Meet Jacob

Jacob Malpocker is an American composer, conductor, tenor, and educator from Parker, Colorado. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music from Seattle University where he assistant conducted the University Chorale and Chamber Singers under the direction of Dr. Joy Sherman. He holds a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Washington State University, where he studied under Dr. Lori Wiest. He has conducted musicals and gives workshops for young singers.

Currently, Jacob teaches Choir, Orchestra, and Mariachi in the Highline School District in Seattle, Washington. In addition to his classroom teaching, Jacob directs the young, changed voices ensemble Fratres at St. James Cathedral. Previously, Jacob taught for six years as the Director of Choirs and Liturgical Music at Eastside Catholic School in Sammamish, Washington. In his time as director, his choirs traveled to California, Florida, and Idaho, performing and competing in festivals. In his teaching, Jacob cultivates a safe space for all students by building strong relationships and programming culturally responsive music that helps students connect to the world around them.

Jacob sings in multiple choral groups in the Seattle area. He is a member of the Cathedral Cantorei at St. James Cathedral in downtown Seattle, where he sings in mass services and concerts. Jacob is also a staff singer at Epiphany Parish in the Madrona neighborhood for their Evensong and concert services. Jacob has been a member of the Opus 7 Vocal Ensemble since winter of 2022 and is on the board of directors for the ensemble and serves as the chair of student outreach.

Jacob’s music for choirs is rooted in dedication to text and to bright, extended harmonies. Jacob writes for many types of ensembles, from middle and high school up through community and professional choirs. For the past 5 years, he has been studying with Pacific Northwest composer John Muehleisen. His composition list includes arrangements of Christmas pieces, sacred works for SATB and SSA choir, secular works for SATB choir, works for SAB and SSA choir, and vocal duets.