Graduate Students : Texas State Choral Department : Texas State University

Lilly Boessen

Lilly Boessen, Treble Choir Co-Director

Lilly Boessen recently graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Arts in Music in the Spring of 2023 from Austin College in Sherman, Texas. While completing her degree, she served as Assistant Director of the AC A Cappella Choir. She now studies under the direction of Dr. Craig Hella Johnson and Dr. Joey M. Martin at Texas State University, where she will complete her Master of Music in Choral Conducting in the Spring of 2025. She currently serves as Co-Director of the Texas State Treble Choir as well as Assistant Conductor of the Austin Symphony Chorus. She performs with a number of ensembles including the Texas State Chorale and Austin Cantorum and is proud to be one the founding members of the Conspirare Artist Citizen Choral Collective directed by Dr. Johnson.

When Lilly is not conducting or performing, you can find her in the kitchen, trying out the latest recipe she has discovered. She loves bringing sweet treats to campus for her friends and colleagues to enjoy.

After completing her Masters, Ms. Boessen plans to pursue doctoral study in Choral Conducting, working toward a career as a university professor of choral music.

Contact Lilly: hfq11@txstate.edu

Shannon K. Carter

Shannon K. Carter, Tenor-Bass Choir Co-Director

Shannon K. Carter, earned a Bachelor of Music degree from Texas State University in 1995. He serves as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and conducts the Tenor-Bass Choir. Shannon is also Director of Choir and Handbells at Chapel in the Hills in Wimberley.

Shannon has enjoyed twenty-eight years in the choral classroom, serving students in Austin, Dallas, Houston, Katy, Klein, and Harlingen. He was selected by his peers as the 2011 Seven Lakes High School Teacher of the Year. Choral ensembles under his direction have earned numerous recognitions, including being named the winner of the prestigious American Classic San Antonio Madrigal and Chamber Choir Festival in 2016 and 2020, giving a command performance for former president of the United States and first lady, George H. W. and Barbara Bush, and being invited to perform at the 2009 Texas Music Educators Association Convention, the 2018 American Choral Directors Association Southwestern Division Conference, and the 2021 American Choral Directors Association National Conference.

In addition to music, Mr. Carter’s passions include travel, collecting visual art, genealogical research, and gravesite documentation. When not on campus or at church, Shannon can be found cheering for his nephew, Marcus, at his junior high football games and track meets.

Contact Shannon: sc22648@txstate.edu

Seulah Lee

Seulah Lee, University Chorus 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, Chorale 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