Daniel Fister is a doctoral candidate at Washington University in St. Louis studying musicology. He earned his undergraduate degree at Chapman University in vocal performance and studied music history at University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. His dissertation explores the links between community formation and race in contemporary scholastic a cappella. He teaches about singing in the United States, music and race, American pop music, and musical theater.

Before his life as an academic, Daniel directed, sang, and arranged for Wilsonville High School’s Soul’d Out, leading them to the 2010 ICHSA Finals. He went on to participate just as actively in Chapman University’s SoundCheck, with whom he competed regularly in ICCA and directed the production of their debut album, Everything (2012). Daniel remains involved in a cappella as a frequent competition judge, concert attendee, and music streaming consumer. He loves when a cappella groups emote to the back to the auditorium and surprise him with dynamics and tone color.

When not working on his dissertation, he practices yoga and watches movies with his cat, Nemo. He wishes he hiked more and is getting better at cooking.