Brad Holmes has served on the choral faculties of Luther College, Baylor University, and most recently Hillsdale College. However, his term as Director of Choir Programs at Millikin University may be considered the focal point of his contributions to choral music; his fresh approach to tone and programing along with a commitment to bringing music to the typical concert-goer as well as the choral connoisseur.

Dr. Holmes’ 31-year tenure at Millikin University was marked by an expansion of the choral program to a multi-tiered structure of six choirs led by five choral staff. Importantly, the program fostered extensive concert development on the local level including the growth of their annual Vespers at Millikin, which drew 6500 patrons annually.

During their annual two-week tours, the Millikin University Choir became a familiar presence in concert series across the United States. Additionally, seven coveted invitations to perform before conferences of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) brought national attention to the choir’s promotion of tonal diversity and unique programing. Over the years, an ambitious touring schedule took choirs under Dr. Holmes’ direction to every state but Alaska and to thirty-seven countries. 

A Visiting Fellow at Cambridge University, Dr. Holmes has returned to the UK for multiple guest-conducting engagements. Other international invitations have taken him to Continental Europe, China, Korea, and Japan. Domestically, he has led more than three-hundred choir festivals including thirty All-State choirs and five Carnegie Hall appearances.

Dr. Holmes received the M.M. degree in conducting from the University of New Mexico and the D.M.A. degree in choral music from Arizona State University.