Chandler III, William

Dr. Will Chandler is a passionate teacher and conductor who strives to help performers and listeners engage life fully through the power of music. He has served previously in teaching and ensemble conducting positions at Middle Tennessee State University, McNeese State University, and Texas Wesleyan University. Alongside his university duties, Dr. Chandler is also a frequent clinician and guest conductor. His conducting engagements include district and All-Region honor choirs and his debut at Carnegie Hall in April of 2026. With his energy, enthusiasm, and expertise, Dr. Chandler inspires singers to be passionate choral musicians for life.

As an active scholar, Dr. Chandler presents at professional development seminars as well as state and national music conferences. His recent focus has been on the choral literature of historically underrepresented composers. In 2023, Dr. Chandler had the privilege of co-presenting at the National Conference of the American Choral Directors Association on the choral music of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. He will be presenting at the Tennessee Music Educators Association state conference in 2027.

Dr. Chandler’s teaching has been shaped his years in Texas public schools. He also holds an undergraduate degree in music from Millsaps College, a master’s degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Doctor of Music Arts from the University of Kentucky. He is excited to join the vibrant music program at Central Michigan and continue its history of excellence in music education. Dr. Chandler comes to Mount Pleasant with his wife Karen, their dogs Buster and Kahlua, and their cat Calypso.