Meet Mary Brandenstein

Mary Brandenstein is the Executive and Artistic Director of Cheers, Madison, where she is passionate about creating joyful, welcoming choral experiences that bring people together through music and community. She believes singing should be accessible to everyone and strives to cultivate spaces where people can connect, belong, and celebrate the power of making music together.

Mary currently serves as Adjunct Professor of Music at Carroll University, where she teaches private voice and conducts the Treble Choir. Previously, she was Associate Director of Choral Activities and Music Education Coordinator at Millikin University, teaching choral conducting, music education, aural skills, and directing multiple collegiate ensembles. She is also a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate in Choral Conducting at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where her research focuses on trauma-sensitive pedagogy in choral rehearsal.

Before entering higher education, Mary spent seven years directing middle and high school choral programs in Oregon, growing vibrant and inclusive ensembles while fostering a lifelong love of singing. She is an active clinician, presenter, and performer, having presented sessions for music educators across the United States and performed with ensembles including the Madison Choral Project and the Oregon Bach Festival Chamber Choir.

As Executive and Artistic Director of Cheers, Madison, Mary is excited to lead the organization into its next chapter - continuing to build an inclusive community where exceptional music, meaningful connections, and a shared love of singing come together.