About Our Conductor

Ted Hesse is a passionate choral conductor with 30 years of experience. 

He first arrived in Decatur to pursue his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Millikin University. Following his graduation from Millikin he received his Masters of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Northern Iowa, and then continued his education in Music Education and Vocal Performance at the University of Minnesota.

Ted happily returned to Decatur in 2000 as an Adjunct Instructor and later became a Lecturer of Music at Millikin University. During his time at Millikin he taught Music Theory, Voice, Conducting, and led numerous different choral groups including conducting Millikin's Union of Choirs and instrumentalists at Kirkland's Fine Art Center for Vespers performances and conducting the Millikin Men's Choir on tour and at the IMEA State Convention. 

Along with leading choirs at Millikin, Ted has taken his love of music to the community, serving as Conductor of the Greater Decatur Chorale from 2000-2005 and then starting again in 2014 until the present time. He also is the Director of Music at St. John's Lutheran Church. 

In every area of his professional and personal life, Ted strives to use his knowledge and love of music to help student and adult choir members enjoy and improve their performance through development of the vocal instrument, musicality and through quality repertoire that is relatable for both performer and audience member.