Biography
Currently, MATTHEW HOOPER currently serves as the Assistant Conductor of the Muncie Symphony Orchestra and Assistant Conductor of the Ball State University Orchestra in Muncie, Indiana. He is pursuing a Masters of Music degree in Orchestral Conducting at Ball State University, where he studies under and assists Bohuslav Rattay. Most recently, he was named resident Music Director at the Muncie Civic Theatre, the premier community theatre in Muncie.
Matthew is also the Music Director for Indiana Public Radio's annual radio dramas. In October, 2008 he supervised music and conducted in a re-creation of Orson Welles' the War of the Worlds which was broadcast live on IPR. In December of 2009, IPR will present A Christmas Carol, also with Matthew as the music supervisor and conductor.
Previously, he served as Director of Bands at John Dickinson High School, and as Director of Choral Activities at Alexis I. duPont High School in Wilmington, Delaware. Matthew has conducted in several countries, making appearances with the New Symphony Orchestra (Sofia, Bulgaria), the Ball State Symphony Orchestra, the New Music Ensemble (BSU), and the Lebanon Valley College Orchestra.
No stranger to the theatre, Matthew has served on several production staffs. Credits include Assistant Music Director for Muncie Civic Theatre's production of Jekyll and Hyde; Assistant Music Director for the Lebanon Valley College Wig and Buckle Society production of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Having been involved in numerous musicals and plays both on and off stage, Matthew makes himself available for musical theatre and vocal-coach consulting.
Matthew has studied with Bohuslav Rattay, Rossen Milanov, Carl St. Clair, Benjamin Loeb, and Johnnes Dietrich. In May of 2006, he graduated from Lebanon Valley College (Annville, PA) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education.
Mr. Hooper’s far-ranging interests, however, do not limit him to music. Matthew has been employed as the Entertainment Director / Head Barista of the Crimson Frog Coffeehouse in Camp Hill, PA. Currently serving as Chief Consultant to the Crimson Frog staff, he takes an interest in the production of the best possible espresso and coffee-based beverages in the Central Pennsylvania area.
He also enjoys reading and writing poetry, cooking, and seeking out new passions in life.