Dr. Timothy A. McMillin accepted the position of Artistic Director and Conductor for the Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble in the fall of 2008. His skillful and enthusiastic leadership continues the tradition begun with the ensemble's founding nearly 20 years ago!

In addition to his work with the Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble, Dr. McMillin is the Director of Choral Activities and Associate Professor of Music at Simpson College, where he directs three choral ensembles, is on the voice faculty, teaches classes in conducting, music literature and choral studies, and mentors future choral conductors. Before his appointment at Simpson College, Dr. McMillin directed choirs in Minnesota where he created and lead award-winning high school programs.

Dr. McMillin has worked with the Des Moines Metro Opera, various high schools and numerous community theatre organizations in recent years. His choral experience took him to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he served as Producer and Company Manager for the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, a professional festival choir. He also appears frequently as a choral clinician and adjudicator around the Midwest.

Dr. McMillin earned his DMA in Choral Conducting at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. He completed a Bachelor of Music degree at Simpson College and a Master of Arts degree in Music Education with a choral emphasis at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.

His professional affiliations include ACDA , where he recently served a five-year term as Repertoire and Standards Chair for Four-Year Colleges and Universities for the Iowa Chapter (ICDA), NCCO, CMS and NATS.