Michael Follis is pursuing a Master of Music in Choral Conducting at the Butler School of Music with Dr. JD Burnett. He returns to the Forty Acres having completed his Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance in 2020 where he studied voice and conducting with Drs. Cynthia Morrow and Suzanne Pence, respectively. During his undergraduate career, Michael was an active member and section leader in Texas Choirs and regularly performed with the University of Texas Chamber Singers, Concert Chorale, and as a soloist in the Bach Cantata Project under Dr. Jim Morrow. Additionally, he served as the first ever student director in the 60 year history of the Longhorn Singers, the premiere show choir at the University of Texas. Michael is the founder and director of the Southwestern Chorale, a collegiate-level ensemble in his hometown of Katy, Texas.

Michael served as Instructor of Voice and Associate Director of Choirs at East View High School in Georgetown, Texas for two years. Students under his direction have earned sweepstakes awards at UIL Concert and Sightreading, received placement in TMEA All State Choirs, and been awarded superior ratings at Texas State Solo & Ensemble Contest. In 2021, Follis was named Director of Music Ministries at Shepherd of the Hills Christian Church in Austin, Texas where he oversees the Chancel and Handbell Choirs. Michael is eager to re-assume the role of Director of Longhorn Singers for the 2023-2024 academic year. 

Aside from being a choral conductor, Michael continues to be an active performer in the Central Texas choral music scene. He regularly sings in a number of professional ensembles including the Ars Longa Ensemble, San Antonio Chamber Choir, Texas Bach Festival Chorus, Austin Cantorum, and Inversion Ensemble. Follis was also selected to sing and conduct at the Yale School of Music’s Norfolk Chamber Music Festival under world-renowned conductor Simon Carrington.