Monica Otal has been Artistic Director of the Central Maryland Chorale since the fall of 2001. Previously, she served as Associate Director and accompanist (of the Laurel Oratorio Society) from 1975-1999. She is a native of Detroit and maintains a diverse career as teacher, singer, accompanist/coach, and choral conductor. Since her appointment as Artistic Director, she founded the annual CMC Vocal Scholarship Competition for High School Students and initiated performing collaborations with the Maryland State Boychoir, Columbia Orchestra and Queen Anne’s Chorale. In June of 2005, she led CMC members and the CCBC Chamber Singers in performing at the Vermont International Choral Festival.

Ms. Otal holds degrees in vocal performance from the Oberlin College Conservatory of Music and the Peabody Conservatory of Music of the Johns Hopkins University. Professor Otal is currently the coordinator of vocal and choral studies, and Concert Manager at the Community College of Baltimore County. She has also served on the faculties of Morgan State University, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, the University of Vermont, and the Holton-Arms School in Bethesda. Ms. Otal has been listed several times in “Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers,” as well as in “Who’s Who in America,” “Who’s Who Among American Women,” and Who’s Who Among American Educators.” Recently, she was honored as “Outstanding Community College Educator of the Year 2006” by the Essex-Middle River-White Marsh Chamber of Commerce.

Theodore Guerrant has been Associate Director/Accompanist of the Central Maryland Chorale since the fall of 1999. He brings with him a wealth of musical experience, including sixteen years as accompanist for the Prince George’s Choral Society. Dr. Guerrant holds five degrees in music: the Bachelor of Music cum laude in piano and the Master of Fine Arts in harpsichord from the University of Georgia, the Master of Music in piano from the University of Wisconsin, the Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance literature from the University of Maryland, and the Graduate Performance Diploma in organ from the Peabody Conservatory.

Dr. Guerrant is Organist/Choirmaster of St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., Associate Organist at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Hyattsville, and Assisting Organist at the University of Maryland Chapel. Additionally, he serves as accompanist for the National Philharmonic Chorale and Federal City Performing Arts Association. He serves as coach-accompanist on the staff of the University of Maryland School of Music and belongs to several professional music organizations.