Marc A. Hafso, D.M.A.

Marc A. Hafso is Emeritus Professor of Music at Whitworth University (Spokane, WA), where he served as director of choral activities and director of the Whitworth Choir for 18 years. Hafso, the recipient of numerous honours and awards recognizing his conducting, teaching, creative work, and service, has taught at all levels of choral music education through elementary, secondary, and university teaching positions in Canada and in the United States.

A versatile musician, Hafso’s work, whether directing a vocal jazz ensemble—he introduced the first high school vocal jazz ensemble to the province of Alberta in 1979—conducting a High School honour choir, or leading choral and instrumental forces through Bach’s Mass in B Minor, is characterized in part by its attention to detail, rhythmic vitality, tonal beauty, and musicality. In recent years, he has focused on making important body-mind connections with the goal of facilitating economical, effective, and expressive musical performances from choral conductors and singers.

From 2015 – 2019 he served alongside his spouse, Judy Pearson Hafso, as Associate Artistic Director of the Spokane Area Youth Choirs. He is the always-proud parent to three daughters and a son, and grandparent to an eight-year-old granddaughter.