Our Directors
Dr. Ryan Fisher
Artistic Director
Ryan Fisher, artistic director of MCA, also serves as Professor of Music Education and Interim Dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts at the University of Memphis where he directs the Chamber Choir. Choirs under his direction have been featured at the Arkansas Music Educators Association conference, Tennessee Music Education Association conference, and American Choral Directors Association Southern Division conference, and made frequent guest appearances with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Conway Symphony Orchestra, and Germantown Symphony Orchestra. He served as President-Elect of the Arkansas Music Educators Association, on the National Association for Music Education-Choral Council, Tennessee Music Education Association state board, Tennessee ACDA state board and Update: Applications of Research in Music Education editorial committee, and currently serves as President-Elect of the Tennessee Music Education Association. Dr. Fisher’s previous teaching experience includes elementary music, middle school chorus, and high school chorus in Texas where he received numerous teaching awards.
Dr. Fisher is an active choral clinician and researcher. He earned a BME from Lee University, a MM in choral conducting and a PhD in music education from the University of North Texas. In 2016, he was recognized as Distinguished Alumnus of the Year by the Lee University School of Music. His research interests involve the male voice change, assessment in music education, and self-efficacy. His writings have been published in various journals including Journal of Research in Music Education, Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, and Update: Applications of Research in Music Education.
Adrian Maclin, Assistant Artistic Director
Recently engaged by Memphis ChoralArts, Adrian made his debut with MCA in the Fall of 2022. Mr. Maclin is in his ninth year as Director of Choirs at Cordova High School. As a product of Memphis City Schools, Adrian was inspired by his middle and high school choral directors to become a music educator. He is a graduate of Philander Smith College where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music with emphasis in vocal performance. Adrian works hard to not only produce outstanding performing ensembles, but he is committed to education and cultivating the total musician and student.
Elicia Garcia Curry
Children’s Chorale Director
Director of the Memphis Children’s Chorale, Elicia Garcia Curry, is the Director of the Choirs at Collegiate School of Memphis as well as Minister of Music at First Congregational Church. Elicia comes to MCA from Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church’s Creative and Worship Arts Department where she served as the Children’s Choir Director for six years.
Elicia served as a member of the Memphis City Schools Teacher Field Test Group and Development Team, which developed the pilot evaluation method for Tennessee music teachers in 2012. She was also a Peer Evaluator of this new evaluation method. Elicia served as the West TN Vocal Music Educators Association Junior High Honor Choir Chair from 2016-2018. During her tenure at Mississippi Boulevard, she was invited to serve as the Children’s Choir Clinician and Director for the 2019 Disciples of Christ National Convention in Des Moines, IA. She currently serves on the Shelby County Schools Fine Arts Leadership Council and is the Lead Middle School Choral Director for the district. Elicia facilitates SCS district level professional development sessions and serves as a mentor to new choral directors across the district. She also serves as a cooperating teacher for the University of Memphis Teacher Education Program. Elicia holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Memphis and a Master of Music in Music Education from Kent State University. She is an active member of the West Tennessee Vocal Music Educators Association, the National Association for Music Education and the American Choral Directors Association.
Jordan Smith
Youth Chorale Director
Jordan Smith, a classically and gospel-trained musician, conductor and educator, serves as the Director of Choirs at The Soulsville Charter School in Memphis, Tennessee. Jordan brings their proven experience and insight to their recently appointed positions as Director of the Memphis Youth Chorale & Fellowship United Missionary Baptist Church Music Ministry.
With a Bachelor of Music Education (BME) degree with honors from the University of Memphis, Jordan's leadership has consistently guided ensembles to success in regional competitions. Consistently achieving superior ratings at assessments and adjudications, Jordan emphasizes clarity in vocal expression and nuanced musical ideas within the vocal ensemble.
A proud member of the National Education Association (NEA), the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), and an Alumni Member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America (ΦΜΑ), Jordan's commitment to music education extends beyond their roles. Jordan spends inspiring young musicians at nonprofit and university summer music programs, leaving a positive impact on young choral musicians from Tennessee to Michigan.
