Faculty and Staff
Chy F. Billings, III MM
Choral Intern, William Baker Festival Singers
Kansas City
William Baker Festival Singers
Chy F. Billings, III, MM is a music educator, choral director, clinician, and performer who enjoys creating joyful, engaging musical experiences where singers of all ages can participate, grow, and connect. He currently serves as Director of Children & Youth Choirs at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kansas, where he leads choirs and develops musical experiences that bring together vocal development, musical growth, community, and faith formation.
Music has been a part of Chy’s life for as long as he can remember, and he has spent nearly two decades working in music education and ministry. His experience includes public school music education as well as church, community, and youth choral settings. He holds a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music in Vocal Performance and Opera from Wichita State University, professional teaching certification through Fort Hays State University, and is an Orff-Schulwerk Certified Educator, having completed certification through Baker University. He has also completed Kodály Level 1 training through Wichita State University and hopes to continue that study in the years ahead.
Chy enjoys sharing ideas with other music educators and learning alongside fellow musicians. His work has included guest clinician and conducting opportunities with groups such as the Kansas Youth Chorale and KC Metro Honor Choir, as well as teaching and directing with Allegro Choirs of KC. He has also presented professional development for local school districts and music educator organizations, including the KMEA In-Service Workshop and the Heart of America Orff Chapter. His presentations often explore practical, creative ways to bring movement, singing, play, and musical understanding into the elementary music classroom.
Much of Chy’s work centers on bringing people together through music. He has developed and led Summer Ukulele Choirs for Kansas City-area congregations, planned and overseen summer community art camps, and enjoys creating musical experiences that welcome children, youth, and adults into the shared experience of making music. He believes that meaningful music-making does not belong only to those with formal musical training, but can be a source of connection, confidence, creativity, and community for anyone who is given the opportunity to participate.
As a member of the William Baker Festival Singers and a Choral Intern with The William Baker Choral Foundation, Chy is continuing to learn and grow as a choral musician and leader. He is especially interested in the intersection of choral artistry, healthy and expressive singing, music education, and accessible community music-making. His experiences as an educator and performing musician continue to shape the way he approaches the classroom, rehearsal room, sanctuary, and concert stage, with a particular hope that music can help people feel connected to one another.