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Our Staff

Our Staff

Kristen Stanton, Artistic/Executive Director

Kristen Stanton received her undergraduate degree from Monmouth College and a Master of Arts in Music Education from Brigham Young University. Previous to her position with Iowa Youth Chorus, she taught elementary and secondary vocal music in public and private schools in Utah, Massachusetts, and Newton, Iowa. Her teaching credits also include seven years as faculty in the music department of the College of Eastern Utah, where she taught preschool and elementary music methods, sight singing and ear training, music appreciation and history, group and private piano, and directed the vocal jazz ensemble.

In 1994 Kristen co-founded the Pro Musica Community Music School in Price, Utah. She acted as executive director and taught classes in preschool music, children’s choir, and piano. Kristen has served many congregations as choir director and organist, most recently as Director of Music at Second Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa.

Kristen joined the IYC staff in 2000 as an accompanist and Associate Conductor. In 2005 she was appointed as Artistic/Executive Director and currently conducts the Primary Choir, Children’s Chorus, Chorale and Youth Chorale.


Jim Shutt, Director of Boy's Chorus

Jim Shutt received his undergraduate degree from Luther College and his Master of Arts in Effective Teaching from Viterbo University. In the summer of 2005 Jim attended the Comprehensive Musicianship Project and would like to encourage more choral directors to attend this workshop. Jim has been an active member of the Iowa Choral Director's Association and has served as 7th- 8th grade Opus Chair, hosted the SC-ICDA 5th-7th grade Youth Festival Honors Choirs and this year will host the 7th-8th grade treble and 7th-8th mixed Youth Festival Honor Choirs.

Jim has been teaching vocal music for twenty years. He is currently the vocal director in the Dallas Center-Grimes School District. He currently directs choirs in 6th, 7th and 8th grade, show choir ILLUSION, a spring musical, and gives voice lessons to all students in the middle school vocal program. Jim has taught at all levels(K-12) of vocal/choral music in schools, churches and private lessons. He has directed many different ensembles including handbells, brass, pit orchestra, and a STOMP ensemble. Jim is married and is the father of a beautiful daughter and handsome son.


Lois Harms, Accompanist

Lois is a graduate of the University of Iowa and holds a Master of Music degree from Drake University. She taught instrumental music in Mt. Vernon and Newton Public Schools and joined the staff of Iowa Youth Chorus in 1989. Lois has accompanied The Chorus at all International Music Festivals and international tours. Currently, Lois is an adjunct music instructor at Grand View College and serves as the organist for Central Presbyterian Church in Des Moines. A skilled clarinetist as well as keyboard artist, Lois is also a frequent recitalist as a member of the Stadler Wind Ensemble.


Steve Chandler, Director of Operations and Marketing

Steve is a graduate of Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY in Music and History and has an Master of Business degree from Babson College. He has extensive experience marketing and sales and a deep passion for music. Steve is a composer affiliated with the Iowa Composer's Forum and the father of Tom Chandler in Youth Chorale.