Theodore Brimeyer

Teaching Artist of Choirs

Theodore (Ted) Brimeyer joins the faculty of Drake University in 2020 as an Adjunct Teaching Artist conducting Borealis, Drake’s auditioned treble choir.

Ted also serves as Director of Choirs at Urbandale High School, a position he has held since 2010. There, he leads a vibrant vocal music program at UHS enrolling 350 students in six performing ensembles. Under his direction the choirs at Urbandale have been recognized at state, regional, and national levels with highlights including the 2020 American Prize in Choral Performance, 2019 American Choral Directors Association Conference, 2017 Iowa Choral Showcase, and Regional ACDA Conferences in 2016 and 2014.

Passionate about the creation of new music, Ted worked to establish the Composer in Residence Project at UHS. This endeavor seeks to commission choral works for mixed, treble, and bass voicings and provide young singers the authentic experience of workshopping music with the composer. Recent collaborations include Dr. Andrea Ramsey, Elaine Hagenberg, Connor Koppin, and Drake’s own Dr. Eric Barnum.

Ted’s professional training includes a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education and German from Iowa State University. He owes a great debt to his many mentors including David Rayl, Jonathan Reed, and James Rodde in conducting and Molly Fillmore and Donald Simonson in voice.

Cooking, being outdoors, and playing with kids Malley, Saffi, and August are among his favorite pastimes. He is constantly finding inspiration and joy with his beautiful, supportive, and patient partner, Elyse.