Shekela Wanyama

Shekela Wanyama (she/her/hers) crafts innovative choral experiences that blend artistic excellence with community impact. A visionary freelance conductor based in Minneapolis, Wanyama's programming translates complex issues of our time into human-centered, accessible community events disguised as choir concerts. 

When she's not dreaming up projects, Wanyama conducts choirs at Augsburg University, Hamline University, and the Youth Choirs of the Minnesota Chorale. She has guest conducted programs with Border CrosSing, the Minnesota Chorale, Singers in Accord, VocalPoint, and elementary through high school honor choirs in Minnesota and Washington state. A passionate educator, Wanyama taught middle and high school choir for over ten years, as well as choral music education and conducting courses at the University of Minnesota and the Seattle Kodaly Levels Program. She has had the privilege of guest teaching at schools in South Africa, England, and was on the staff of Berlin Kids International School in Berlin, Germany. 

Wanyama's research and conference presentations have included topics such as repertoire and resources for developing voices; contemporary repertoire by composers of the Global Majority; and holistic chorus preparation. She has written for Choral Journal, the International Choral Bulletin, and two books published by GIA press. Wanyama holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in conducting from the University of Minnesota, a Master of Music in choral conducting from Temple University, a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Minnesota, and is a proud graduate of the Minneapolis Public Schools. She lives and gardens on Dakota land.