Melanie Craighead Moore has been the Aritsitc Director and Conductor of The Chorale for the past 25 seasons.
What first inspired you to join The Contemporary Chorale?
My journey with the group began shortly after I resigned from my position as choir director at Lake Highlands High School to stay home with my new baby, Zoe. When Sherry McCray approached me about leading a women's community choir, I saw an opportunity to remain involved in choral music and decided to give it a try. "I guess it took!"
Have you sung or performed in other groups before?
My love of singing began early. I joined my first church choir at age three and participated in choirs and show choirs throughout middle and high school. I majored in music in college, where I sang in the campus's top choir. Later, I performed with a professional 24-voice chamber choir in Dallas. I have never regretted a moment spent singing.
Do you have a favorite song or performance from your time here?
One of my most treasured Chorale memories occurred during a Christmas matinee performance of "Sweet Little Jesus Boy." As we sang, sunlight streamed through the stained glass, flooding the room with light and color. It was a breathtaking moment I will never forget.
What’s a fun fact people might be surprised to learn about you?
Outside The Chorale, I love to cook and bake, accompany choirs, play for musicals, and craft. Cooking and creating are my primary hobbies, and I prefer to keep busy, even during my limited downtime. I also enjoy sports—although I readily admit that my days playing intramural football, basketball, and softball in high school demonstrated more enthusiasm than skill: "I was terrible, but I was fun!"
If you could perform with any artist (past or present), who would it be?
My dream musical opportunity would be to work as a backup singer or studio musician for just about any artist. What’s one item on your bucket list? I hope to visit Scotland and explore the origins of the Craighead clan.
Any words of advice or encouragement for new members?
"Enjoy your time in The Chorale. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed. Yes, I push and expect a lot, but things always come together. This group acts like a family, so ask for help when you need it. It takes all of us working together to make it happen. Thanks for trusting me to be your director."