Director Carla Summers began her choral teaching career in 2008 at Oak Ridge High School of Conroe, Texas. During her tenure, she was the associate choral director for six years and head choral director for three years, conducting non-varsity and varsity levels of treble and mixed ensembles. She also collaborated with local schools in Region 9 as a choral and instrumental pianist for solo and ensemble competitions and musicals. She played piano for University of Miami voice and instrumental students, as well as taught private voice and piano to middle school and high school students around Miami-Dade County, and co-directed with the Children’s Voice Chorus (now known as Vocal Youth Miami) alongside founder and director Jamie Sutta. She teaches private lessons and accompanies in piano with schools in the Northwest Arkansas region, regularly rehearses and conducts the St. Paul’s Episcopal adult choir, and collaborates with voice and instrumental studios at the University of Arkansas. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Music in Music Studies in 2008 under the guidance of Dr. Suzanne Pence. She studied voice with David Small and sang with the University of Texas Chamber Singers and Choral Arts Society under the direction of Dr. James Morrow. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in collaborative piano at the University of Arkansas.

With nineteen years of experience teaching choir in Bentonville Schools, Director Shannon Wicker has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to excellence in music education. She earned her Bachelor’s in Music Education in 2006 from Henderson State University, with a focus on piano and voice, and in 2018 received a Master’s in Music Education from the University of Central Arkansas. Shannon has played an instrumental role in shaping the lives of her students, first as a general music and choir teacher at Ardis Ann Middle School, and now for the past decade as the choir director at Lincoln Junior High. Under her leadership, Lincoln choir students have consistently excelled, earning superior ratings and sweepstakes at choral performance assessments, as well as regional and national honors, including the 7A champions title at the World’s of Fun Music Festival in 2016. Over 250 of her students have made the Region 6 All Region Choir in the past six years, showcasing her ability to inspire choral excellence in her students. Shannon’s commitment to her students is further exemplified by her recognition from her peers as Junior High Director of the Year in 2019 by members of Region 6 Arkansas Choral Directors Association. Shannon’s dedication to choral music extends beyond the classroom, serving as co-director of the University of Arkansas Children’s Choir and actively contributing as a member of both the Arkansas Choral Directors Association and the American Choral Directors Association. Additionally, she is the fine arts team leader at Lincoln Junior High, the 7-8 Choir PLC Lead for Bentonville Schools, and a collaborative pianist for regional and state choir events. Shannon’s passion for music and education, along with her tireless efforts to support and elevate her students, make her an inspiring educator and a devoted leader in the Arkansas choral community.

Director Rachel Cornett is a graduate of Green Forest High School and the University of Arkansas, where she earned a Bachelor’s in Choral Music Education and a Master’s in Music Education. While at the U of A, she studied classical voice, sang in Schola and Inspire, and played percussion and piccolo in the UA Marching Band.

Rachel taught middle school choir in Bentonville, Arkansas, for ten years—earning Teacher of the Year in 2003—and co-directed the Bentonville Children’s Choir. In 2011, she moved to New York City, where she taught music and held leadership roles at TEP Charter School in Manhattan.

Rachel has served as a clinician for multiple All-Region Choirs and regularly presents at conferences, including the NWA Teach Music Conference and SWACDA & Arkansas ACDA summer conventions. She was named the 2020 Outstanding Jr. High Choir Director of the Year by her peers.

She has performed professionally with Vocalis, The Link, and the Arkansas Gospel Chorale. Rachel lives in Fayetteville and has two daughters, Audrie and Annie.

A Springdale native currently in his 7th year at Lingle Middle School in Rogers, Nephtali Cantú directs the 6th-8th grade choral program and consistently dedicates his life and work to continuing the cultivation of choral excellence in his district and state. Under his direction, the Lingle Lion Choirs have grown in achievement, consistently boasting superior ratings in both prepared music and sight reading at Choral Performance Assessment. Apart from serving at his school as department chair, he also serves as lead teacher of secondary music in the Rogers Public School system. Heavily involved in Arkansas’ various music organizations, Nephtali is currently the ArkCDA Region 6 treasurer, a SWACDA Honor Choir Coordinator, serves on the faculty at ACC choir camp, has hosted All-Region tryouts, cliniced for local choral events, and was recognized as the ArkCDA Region 6 Jr. High Director of the Year in 2024. Outside of the classroom, Nephtali enjoys yoga, running, kayaking, hiking National Parks, drinking excessive amounts of Onyx coffee and spending time with his dog Chance and cat Chuchi.

With over 20 years of experience in educational leadership and music education, Shelly O’Dell is passionate about inspiring students and faculty alike to strive for excellence, creativity, and connection in their educational journeys. Currently, as the Assistant Head of Middle School at Thaden School, Shelly helps shape policies, student advisory initiatives, and a variety of programs that foster a positive, inclusive school environment. Her educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that great teaching combines support, high expectations, and an environment that encourages risk-taking and creative expression. As a music educator, Shelly strives to provide a safe, dynamic classroom where students feel empowered to explore their unique voices and challenge themselves musically. From teaching general music and directing choirs to developing community-based projects, she has dedicated her career to helping students connect meaningfully to the arts, their communities, and each other. Influenced by inspiring mentors and leaders in the field, Shelly is committed to cultivating a learning space that values creativity, engagement, and holistic student growth. Shelly is excited to be a part of the University of Arkansas Children’s Choir program this year!