The Choir
Vox Humana seeks to draw all persons into the embrace of the musical arts by producing world-class performances, by exploring avenues of music innovation, and by engaging new and diverse audiences in extraordinary musical and educational experiences.
Choral music has been one of the most profound sources for the elevation of the human spirit since the beginning of culture. To maintain this tradition and to contribute to the enrichment of community life Vox Humana aims to present performances and other artistic and educational opportunities of the highest professional quality. In doing so, the Dallas-based ensemble seeks to preserve choral masterpieces, encorage new composition, foster the advancement of the choral art, and nurture the development of musical interest and talent.
Vision Statement
Vox Humana envisions choral music as a vehicle through which hearts are opened, the human condition is elevated, and communities are strengthened.
Mission Statement
Vox Humana seeks to engage community audiences through dynamic programs of compelling choral music, and to inspire present and future generations of listeners, composers and performers, through innovative educational outreach opportunities.
The Director
David N. Childs, born in 1969 at Nelson, New Zealand, has a bachelor’s degree in composition and musicology from Canterbury University, Christchurch, New Zealand. He also holds a Master of Music degree in conducting from the Florida State University, Tallahassee, and a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from Louisiana State University.
Dr. Childs is Director of Music at University Park United Methodist Church, Dallas, Texas. He also served as tenured Associate Professor of Choral Studies at the Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt University, from 2001 to 2011.
Dr. Childs has received conducting instruction from Dr. Kenneth Fulton, Dr. André Thomas, and Professor Rodney Eichenberger, with additional instruction from Helmuth Rilling as a master class conductor at the Oregon Bach Festival.
He is an active clinician and adjudicator in the United States, working at the grade school, college, and community levels. Childs has conducted numerous All-State and honor choirs in various states and countries, including: Mississippi, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Florida, Virginia, New Zealand, and Japan.
His compositions frequently appear at state festivals and workshops, and at American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) state, regional, and national conventions. They are performed in many parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Australasia.
Dr. Childs has received commissions from around the globe, including Japan, New Zealand, and South Africa. In 2008, he was commissioned to write a four-part choral (SATB) work for the 2009 American Choral Directors’ Association High School National Honor Choir.
In June 2009, he conducted a world premiere of his Requiem mass for chorus, soloists, and chamber orchestra, receiving a standing ovation in Carnegie Hall. In March 2011, he conducted a world premiere of his Festival Te Deum also for choir, orchestra, and soloists, which was likewise performed in Carnegie Hall. Currently he has more than 80 choral works in print.
Dr. Childs is married to Lesley French Childs, an assistant professor of laryngology at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. They are the proud parents of daughters Emma and Aubrey.
Board of Directors
Dr. David N. Childs, President and Artistic Director
Michael Peters, Executive Vice President and Chorus Manager
Dolan McKnight, Foundation Program Officer
Lucy Meyers-Lambert, Interim Secretary
Joel Duarte, Board Member
Mechelle Foster, Board Member
Tyron Shaw, Board Member
Dr. John Wayman, Board Member