Empowering Voices, Elevating Ensembles

Photography by Leanne Luong

Gavin is a passionate conductor, vocal director, and educator with extensive experience in choral education and ensemble direction. He excels at mentoring musicians, designing inspiring programs, and leading impactful performances with precision and artistry.

Gavin Thrasher

Conductor • Vocal Director • Educator


Education

MASTER OF MUSIC

University of Southern California

Choral Music

Los Angeles, California

BACHELOR OF MUSIC

University of Redlands

Trombone Performance

Redlands, California

Affiliations

SAG-AFTRA 

Member

American Choral Director’s Association

Member

Expertise

  • Choral Conducting & Ensemble Direction

  • Vocal Pedagogy & Technique

  • Rehearsal & Performance Preparation

  • Music Curriculum Development

  • Audition & Jury Evaluation

  • Musicianship Training & Sight-Reading

  • Repertoire Selection & Programming

  • Music Arrangement & Interpretation

  • Stage Presence & Performance Coaching

  • Event & Concert Production

  • Mentorship & Development

Experience

  • Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) • Santa Ana, CA • 2024 - Present

    • Plan, develop, organize, and implement a comprehensive educational program.

    • Teach according to the educational needs, abilities and achievement of the individual students and groups of students.

    • Collaborate with colleagues to plan and develop the vision for conservatory programming.

    • Provide a pre-professional choral rehearsal and performance environment while motivating each student to develop competencies, knowledge and skills.

    • Participate in juries, placement activities and other audition-related experiences.

  • Orange County School of the Arts • Santa Ana, CA • 2023 – Present

    • Direct MONTAGE! vocal ensemble rehearsals and performances. 

    • Collaborate  with the Creative Team on music needs and student capabilities.

    • Assist students to develop solo and small group repertoire according to performance needs, as well as build musicianship skills.

    • Train, rehearse, and educate student performers in rehearsal and performance skills needed to meet the expectations of professional artistry.

    • Demonstrate a dynamic, artistic, and sensitive approach to leadership with colleagues and students while maintaining a vision of artistic excellence.

  • Tustin Presbyterian Church • Tustin, CA • 2024 - Present

    • Plan and coordinate music for all worship services and other special events.

    • Direct weekly choir rehearsals with congregation ensembles.

    • Create and manage the music ministry budget. 

    • Provide musical leadership for and conduct Sunday worship services and other special events.

  • The Webb Schools • Claremont, CA • 2021 – 2023

    • Conduct the Webb Chamber Singers and direct three annual performances.

    • Teach Vocal Training and Techniques to Webb students.

    • Provide vocal pedagogy and lessons in both group and individual settings.

    • Collaborate with other faculty members to design curriculum and instruction.

    • Support student educational development through academic advisement.

    • Recruit, evaluate potential students, and manage a comprehensive admissions process for the Junior Scholars program.

  • New York City Gay Men’s Chorus • New York, NY • 2019 – 2022

    • Oversee and execute the artistic vision and programming for the choruses and choirs of Big Apple Performing Arts, Inc. - NYCGMC, Youth Pride Chorus, Tonewall.

    • Design, implement, and direct youth educational and community music programs.

    • Serve as Principal Conductor for NYCGMC with 300 active chorus members.

    • Provide vocal pedagogy and music education to singers of all levels, tailoring instruction to meet individual and ensemble needs.

    • Program and produce the annual season, including budget and personnel.

    • Build relationships and create lasting collaborations with partner organizations, artists, unions, donors, and other stakeholders.

  • Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles • Los Angeles, CA • 2018 – 2019

    • Oversee and execute the artistic vision and programming for the choruses and choirs of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles.

    • Serve as Principal Conductor for GMCLA with 300 active chorus members.

    • Provide vocal pedagogy and music education to singers of all levels, tailoring instruction to meet individual and ensemble needs.

    • Program and produce the annual season, including budget and personnel.

    • Build relationships and create lasting collaborations with partner organizations, artists, unions, donors, and other stakeholders.

  • Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles • Los Angeles, CA • 2014 – 2019

    • Design, implement, and oversee youth educational and community music  programs.

    • Work with LAUSD to provide supplementary choral music education in collaboration with the Partnership for LA Schools.

    • Develop and manage a choral music education program within the LA County Probation system, in collaboration with the Arts for Healing and Justice Network.

    • Teach classes in both of these programs, within LAUSD and LACOE Probation sites.

    • Serve as Principal Conductor for and direct the Aftershock acapella ensemble.

Speaking Engagements

  • Panelist, Chorus Connection

  • Guest Speaker, Chorus America

  • Presenter, GALA Choruses Symposium

  • Presenter, GALA Choruses Symposium

Contact Gavin

Interested in collaborating with Gavin? Please share a bit about what you are looking for using the form below, and he will be in touch shortly!

Gavin's Work Has Been Featured By:

The Los Angeles Times

Broadway World

Good Day LA

Southern California Public Radio

Los Angeles Blade

{Q}onStage

Time Out

Beverly Press

Harmony Helper

TheatreMania

Musical America

Stage and Cinema

Gavin's Work Has Been Featured By: The Los Angeles Times • Broadway World • Good Day LA • Southern California Public Radio • Los Angeles Blade • {Q}onStage • Time Out • Beverly Press • Harmony Helper • TheatreMania • Musical America • Stage and Cinema •