Director - Erik Taylor
Erik is a Mississippi native and obtained a degree in Music Education from Delta State University in Cleveland, MS. Mr. Taylor has 15 years of experience in choral music, show choir, arranging, and church music. Under his direction, Mr. Taylor’s ensembles have accumulated several championship and caption awards on the regional and national scale. Along with his new position at Mt. Zion, Mr. Taylor also serves as the Music Director/Organist for Greater Northside Missionary Baptist Church in Decatur, IL. In his spare time, Mr. Taylor enjoys cooking and watching SEC college football.
Assistant Director - Carly Larson
Carly, originally from St Louis, attended Lindenwood University for Vocal Music Education and Business Management. While living in St Louis she accompanied, performed and assisted with various church choirs, schools, theatre companies, individuals and ensembles. For the last 8 years Carly has accompanied Mt Zion choirs, both at the classroom and competitive levels. She’s overjoyed with the opportunity to assist Mr. Taylor with the choirs here and witness firsthand the growth and successes of each student involved. Carly is beyond thankful for her husband, Dreu, whose support is unparalleled. She’s forever proud of her own three (Mt. Zion Show Choir) children- Tryston (Swingsations Alum ‘22), Taylor (LesFemmes Sophomore) and Tyler (Sound System 8th grade).
Choreographer - Dwight Jordan
Dwight is a director/choreographer/producer out of Naperville, a Chicago suburb. Mr. Jordan is co-director of Showchoir Camps of America, Inc. He is recognized as an innovator and trendsetter in show choir staging and choreography. He has directed and choreographed numerous award-winning junior high, high school, and college show choirs from across the United States. In addition, Mr. Jordan writes, directs and choreographs stage productions for the Silver Dollar City Theme Park and the Showboat Branson Belle, in Branson, Missouri. Dwight was key in leading a team of top industry professionals, who designed the Entertainment Arts Program for the Walt Disney Company. You may have also seen him on national television as a judge for the Miss America Pageant. Mr. Jordan resides with his wife, Kari, and has three children, Greg, Ellie, and Jeff.
Choreographer - Sam Mulligan
Samual Mulligan is a Pop/R&B recording artist, songwriter, and musician based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from central Illinois, Sam was a graduate of Mt. Zion High School as well as an alumni of the Swingsations. He is also a recent graduate of Belmont University where he received his Bachelors of Music in Commercial Vocal Performance along with a minor in Music Business. Sam recently released his 10th single and his catalog of original music surpassed over half a million streams across all platforms. Currently he is traveling as a background dancer for country artist Walker Hayes’ U.S. tour. Sam is also a full-time freelance choreographer, clinician, and adjudicator working with many show choirs across the country. He’s beyond grateful for the opportunity to work with so many incredible students and music educators through his love for music.
Combo director - Matt Chesner
Matt Chesner is a graduate student studying wind conducting with Dr. Alicia Neal at Eastern Illinois University. At Eastern, he assists with the concert and athletic bands and plays trumpet in the Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble, and Faculty Brass. Matt has ten years of experience teaching in the Illinois public schools and was recently director of bands and music theory instructor at Rantoul Township High School in Rantoul, IL. He earned degrees in music education from the University of Illinois and the VanderCook College of Music, and has studied trumpet with Ronald Romm, Leah Schuman, and Jennifer Brown.