Known for fostering community and inspiring action among people of all ages and abilities, G. Phillip Shoultz, III enjoys a multifaceted career as artist, educator, consultant, speaker, and pastoral musician. Phillip serves as Artistic Director of Together In Hope Choir, the anchor choir for Sing Democracy 250, and will conduct the signature concerts for Sing Democracy 250 in 2025-2026. He also serves as an advisor and resource to choral leaders who will prepare performances of the Sing Democracy 250 music program in communities large and small throughout this country, as America celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026. Phillip is also the associate artistic director of VocalEssence, where he leads the acclaimed VocalEssence Chorus and founded the VocalEssence Singers Of This Age, a choral apprenticeship program that harnesses the power of group singing to enhance community and awaken creativity in young people. He is Cantor for Music, Worship, and the Arts at Westwood Lutheran Church, and a member of the Graduate Music Education faculty at the University of St. Thomas. Phillip believes in the transformative power of shared singing experiences.

Dr. Brandon A. Boyd is the Marie M. and Harry L. Smith endowed Chair, Director of Choral Activities, and Associate Professor of Choral Music Education at the University of Missouri, where he directs multiple university choirs and the graduate choral conducting program. In addition to his university responsibilities, he enjoys a versatile career as a conductor, appearing regularly as a composer-in-residence, collaborative pianist, and presenter for conferences, conventions, collegiate choirs, church choirs, choral symposiums, and festivals. As an active composer and arranger, his music is sung regularly by ensembles throughout the United States and abroad. He performs regularly with his mentor, Dr. Andre Thomas, and the London Symphony Orchestra. His work has been showcased multiple times at Carnegie Hall, where he has appeared as a guest conductor, composer, and collaborative pianist. He holds two degrees from Florida State University (a Ph.D. in choral music education and an M.M. in choral conducting) and earned a B.S. in music education (emphasis in piano) from Tennessee State University. 

Michael Bussewitz-Quarm is a composer whose choral music engages with pressing social and environmental issues. Her work addresses topics ranging from coral reef conservation to gun violence and the global refugee crisis. An active advocate for the transgender community, she aims to foster understanding through guest speaking engagements and artistic collaboration. Winner of The American Prize in Choral Composition in 2021, Bussewitz-Quarm's works are performed by leading professional and educational choral ensembles across North America. Notable performances include her Carnegie Hall debut of "Where We Find Ourselves," the west coast premiere of "The Unarmed Child" by Eugene Concert Choir and Orchestra, "I'll Fly Away" at the International Society of Contemporary Music's New Music Days in Vancouver, and "Nigra Sum" performed by The Duke University Chorale on their California tour.