LAURA RAMSEY RUSSELL Laura Ramsey Russell received her BA from Brandeis University, MFA in Conducting from SUNY Purchase, and her DMA in Conducting from the Hartt School at the University of Hartford. She has taught music at Marist College, the Hartt School, SUNY Purchase, and currently directs the Choral Ensembles at Dutchess Community College. Dr. Russell has served as Music Director for many Hudson Valley Gilbert & Sullivan productions. She is Chorus Master for the Bardavon Opera Chorus, recently preparing choirs to sing La Boheme, Carmina Burana, and Poulenc’s Gloria with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic. Dr. Russell is also Conductor and co-founder of the Hudson Valley BachFest, where she has conducted several major Motets and Cantatas. She is Choir Director at Christ Episcopal Church in Poughkeepsie.