The Conductor

Dr. Amelia Garbisch holds an undergraduate degree in music education from Westminster Choir College of Rider University, a Master of Music in choral conducting from Temple University, and a Ph.D. in choral music education, also from Temple University where she was mentored by Dr. Rollo Dilworth. Post-doctoral education includes study as a summer conducting fellow at Oxford University, Oxford, UK, where she conducted the Westminster Williamson Voices, and the Boy Choir of Magdalen College, Oxford. Dr. Garbisch is the director of music education and assistant professor of choral music at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. At Bloomsburg, she conducts the women's choir and teaches music education and conducting courses. Dr. Garbisch has had the privilege of conducting throughout the United States and Europe including Philadelphia, New York, Boston, London, and Oxford. Dr. Garbisch is the Director of Music at Mount Airy Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA, where she directs the adult and children's choirs, and conducts the oratorio series. Prior to her graduate studies, Dr. Garbisch taught music in Middletown Township, NJ, and Warminster, PA. She earned three levels of Orff Schulwerk training at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul Minnesota where she was mentored by esteemed pedagogue Arvida Steen.

A sought-after clinician and choral pedagogue, Dr. Garbisch has had the privilege of conducting and teaching throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Dr. Garbisch has authored and co-authored three books and several articles and enjoys collaborative research with colleagues in the fields of music education and choral conducting. She also advises undergraduate research at Bloomsburg University where her music education students have presented original research at PMEA and NAfME conferences.

Dr. Garbisch lives in the Philadelphia area with her husband and two small children. She is honored and excited to be conducting the 2023 PMEA Region VI Choir.