Graduate Students : Texas State Choral Department : Texas State University

Elyssia Razo

Elyssia Razo, University Singers Conducting Associate

Elyssia Fe Razo is a graduate student at Texas State University, pursuing a Master of Music with a concentration in choral conducting. She serves as a graduate choral assistant and as a Graduate Instructional Assistant for Introduction to Fine Arts, supporting undergraduate instruction, and studies under the direction of Dr. Craig Hella Johnson. Elyssia earned her Bachelor of Music in Performance with a concentration in voice from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, graduating summa cum laude as an Honors College member.

During her undergraduate studies, Elyssia was a student conductor, section leader, and music theory tutor, supporting singers in rehearsal preparation and musical development. At Texas State, she is an associate conductor with University Singers, leading rehearsals, assisting with logistics, and conducting performances. She previously held the same role with Aurora Voce and remains active in church music as a soprano section leader and conductor. Elyssia also performs with the Conspirare Symphonic Choir in Austin.

Elyssia’s interests include rehearsal pedagogy and building community within choral ensembles. She is a co-investigator on a research study examining perceptions of mattering among GALA chorus members. Outside of music, Elyssia enjoys cooking, developing new recipes, and crocheting her own wearable projects. After completing her master’s degree, she plans to pursue further study in choral conducting and a career in collegiate choral music.

Contact Elyssia: elyssia.fe@txstate.edu

Levi Lebsack

Levi Lebsack, Chorale Conducting Associate

Levi Lebsack earned a Bachelor of Science in Music from Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA. While completing their degree, Lebsack founded Refuge Chamber Choir, a student ensemble featured in local church services, conventions, and conferences.

Upon entering the career field, Lebsack revitalized the middle school choral program at All-Saints’ Episcopal School while simultaneously serving as Assistant Music Director for the Dallas-based chamber choir, Inspirata. Currently, he works as a Graduate Instructional Assistant at Texas State University and as the Assistant Conductor of the Austin Symphonic Chorus.

When not researching the traditional music of the Appalachian Mountains, Lebsack can be found planning his next tournament for the Texas Smash Bros Melee community or chasing after his next ace at the local disc golf course.

Contact Levi: lebsack@txstate.edu

Seulah Lee

Seulah Lee, Treble Choir Conducting Associate

Seulah (Stella) Lee was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, where she began her musical journey at the age of four, studying piano and developing a love for singing. She also took up the violin during elementary school and became deeply involved in church music, serving as a choir accompanist throughout her youth. Though she initially pursued a degree in Media Communication at Sungshin Women’s University, Lee's passion for music led her to study choral conducting at Yonsei University, from which she graduated in February 2023.

During her academic career, Lee excelled in choral music, tying for first place in the prestigious Dr. Kent Hatteberg Master Class at the University of Louisville. She also performed with notable ensembles such as Seoul Choral Musicians and Seoul Choral Society. Additionally, she participated in Yonsei's amateur orchestra and conducted the Presto Andante orchestra in a May 2023 concert.

Before relocating to the U.S., Lee worked as a piano tutor for elementary school students. In her spare time, she enjoys walking and engaging in photography and videography, capturing moments of everyday life. Lee’s approachable nature makes her a welcoming presence on campus, always ready to connect with others.

Contact Seulah: seulahhh@txstate.edu

Ojuri Odutola

Ojuri Odutola, Men's Choir Conducting Associate

Ojuri Odutola is a distinguished music educator, conductor, and organist with a strong foundation in both academic and religious music. He holds a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Lagos and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Choral Conducting at Texas State University. Odutola’s musical journey includes advanced training in choral direction under the renowned Andrew Carwood at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.

With certifications from the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON) and the Royal School of Church Music, Odutola’s expertise spans piano, organ, choral music, and hymnody. He has served as Principal Conductor and Organist at the Cathedral Church of St. Jude, Ebute-Meta, Lagos, leading choir performances in oratorios like Handel’s Messiah and Haydn’s Creation. He also spearheaded the 3 Cathedral Choir Festival, showcasing his leadership and organizational acumen.

Currently, Odutola is a Graduate Instructor Assistant at Texas State University, working under the mentorships of Dr. Joey M. Martin and Dr. Craig Hella Johnson. His skills extend to music software such as MuseScore, Sibelius, and Finale, alongside proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Odutola's research interests focus on the impact of conducting gestures on choral sound and integrating technology in music education. He remains committed to continuous growth in both professional and personal pursuits.

Contact Ojuri: max18@txstate.edu