Staff

Artistic Director

Kyle Ward | He/Him

Kyle Ward is thrilled to join the staff of El Roble Middle School and Claremont High School as Director of Choral Activities!
His responsibilities include directing the El Roble Panther Chorus, the CHS Concert Choir, Chora Nova, Chamber Singers, and serving as musical director for Musical Theater.

Kyle earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. He continued his studies at Oregon State University in Corvallis and began his student teaching in the Salem-Keizer Public Schools. He went on to teach middle school choir at Crossler Middle School in Salem for four years.

Ward is a proud member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).

Collaborative Accompanist

Matthew Cook | He/Him

Baritone and organist Matthew Cook has gained a reputation as an adaptable and versatile musician and is based in Southern California. He graduated from Pomona College with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and later earned a Master of Music in Vocal Arts from the University of Southern California. Matthew currently holds the position of Assistant Choirmaster at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Newport Beach, California, where he works with world-renowned concert organist Lukas Hasler.

In June of 2025, Matthew sang the role of Frank in Valley Opera and Performing Arts’ (VOPA) production of Die Fledermaus. In 2024, Matthew sang the role of Garibaldo in Handel’s Rodelinda with Opera Neo and the role of Jacob in The Ballad of Baby Doe with Opera Buffs. In addition, he spent the winter in Florida as an Apprentice Artist with the Sarasota Opera. In the summer, Matthew traveled to Mainz, Germany, where he attended the Barock Vokal Akademie and worked with James Taylor and Elisabeth Scholl, among other early music specialists.