Arts, Humanities and Communications Division
Modesto Junior College Music

Richard J. Colla
email: collar@mjc.edu     

    Richard J. Colla joined the Modesto Junior College music faculty on a part-time basis in the spring of 2003. He currently directs the Concert Choir,  Chamber Singers, Masterworks Chorus and teaches An Introduction to American Popular Music. He has also taught Music Appreciation and Music Fundamentals. Richard is also the full-time Minister of Music and Worship at Trinity United Presbyterian Church in Modesto where he has directed a variety of vocal and instrumental ensembles since 1990.

In addition, Richard is artistic director and conductor of the Opus Handbell Ensemble, a semi-professional community handbell ensemble. Richard has also served as a member of the voice faculty at California State University, Stanislaus, and is an active adjudicator and lecturer. He has presented lectures on a variety of topics including vocal technique and literature, choral literature and methods, as well as handbell techniques. He and his wife, Ginger, also conduct joint workshops in vocal techniques.

    Richard is very active as a bass-baritone soloist and has appeared extensively in recital, oratorio and opera performances in the United States and Europe. Richard served a four-year term (1993-1997) as the California State Chair for Repertoire and Standards of Music in Worship for The American Choral Director's Assoc. (ACDA). He has also published articles in The NATS Journal for the National Association of Teachers of Singing, The Cantate California for the American Choral Director's Assoc., and The Journal for the Choral Conductor's Guild. Richard received his bachelor of music degree with honors from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln in vocal performance, and his Master of Music degree at the University of Illinois in choral conducting.  

    Richard and his wife, Ginger, were honored as the recipients of the 2007 Excellence in Arts Award for music by the Stanislaus Arts Council. His choir at Trinity United (Koinonia Choir) was invited to participate in a performance with John Rutter conducting his Requiem in New York’s famous Carnegie Hall in 2005. The Koinonia Choir joined forces with the Opus Handbell Ensemble for a tour to England (June 2008). As part of that tour, the choirs performed in the International Church Music Festival in Coventry under the direction of Sir David Wilcox. The Koinonia Choir, Opus Handbell Ensemble with some community singers are planning to return to Europe in 2011 for a tour in Italy.