About
Lulu Mwangi is a conductor, music educator, and vocalist known for her artistry, global engagement, and commitment to culturally responsive choral practice. She serves on the faculty at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she directs the UMBC Camerata, an auditioned chamber ensemble recognized for its refined performance, innovative programming, and focus on global repertoire and living composers.At UMBC, Professor Mwangi plays a key role in shaping the choral music education experience for undergraduate music majors. Through her work as a conductor, teacher, and mentor, she contributes to the preparation of future educators by integrating high-level performance with practical, relevant pedagogy grounded in inclusive and culturally responsive practices.
She holds a Master’s degree in Conducting from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Washington Adventist University, and has studied with Hilary Apfelstadt, Lloyd Mallory, and Raymond Wise.
Previously, she served for over 15 years as Head of the Music Department at Takoma Academy, where she built a nationally recognized choral program. Her ensembles earned international distinction at the World Choir Games and Interkultur Sing 'N' Joy Festival, and performed at the ACDA Eastern Division Conference. They were also recipients of a The Recording Academy Music Education Grant.
An active clinician and guest conductor, her ensembles have performed at the The White House, Kennedy Center, and Lincoln Center. Her scholarship focuses on choral pedagogy, equity, and culturally grounded performance practice, with publications in *Choral Journal* and a 2023 book chapter in *Teaching Beyond the Music: Tools for Addressing Societal Challenges Through the Arts.
Research interests
Choral/vocal PedagogySocial Justice through performing arts
Culturally Responsive instruction
Global musics and Cultural Repertoire and Choral literature
Music as a Restorative/Reformative too in the juvenile justice system
Teaching interests
All Choral ActivitiesCourses in Music Teaching and Earning
Instrumental/Choral Conducting
Education
- MA, Master of Music in Conducting — Ohio State University (2007)
- BA, Bachelor of Music Education — Atlantic Union College (2003)