Thomas Gerber is the Assistant Director of Choral Activities at Texas A&M University where he conducts the Women’s Chorus and Century Singers.
Originally from Austin, Minnesota, Thomas Gerber serves as the Assistant Director of Choral Activities at Texas A&M University, where he is honored to direct the Century Singers and Women’s Chorus. Before arriving at Texas A&M, he served as Music Director at Bishop England High School, where he conducted the Mixed Choir, Chorale, and Chamber Choir. During his tenure, the choirs of Bishop England made their Carnegie Hall debut, performing Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna and the Carnegie Hall premiere of William Menefields, Prism. In 2016 he was the recipient of the Outstanding New Faculty Member award. During his time at Bishop England, he also taught music history and music theory and was music director for the annual Spring musicals.
Gerber served as the Associate Music Director of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chorus from 2018-2020. During this time, he had the pleasure of preparing annual performances of Handel’s Messiah. Additionally, in 2019 he prepared the chorus for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ in collaboration with CineConcerts and their Harry Potter™ Film Concert Series.
Gerber received his Bachelor of Arts in Choral and Instrumental Music Education from Luther College in Decorah, IA, under Dr. Allen Hightower and Dr. Edwin Andereck, where he was a section leader of the internationally acclaimed Nordic Choir. Gerber received his Master of Music in Choral Conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music in Cincinnati, OH, under the tutelage of Dr. Earl Rivers and Dr. Brett Scott while also studying voice with David Adams. While at CCM, Gerber served as a graduate research assistant to Dr. Eva Floyd and also taught the undergraduate voice methods class and voice lessons. Currently, he is finishing up his DMA in Choral Conducting with a related field in Vocal Pedagogy at the University of North Texas, Denton, TX, where he is a student of Dr. Allen Hightower, Dr. Kristina MacMullen, and Dr. Stephen Austin.
Gerber has an extensive background in outdoor ministry and enjoys working with students of all ages and abilities. He has a strong desire to make music available to those who might not have the opportunity or the means. He is passionate about getting as many people involved in a choir as possible, all while creating a sense of community through musical creation. When he’s not performing, Tom can be found jogging or walking his dogs, Chloe and Luna, and enjoying the outdoors!
Jesse Novak is the accompanist for the Texas A&M Women’s Chorus and Century Singers.
An avid chamber musician, pianist Jesse Novak loves collaborating with instrumentalists, vocalists, and choirs. A 2022 graduate from the University of Houston, Jesse received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance under the tutelage Dr. Andrew Staupe, as well as world-renowned pianist Mrs. Nancy Weems. Aside from performing, Jesse loves playing hymns, birdwatching, cross-stitching, walking, and cleaning house.
Kate Bertelson ’22- Administrative Coordinator
Kate joined Choral Activities in December 2023. Originally from Lubbock, Texas, Kate knew she wanted to be an Aggie from an early age. After being accepted to the University in 2018, she obtained her B.S. in Agricultural Leadership and a Masters Degree in Recreation and Youth Development. In addition, she also obtained the Professional Event Management Certificate, and the Nonprofit Management Certificate from the Bush School of Government and Public Service. Kate is passionate about youth programs, events, mentoring, and anything related to aquatics. During her time at Texas A&M, she was involved in Fish Camp and the Leadership Living Learning Community as a student, mentor, and senior peer mentor, and worked as a swim coach for AMBUSH and Aggie Swim Club. She is excited about working with Choral Activities and the students in the program.
Her door is always open and she welcomes you to stop by and say Howdy.