A research article Published in the American Choral Directors Journal named Eph Ehly “one of the most sought-after choral conductors/clinicians in America.” He has conducted over 90 All-State Choirs, and over 700 Festival ensembles. As a conductor, author, lecturer and clinician he has appeared throughout the United States, Canada, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, several countries throughout Europe, and presented on more than 100 college and university campuses.

Dr. Ehly is Professor Emeritus at the Conservatory of Music, University of Missouri-Kansas  City. He served as Interim Professor of Choral Music at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2015-16; Texas Christian University, 2010; University of Oklahoma, 2006-07-09; and taught graduate students at Kansas University fall 2009.

90 Doctorate and more than 100 Masters Degree students have graduated under his supervision. Prior to serving the Conservatory in Kansas City, he was Director of Choral Activities at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. His teaching experiences began in public high schools in Western Nebraska.

Ehly is the author of two books published by Heritage Press, a division of Lorenz Corporation. “HOGEY’S JOURNEY” is a popular book receiving positive reviews for its “…inspired passion for musical excellence, mature wisdom and transcendent appeal.”

Hal Leonard Publishing Company released the “first of its kind” Video Master Classes which feature Dr. Ehly’s philosophies in conducting and rehearsal techniques. His methods and philosophies have been the subject of several Doctoral Dissertations by active American Choral Conductors.

Colorado University honored Dr. Ehly with the School of Music’s Outstanding Alumni Award. The UMKC Board of Trustees’ selection of Ehly for the Faculty Fellowship Award, accompanied by a monetary stipend, evidenced the popularity of his unique and enthusiastic approach to  teaching. He is a past-recipient of the Mrs. Ewing M. Kauffman Excellence in Teaching Award and The UKC Trustees’ Teaching Award for Excellence. He was twice presented the AMOCO Foundation Outstanding Teaching Award. His alma mater, The University of Nebraska-Kearney, presented him with their “First Outstanding Alumni Award” during it Diamond Jubilee Celebration, and the “Gary Thomas distinguished Alumni Award.” He is a past recipient of the Missouri Choral Directors Association “Luther Spade Choral Director of the Year Award” for his contributions to the choral art in the state of Missouri.

As a past recipient of two Faculty Grants, Ehly studied “Advanced Compositional Techniques” in choral music visiting leading composers and conductors in the former Soviet Union, Poland, Germany, England, Sweden, Denmark, France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland. Under the sponsorship of the Partners of the Americas Program, Dr. Ehly was Guest Artist in Residence to Belem, the capitol of the state of Para, Brazil and a second residency in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Dr. Ehly received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Colorado, a Master of Music Degree from George Peabody College, Nashville, Tennessee and a Bachelor of Arts degree  from the University of Nebraska-Kearney. Notable teachers he studied with are Jean Berger, Julius Hereford, Warner Imig, Willam Lynn Jr., George Lynn former Director of Westminster Choir College, Louis Nicholas - past president NATS, Vincent Persichetti - composer,  and Lynn Whitten.

Eph is married to Lori. They live in Kansas City. He is the father of son Christopher, a family Practice Physician; daughter Heidi, Director, Clinical Solutions Management with Cerner Corporation; daughter-in-law Julie, a Pediatrician; son-in-law Gregg, a Quality Assurance Specialist. Eph is presently practicing being grandfather to Hank, Rae-Anne, Luke, Max and Lucy.

Patrick Ware is an internationally known Orff - Schulwerk clinician and choral conductor. With a service to education spanning more than 25 years, he holds a B.A. in Music from Westfield State University, an MS.Ed from Radford University and a DMA from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University. Dr. Ware is a National Board Certified Teacher in Music/Elementary and Middle Childhood. He currently teaches all levels of movement as well as teaching Level II Basic Pedagogy for multiple Orff Teacher certification course. He is a former President of the Virginia Elementary Music Educators Association. Patrick has several books in print through Beatin’ Path Publications including works for treble choir with Orff Ensemble. Patrick teaches k-5 General Music and Chorus in Prince William County Virginia.