Ruth Springer & Augusto Girotto
Ruth Springer is a graduate assistant pursuing a PhD in Music Education/Choral Conducting at Florida State University. Aside from FSU, she serves as the Music Director at Monticello Methodist Church in Monticello, Florida and as a member of Festival Singers of Florida. Ruth recently completed an M.M. in Choral Conducting from Florida State where she served as the assistant conductor for Levana, Collegians, Vocal Jazz, and Choral Union.
Originally from Topeka, KS, Ruth’s passion for choral music began in the choir communities she sang in during her formative years and the passionate instructors from whom she was fortunate to learn. She enjoys the effect music has in reaching all people and the way it brings individuals from various walks of life together. The reality of music bringing people together is seen clearly through Tallahassee Community Chorus. Ruth joined the chorus as a singer for the 2023-24 season and most recently participated in the membership team during the 2024-25 season. The excellent repertoire choices, quality of musicianship by all, and the overall warm and welcoming environment are aspects of the chorus she is looking forward to experiencing this season.
Augusto Girotto is a Brazilian conductor whose musical work bridges opera, choral artistry, and education. He is currently the Graduate Assistant for the Tallahassee Community Chorus and Chorus Master for the FSU Opera Program. He holds a degree in conducting from São Paulo State University (UNESP), where he studied with Dr. Abel Rocha, Dr. Lutero Rodrigues, Dr. Paulo Moura, and Dr. Vitor Gabriel de Araujo, and is currently completing his master’s at Florida State University under the guidance of Dr. Michael Hanawalt, Dr. Kevin Fenton, Dr. McKenna Stenson, and Dr. Bernard McDonald.
In Brazil, Girotto served as Assistant Conductor to Maestro Nibaldo Araneda with the Collegium Musicum de São Paulo, taught conducting and music theory at UNESP’s preparatory program, and led the choral program at Fundação das Artes de São Caetano do Sul. He was a semifinalist in the VIII Choir Conducting Competition at the Karol Lipiński Academy in Wrocław, Poland, becoming the first South American to reach that stage. His graduation project at UNESP included the translation, reorchestration, and full production of Donizetti’s opera Betly, showcasing his multifaceted approach to music-making and his passion for accessible, imaginative performances.