Shekela Wanyama

Dr. Shekela Wanyama (she/her/hers) builds community through crafting innovative and meaningful choral experiences. She is passionate about building a 21st century practice of art music that is inclusive, engaging, honest, and brave. A freelance conductor-educator based in Minneapolis, Dr. Wanyama serves on the faculty of the University of Minnesota, Hamline University, and the music staff at Unity Church-Unitarian. 

Recent conducting engagements have included programs with the Minnesota Chorale, Singers in Accord, and Vocalpoint. She currently sings with Border CrosSing and the Minnesota Chorale, and has previously performed with choirs in the United States and Germany. 

A passionate educator, Dr. Wanyama taught middle and high school choir for over ten years in public, charter, and independent schools. She serves on the faculty for the Seattle Kodaly Levels Program and has a certification in Smithsonian Folkways World Music Pedagogy.

Dr. Wanyama presents at choral and education conferences on repertoire for developing voices, building community in choir, contemporary repertoire by composers of the Global Majority, and holistic chorus preparation. Her writing has appeared in Choral Journal and the International Choral Bulletin. She is a member of the inaugural cohort of Chorus America’s Executive Leadership Academy (2o23).

Dr. Wanyama holds a DMA in conducting from the University of Minnesota, an MM in choral conducting from Temple University, a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Minnesota, and is a proud graduate of the Minneapolis Public Schools.

She lives and gardens on Dakota land.