University of Michigan Opera Workshop
- Il Conte, IL MATRIOMONIO SEGRETO, University of Michigan Opera Workshop
- Publio, IL CLEMENZA DI TITO, University of Michigan Opera Workshop
- Falke, DIE FLEDERMAUS, Goshen College Opera Workshop
- Giuseppe, GONDOLIERS, Goshen College Opera Workshop
- Peter, HANSEL AND GRETEL, Goshen College Opera Workshop
Oratorio and Concert Soloist Performances:
- Maple City Orchestra, Goshen Community Chorale, Faure: Requiem (Fall 2023)
- Goshen College Faculty Recital Series, Fauré: La Bonne Chanson (Fall 2023)
- Elkhart County Symphony, Goshen College Choirs, Camerata Singers: Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, bass soloist (spring 2023)
- Goshen College Orchestra and Choirs, Brahms’ Requiem, baritone soloist (Fall 2020)
- Goshen College Musical Theater Camp, Faculty Cabaret (Spring 2018)
- Goshen College (Faculty Recital Series), Mixed Faculty Recital (Fall 2017)
- Goshen Theater fundraising dinner, Cabaret performance of musical theater (Fall 2017)
- Goshen College Orchestra and Choirs, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, bass soloist (Fall 2017)
- Goshen College Faculty Recital Series with Luke Norell and Kathryn Schimdt: A Poet’s Love (Dichterliebe) and Songs of Travel (Spring 2017)
- Goshen College Music Department Mixed Faculty Recital (Fall 2016)
- Goshen College Music Department Mixed Faculty Recital (Fall 2015)
- Goshen College Faculty Recital Series with Rebecca Dengler Kaufman (Spring 2015)
- Goshen College Rieth Recital Series, guest soloist in organ recital (2014)
- Goshen College Chamber Choir, Vaughan Williams: Five Mystical Songs (2012)
- Toledo Symphony and Goshen College Choirs, Vance George, Fauré: Requiem (2012)
- Goshen College (Afternoon Sabbatical), Bach: Coffee Cantata (2012)
- Oak Grove Mennonite Church (Ohio), Handel: Messiah (2011)
- Goshen College (Faculty Recital Series), Bach: Ich will den Kreutzstab gerne tragen (2011)
- Goshen College (Faculty Recital Series), Brahms: Liebeslieder Waltzer (2011)
- Goshen College “American Concert for Peace,” Barber: Dover Beach (2010)
- Goshen College (Faculty Recital Series), Faculty Recital (2009)
- St. Joseph Valley Camerata (Elkhart, IN), Days of ’49 (American folksong) (2009)
- Zion Mennonite Church (Archbold, OH), Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem (2008)
- Lansing Symphony Orchestra and Michigan State Chorale, soloist for Bach: St. John Passion (2008)
- Michigan State University Collage Concert, soloist for Dorchester Canticles (2007)
- University of Michigan—Flint Wind Symphony, soloist (2007)
- Okemos First Presbyterian Church (MI), Bach: Ein Feste Burg ist Unsrer Gott (2007)
- Michigan State University Choirs & Orchestra, Handel: “Thus saith the Lord” from Messiah (2006)
- Michigan State University Choral Union, Mozart: Requiem (2006)
- Michigan State University Graduate Recital, Purcell: Jubilate Deo and Te Deum (2006)
- The Steiner Chorale (Lansing, MI), Finzi: In terra pax (2005)
- The Steiner Chorale (Lansing, MI), Bach: Nun komm der Heiden Heiland (2005)
- Michigan State University Men’s Glee Club, Hogan: “Every Time I Feel the Spirit” (2005)
- St. Paul Chamber Singers (Salem, OR), Howells: Requiem (2004)
- Willamette Master Chorus (Salem, OR), Britten: Rejoice in the Lamb (2004)
- Willamette Master Chorus, featured quartet member in Messiah (2003)
- Willamette Master Chorus, soloist in Carmina Burana (Si puer cum puellula) (2002)
- Willamette Master Chorus, soloist in Ramirez: Navidad Nuestra (2001)
- University of Michigan Arts Chorale Fauré: Requiem (2000)
- Goshen College Concerto/Aria Competition, Mozart: The catalogue aria (Don Giovanni) (1997)
- Goshen College Concerto/ Aria Competition, Mozart: “Se a caso madama” (Figaro) (1996)
- Ibycus Chamber Orchestra (Bangkok), Bach: Magnificat (1992)
Conductor:

Choral/Opera/Musical Theatre (Major Works)
- Into the Woods, Sondheim (2023)
- Requiem Aeternam, Woo (2021)
- Singet dem Herrn, Bach (2020)
- Fern Hill, Corigliano (2018)
- Chichester Psalms, Bernstein (2018)
- Pirates of Penzance, Gilbert and Sullivan (2018)
- Mennonite Songs, Trinkley/Kasdorf (2017)
- Procession Winding Around Me, Van (2017)
- All-Night Vigil, Rachmaninoff (2016)
- Requiem for Peace, Nickel (2016)
- Ein Deutsches Requiem, Brahms (2016)
- Godspell 2012, Schwartz (2015)
- Messiah (Easter portion) (2015)
- Spem in Alium, Tallis (2014)
- Singet dem Herrn, Bach (2014)
- Le Nozze di Figaro, Mozart (2014)
- Carmina Burana, Orff (2013)
- Rejoice in the Lamb, Britten (2013)
- Komm, Jesu komm, Bach (2013)
- Requiem, Duruflé (2013)
- Mid-Winter Songs, Lauridsen (2012)
- Litaniae Lauretanae, Mozart (2012)
- Chichester Psalms, Bernstein (2010)
- Messiah, Handel (2009)
- Magnificat, Vivaldi (2008)
- Elegisher Gesang, Beethoven (2008)
- Trial by Jury, Gilbert and Sullivan (2002)
- Utopia Limited, Gilbert and Sullivan (2000)
Selected Publications

“Dona Nobis Pacem: Vaughan Williams’s Federalist Manifesto.” The Choral Journal. 49.12 (2009), 42-52.

IPA Pronunciation Guide for Translations & Annotations of Choral Repertoire, Volume II: German Texts, with Brent Wells. Ed. by Gordon Paine. earthsongs, 2011. Pg. 124.

Forthcoming:

IPA Pronunciation Guide for Translations & Annotations of Choral Repertoire, Volume III: French and Italian Texts, with Brent Wells. Ed. by Gordon Paine. earthsongs.
2017 Mininger Grant for CCM (non-classical) Vocal Pedagogy Institute

2016 Mininger Grant for trip to National ACDA (Minneapolis)

2013 Mininger Grant for voice study in NYC, Goshen College

2012 Conductor of Goshen College Men’s Chorus, ACDA Central Div Conf

2016, 2013, 2011, 2008 Teacher of Vocal Competition Winner, Indiana NATS

2010, 2011 Mininger Grants for work towards two books, Goshen College

2007 Masterclass Conductor with Helmut Rilling, Toronto Bach Festival

2007 Dissertation Completion Award, Michigan State University

2002-04 Who’s Who Among American High School Teachers (3X)

2001 Emerging Conductor Scholarship, René Clausen Choral School

2000 Participating Conductor, Dennis Keene Choral Festival