MEET MONICA BERTRAND

Monica Bertrand is a conductor from the Chicago suburbs. She holds an M.M. in Choral Conducting from Simpson College, an M.M. in Music Education from Western Illinois University, and a B.A. in Music Education from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Monica taught high school choir for 11 years in Illinois at St. Charles East High School, Plainfield North High School, and Zion-Benton Township High School. She also served as Associate Conductor for Anima Young Singers in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. Monica is currently the Director of the Edgewood Chorale Community Choir and the founder and Artistic Director of the philanthropic women’s chorus Giving Voices Collective Choir. In 2022, Monica was honored with the IL-ACDA Outstanding Young Choral Director Award, recognizing her demonstrable promotion of choral music in the community and her embodiment of the characteristics of a master choral director, including strong singer rapport, exceptional musicianship, enthusiasm for the profession, and ongoing professional growth. She is currently pursuing a DMA in Choral Conducting at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She is honored to step into her newest role as Artistic Director of Cheers, Madison! She is beyond thrilled to make great music with such a wonderful and enthusiastic community of singers in Madison. Cheers!