05/15/2026
We are thrilled to welcome two wonderful teachers to our graduate choral conducting cohort next fall.
Congratulations and welcome home Elise Cangro and Matthew Porter!
Elise Cangro will begin her first year as an M.M. student at WIU pursuing choral conducting in the fall of 2026. She earned her Bachelor’s of Music Education with a choral emphasis from WIU in 2021. Following graduation, Elise taught 6-8th grade choir and general music in Illinois before relocating to Colorado to teach at Fort Morgan High School. Since 2022, she has expanded the choir program at FMHS. Elise directs a variety of auditioned and non-auditioned choirs, vocal jazz ensembles, teaches music theory and yearbook, and serves as the vocal director for the school’s spring musicals. In addition to her work in public education, Elise is the music and choir director at First United Methodist Church in Greeley, Colorado, and serves on the board for the Colorado American Choral Directors Association. While teaching, directing, and volunteering, she has also made time to continue singing with Laudamus Chamber Chorale. Elise earned her Estill Figure Proficiency certificate in 2023 through Estill Voice Training.
Matthew Porter will be a first-year M.M. student in choral conducting at Western Illinois University in the fall of 2026. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from WIU in 2022 before beginning his teaching career at Fort Morgan Middle School, where he directs auditioned and non-auditioned choirs and teaches piano and guitar. In addition to classroom teaching, Matthew serves as a collaborative pianist for Fort Morgan High School’s choirs and musical productions. An active performer and educator, Matthew participates in community theatre as a singer, actor, and pianist. He currently performs with the Laudamus Chamber Chorale and the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir in Greeley, CO. Matthew also earned his Estill Figure Proficiency certificate in 2023 through Estill Voice Training.
