CHRIS M. MARPLE, M.M.
Chris M. Marple is the current Choir Director at Dubuque Senior High in Dubuque, Iowa and conducts the Madrigal Singers, Madrigal Carolers, Varsity Choir, Senior High Singers, Chamber Choir and Jazz Choir. Mr. Marple is also the Music Director of the annual musical.
Before teaching in Iowa, Mr. Marple had an eclectic experience as both Choir Director and Spanish teacher at Southwestern High School in Hazel Green, WI. While in Wisconsin, Mr. Marple was asked to be the guest clinician for the Six Rivers Junior High Honor Choir in Sinsinawa, WI. At Southwestern, Mr. Marple was a Co-Director of “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Wizard of Oz”. In his second year at Southwestern High School, Mr. Marple organized a 5th-8th-grade choir at St. Joseph School in Sinsinawa, WI.
During the summer of 2008, Mr. Marple served as the Tour Choir Director for Celebration Iowa Jazz Band and Singers sponsored by Luther College. This select group of 20 Iowa high school singers and 17 jazz band members toured Iowa throughout the summer for over 30 performances.
Before moving to Dubuque in 2007, Mr. Marple was the Head Choir Director at Wichita Falls High School in Texas. He served as primary conductor for the Men’s Choir, A cappella Choir, and Mixed Choir. While at Wichita Falls High School his top ensemble earned a Division “I” rating. 70% of students participating in the District Solo/Ensemble Festival under Mr. Marple received a Division “I” rating.
Mr. Marple received his B.S.Ed. degree with an emphasis in Vocal Music Education in 2002 from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO. While at Northwest, Mr. Marple was involved in University Chorale, Tower Choir, Madraliers and Northwest Celebration (show choir). He was a voice and education student of Dr. Rick Weymuth (retired).
After graduating from Northwest, Mr. Marple attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he received a Masters of Music degree with an emphasis in Choral Conducting. While at UNO, Mr. Marple studied conducting and choral music with Dr. Z. Randall Stroope, current Head of Choral Activities at Oklahoma State University. Mr. Marple assisted with the University Chorale, Canticum Novum (contemporary performance ensemble), and the Concert Choir. While on an overseas tour with the Concert Choir, Mr. Marple was honored to conduct the ensemble in Germany and the Slovak Republic.
Mr. Marple has led several national tours including trips to New York City (3), Washington D.C., Chicago, San Antonio and Kansas City.
Mr. Marple has served as Director of Music at Central Presbyterian Church in Omaha, NE and Choir Director at Faith Lutheran Church in Wichita Falls, TX. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Jealaine, who is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary. Mr. Marple also enjoys playing with his 10-lb. Dachshund-Chihuahua mix, Bailey. Chris enjoys watching movies in his copious spare time and is honored to perform with the Dubuque Chorale.
Mr. Marple is proud to have had vocal students selected for All State Choirs in Nebraska, Texas, Wisconsin and Iowa.
Mr. Marple may be contacted at the DSHS Choral Office at (563) 552-5605 or by email at