The Kent State University Men's Chorus is the newest addition to the choral music offerings of the Hugh A. Glauser School of Music. The chorus is directed by its founder, Dr. Ben Ayling, and is open to all university majors. The KSU Men’s Chorus began in the fall of 2002 with 16 men. Since then, the singing group has grown in both numbers and skill as it continues its quest to become one of America’s finest choral organizations. The chorus is dedicated to spreading the word about music and the many educational endeavors found at Kent State. As a result, they exercise a strong commitment toward concert touring throughout Ohio and beyond. In its first five years, the chorus has presented more than 65 concerts in 10 states to thousands of people. They were the featured college men’s chorus at the 2007 Ohio Music Educator’s Association professional conference in Columbus, Ohio. More information about the organization can be found at its web site at www.ksubrothers.org.
Ben Ayling has been the choral music education specialist at Kent State University since fall, 2002 where he teaches core courses from undergraduate through doctoral levels. He is sought after as a conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and speaker. He recently appeared as the guest conductor of the Arkansas All State Men’s Chorus. His speaking engagements have sent him from coast to coast as well as New Zealand, Australia, and Russia. He has served as a clinician at music educator's conferences throughout the United Sates, Canada, England, New Zealand, Australia and Russia. With special interests in choral techniques and sight-singing, his research agenda includes the areas of recruitment and retention, pitch perception, and cognition.