About

David Haas, Ph.D., is the Founder and Artistic Director of Vocal Artists of Iowa and Choral Conductor and Digital Music Educator at Iowa City West High School. At West High, Dr. Haas directs Iowa City West Singers, Treble Choir, Showtime Show Choir, and teaches several sections of Digital Music Production.

David Haas recently earned a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Iowa. Before his time in Iowa City, Haas held church choir and public school teaching positions in Iowa, South Dakota, and Florida. Haas has a B.A. in Vocal Performance from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and an M.M. in Choral Conducting from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida, where he served as Graduate Teaching Assistant for Undergraduate Conducting as well as Assistant Director for the Tallahassee Community Chorus and the FSU Men’s Glee Club. David resides in North Liberty, Iowa, with his loving wife Sarah, daughter Cadence, and son Dawson.

In addition to conducting and performing, David’s research areas primarily center around audience engagement, the incorporation of music production coursework into high school curricula, and the fusion of traditional ensembles with digital media.

Education

2024 
Ph.D. Music Education
The University of Iowa

2012
M.M. Choral Conducting
Florida State University

2007
B.A. Vocal Performance, Music Education
Luther College

Honors and Awards

2022 
ICDA Church/Community Honors Initiative Recipient
Iowa Choral Directors Association

2016 
“Shine Award” for Excellence in Teaching
Iowa City Community School District, Iowa City, IA

2006 
The Weston Noble Entrepreneurial Scholarship
Luther College, Decorah, IA

2005 
The Malcom and Maybelle Estrem Entrepreneurial Scholarship
Luther College, Decorah, IA

Featured Choral Performances

2024
Performing Choir, Vocal Artists of Iowa
Midwestern American Choral Directors Association Convention

2023 
Performing Choir, Vocal Artists of Iowa
Iowa Choral Showcase, Iowa Choral Directors Association

2022 
Featured Performance, Vocal Artists of Iowa
Iowa Choral Director’s Association Summer Symposium

2018 
Performing Choir, Iowa City West Singers
North Central American Choral Directors Association Convention

Performing Choir, Vocal Artists of Iowa
Iowa Choral Showcase, Iowa Choral Directors Association

2013 
Invited Performance, Sioux Falls Washington High School Concert Choir
South Dakota Music Educators Conference