Who We Are
Introducing the Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers
The Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers is a premier choral ensemble in Southwest Florida. Since forming in 2001, the Mastersingers have grown from a small chorus to an 80-plus voice ensemble of men and women dedicated to excellence in music. We are a diverse group of vocal musicians who represent all walks of life with a shared love of singing and a commitment to our mission.
To experience the Fort Myers Mastersingers in person, attend one of our upcoming concerts!
What We Believe
Raising the Bar for Excellence in Choral Music
The Mastersingers believe that a love of music lasts a lifetime. It can touch people of all ages, bringing joy and light to our community. That’s why we always strive to raise the bar for excellence in choral music, delivering stirring performances with exceptional showmanship and musicality.
Our Mission
Our Vision
To be a significant cultural presence in the fabric of the Southwest Florida community; attract and develop outstanding choral singers; obtain the resources needed to perform great symphonic masterworks; and remain a contributing force in choral music education in Southwest Florida.
From the Top
Come Sing with Us!
Membership is based on:
- Experience
- Ability to attend rehearsals and performances
- Vocal quality
- Commitment to the shared vision of the group
If you are interested in joining the Mastersingers, please contact us to schedule your audition!
Membership Requirements:
- Prospective members must be 18 years or older
- Be a full or part-time resident in Southwest Florida
- Successfully complete and pass an audition
- Pay annual dues and music fee
- Attend rehearsals on Monday nights from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church in Fort Myers (Zoom option available as needed)
Our Musical Expertise
About the Mastersingers Leadership Team
Shannon Arnold Artistic Director
Shannon Arnold, Artistic Director
Shannon Arnold began her tenure as Artistic Director of the Fort Myers Mastersingers in 2019. During her time with the Mastersingers, she has overcome the challenges of 2020 and 2021 by putting on an outdoor performance of Messiah: Part 1, as well as multiple recorded concerts that were available for live viewing. In addition to her position with the Mastersingers, Shannon is also the music director at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in North Fort Myers, Florida and serves as the music director for the Intermezzo Choir.
Shannon received her master's degree in Choral Conducting at Temple University with Paul Rardin, Mitos Andaya Hart, and Rollo Dilworth. After her first year, she was awarded the Robert Page Conducting Scholarship. Shannon was recently selected as one of Temple University’s 30 under 30 for 2022.
She received her bachelor's degree in Music Education from Penn State University. She studied choral conducting with Dr. Christopher Kiver and Dr. Lynn Drafall. Shannon is also an accomplished pianist and studied with Dr. Steven Herbert Smith.
Matt Koller City of Palms Youth Choir Director
Matt Koller, City of Palms Youth Choir Director
Matthew Koller is the founder and conductor of the City of Palms Youth Choir in Fort Myers, FL. Matt is a graduate of Westminster Choir College where he was a member of the Westminster Choir under the direction of Joseph Flummerfelt. He now sings with The Same Stream Choir in Philadelphia, conducted by James Jordan.
Matt’s choirs have performed several masterworks, including Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, Schubert’s Mass in G, Pinkham’s Christmas Cantata, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Britten’s Rejoice in the Lamb, and Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem. They have appeared in Carnegie Hall in performances of Paul Mealor’s Stabat Mater and Jubilate Deo. His choirs have performed many world-premieres and have commissioned composers Gerald Custer, Peter Fischer, Blake Henson, and Thomas LaVoy. He has guest-conducted performances of Dido and Aeneas for Florida Gulf Coast University Opera and led Gulfshore Opera in a performance featuring internationally acclaimed tenor Anthony Kearns.
Matt maintains a very active private voice studio. His students have appeared in lead roles on Broadway, television, film, national tours, and work in fields such as music education, sacred music, theater, dance, casting, and arts administration.
Aside from classical choral and vocal music, Matt enjoys conducting and playing percussion for musicals. His most recent engagements include Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill, Let’s Fall In Love, Tenderly, The Rosemary Clooney Musical and Always…Patsy Cline at the Florida Repertory Theatre.
Janet Carter Accompanist
Janet Carter, Accompanist
Janet Carter has been the accompanist of the Mastersingers since the group’s inception. It is her sixth year accompanying the City of Palms Youth Choir and her third year accompanying the Intermezzo Choir. She has a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master's degree from Northern Illinois University. She has been president of the local chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association and served two terms on the board of the Florida Elementary Music Education Association. Janet has accompanied many all-county choirs and was twice an accompanist for the Florida All-State Elementary Choir.