Meet the Artistic Team
-
Dr. Morgan Jolley
Founding Artistic and Executive Director
-
Brian Ellison
Director, Singer-Songwriter Ensemble
Board of Directors
Dr. Barbara M. Tagg
President
Dr. Barbara M. Tagg has been an advocate for choral excellence through her national leadership in Chorus America and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). As a former thirty-seven-year Syracuse University faculty member, she led the SU Women’s Choir for twenty years, founded the Syracuse Children’s Chorus in residence at Syracuse University, and received two ASCAP/Chorus America Awards for Adventurous Programming. She has commissioned and premiered over 90 treble works by distinguished composers in the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and China.
Tagg is the author of Before the Singing (Oxford University Press) and has presented workshops, concerts, and research papers for university and choral organizations across the United States and internationally in Europe, Canada, and Asia. She is currently active in Chorus America, Sigma Alpha Iota Alumni, and the Gregg Smith Singers board of directors, and as founder of the Syracuse University Alumni Group of Sarasota. She is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, and honorary board member of the Ernst Bacon Foundation. Tagg has been honored by ACDA, Sigma Alpha Iota, Syracuse University, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, the city of Syracuse, Civic Morning Musicals, and the Syracuse Post Standard.
Brian Ellison
Secretary
Brian Ellison is a dedicated music educator with over two decades of experience teaching and designing programs that center on creativity, accessibility, and student voice. His work spans a wide range of disciplines—including music production, modern band, electronic music, and guitar—and reflects a commitment to making music education relevant, inclusive, and empowering for all learners.
Brian’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves a place in music, regardless of their prior experience or background. He fosters learning environments where students are encouraged to take creative risks, collaborate authentically, and explore music as both a personal and communal expression. His programs have included student-run recording studios, original composition projects, and live performance opportunities that highlight contemporary musical forms and diverse cultural perspectives.
A passionate advocate for equity in the arts, Brian has led initiatives that expand access to high-quality music education and celebrate the richness of each participant’s unique voice. His work continues to evolve with a focus on innovation, community connection, and lifelong musical engagement.
Dr. P. Wesley Roy
Vice President
Dr. P. Wesley Roy worked as a public high and middle school teacher for ten years, where he taught choirs, music theory, private voice lessons, and musical theater. He has served on county and state boards for the Florida Vocal Association and the American Choral Directors Association, and he has performed nationally and internationally with the Festival Singers of Florida. Wesley is a firm advocate for furthering educational opportunities and accessibility for students and teachers with the ultimate goal of using our art for the service of others. His current work involves designing performance practice resources for teachers and studying the effects of social justice music in our ever-changing choral landscape. He has presented at state and national professional conferences on stress management for performing arts teachers, community-building, student leadership, and Baroque performance practice. Wesley completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting at the University of Miami, where he directed the Frost Symphonic Choir, taught conducting and vocal methods, and organized the annual high school honor choir event. He also served as the Assistant Conductor Fellow for the GRAMMY®-nominated professional ensemble, Seraphic Fire. Prior to his work in schools, he received a Master of Music Education in Choral Conducting from Florida State University and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Syracuse University. As a native upstate-New Yorker, he is thrilled to be part of the faculty at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. In his free time, he enjoys cuddling with his sweet little dachshund.
Joseph Staats
Treasurer
Joseph Staats brings more than 25 years of operational, engineering, and managerial expertise to his role as Treasurer of Vocal Essence of the Southern Tier (VEST). Since joining Corning Incorporated in 1999, he has held a progression of leadership roles including Industrial Engineer, Team Leader, Process Engineer, Logistics Manager, and Finishing Department Head. Currently serving as a Senior Industrial Engineer, Joseph plays a key role in driving strategic initiatives, optimizing systems, and leading cross-functional teams across the organization.
With a strong foundation in process improvement and resource management, Joseph offers a data-informed and detail-oriented approach to financial stewardship. His deep familiarity with complex systems, budgeting, and operational planning ensures that VEST’s mission is supported by responsible, transparent, and forward-thinking fiscal oversight. A long-time advocate for community engagement, Joseph brings both professional discipline and personal commitment to advancing VEST’s vision of inclusive, accessible vocal music.