Lulu Mwangi (Mupfumbu) is a distinguished figure in the world of music, renowned for her multifaceted talents as a conductor, music educator, and singer. With a Master’s degree in Conducting from Ohio State University and a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Atlantic Union College, she has honed her skills under the tutelage of esteemed mentors such as Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt, Dr. Lloyd Mallory, and Dr. Raymond Wise.
Her professional journey is largely marked by her role as the head of the music department at Takoma Academy, where she has led with excellence for over 15 years. Under her guidance, the academy’s choirs have garnered numerous awards and accolades. Under her leadership, the Takoma Academy Chorale was selected to be a part of the Music For All inaugural Premier National Choir Festival in Indianapolis, IN.
Among other awards, the choir won 3 medals at the 2018 World Choir Games in Tshwane, South Africa, and won 2 gold diplomas at the 2019 Interkultur Sing ‘N’ Joy International Choir Festival. In May of 2021 they were awarded the Music Education Grant from The Recording Academy. The Takoma Academy Camerata performed as one of the concert choirs, at the Eastern Region ACDA Conference in 2022, where the choir premiered the Brock Commission work; Eriks Esenvalds’, Stopping in Woods on a Snowy Evening.
Beyond her work at Takoma Academy, Professor Mwangi holds key positions in various musical ensembles and organizations. She serves as the director of the Sligo Young Adult Choir and leads the Living Legends Awards for Service to Humanity Choir and Orchestra as its Artistic Director and conductor.
Professor Mwangi’s influence extends globally through her engagements as a presenter, guest conductor, and adjudicator at music conferences, festivals, and honors choruses. Her ensembles have graced stages in renowned venues worldwide, including the White House, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, and The Lincoln Center.
As a passionate advocate for music education, Professor Mwangi contributes to the field through her writing, with publications in esteemed journals such as the Choral Journal and contributions to books like Teaching With Heart, Vol. 2. She is committed to using her expertise to foster a deep love for music and its transformative power in serving humanity.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Professor Mwangi finds fulfillment in her family life, being married to Tanyaradzwa Mupfumbu and raising their two children, Nakai and Itai. Her dedication to balancing her career with her personal life underscores her values of harmony and fulfillment in all aspects of life.
Lulu Mwangi (Mupfumbu) stands as an ambassador for excellence, combining her mastery of music with a profound commitment to education, service, and family. Her contributions to the world of music continue to inspire and enrich communities both locally and globally.
Contact
Assistant Professor
Choral Conducting
Music Education
lmwangi1@umbc.edu
Teaching
Camerata
Choral Conducting
Music Education
Voice