Meet Kris

Mancos Valley Chorus Welcomes New Season with New Director

The Mancos Valley Chorus is pleased to welcome Mr. Kris Kehrer as their new Music Director and Conductor for the 2022-23 season. Kehrer, who presently directs music at St. Columba Catholic Church in Durango, is a gifted musician who combines experience in a variety of musical styles, from pop to classical, with a genuine passion for helping ordinary people make extraordinary music together.

A native of Saginaw, Michigan, Kehrer earned his undergraduate degree in Vocal Music from Wayne State University in Detroit, where he studied with the noted choral conductor and composer Dr. Gerald Custer. He previously served churches in the metro Detroit area for more than 15 years before joining the staff of St. Columba, where his innovative approach has already attracted national attention.

“I’m delighted to have this opportunity to collaborate with such a talented ensemble of singers,” Kehrer says, “and to continue their vital mission of sharing the joy of the performing arts with our broader community. As recent months have made abundantly clear to us all, nothing compares with the power of live music. We look forward to building community, fostering musical excellence, learning from one another—and most of all, having fun making music together. We hope you’ll come join us as we do!”

The Chorus is still searching for an accompanist to relieve Kris at the piano as the season progresses. Please contact Sarah at sarahhattch2@gmail.com if you are interested. Rehearsals resume on Thursday, September 15 at 7:00 PM at Mancos United Methodist Church, which is located at 470 West Grand Avenue in Mancos. No auditions are required. Our full Covid vaccination policy remains in place for this fall.