Maria A. Ellis

Maria A. Ellis is a distinguished conductor, music educator, and radio host recognized for her innovative and culturally responsive contributions to choral music. She serves as Artistic Director of The Sheldon’s All-Star Chorus and the University of Missouri–St. Louis Voices of Jubilation and is an in-demand guest conductor and clinician who works with ensembles across the United States and now internationally, having been featured at an international choral festival in South Korea in March 2026. Ellis is the host of the award-winning radio programs Bach and Beyoncé and American Gospel on Classic 107.3 and is the recipient of the University of Missouri–St. Louis Women’s Trailblazer Award (2024) and the Music Educator Impact Award from Webster University (2025). She holds a Master of Arts in Choral Conducting from Webster University and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. Maria is the wife of Marion and the mother of Aria, Kendal, and Noah.