For nearly 100 years, American University students, faculty, staff, friends, and alumni have come together in song, sharing their love of music-making together. Formed by James McLain in 1934, the Choral Ensembles of American University have flourished under the outstanding leadership of many of the region's most celebrated directors, including Paul Callaway, Norman Scribner, Vito Mason, Paul Hill, Sondra Proctor, Elise Eisenhower, and Daniel Abraham, who serves as the current Faculty Chair for the Department of Performing Arts. In 2014, Dr. Casey Cook became an integral part of this long history when he was awarded the position of Choral Director in Residence and Director of The American University Chorus.

In his own words, he "finally had [his] own program with enthusiastic young singers (along with some beloved faculty, staff, and alumni), and could start adding to the storied history of choral music in Washington." Over the last 12 years, Casey's leadership has brought the AU Chorus to new heights through approximately 30 performances in the Katzen Arts Center and across the Washington, DC region, including performances at the Willard InterContinental Hotel, the National Presbyterian Church, the National United Methodist Church, and the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse of The White House, just to name a few. Under his direction, not only were singers able to experience these opportunities, but they experienced something even more important: community. From best friendships being forged, to AU sweethearts coupling up over love songs, to allowing space for community to those who may have needed it most, Casey created a positive, welcoming, and warm space (even regardless of how cold or warm the Recital Hall was on any given Tuesday night).

During his time with AU, Casey also utilized his varied connections across the DMV, bringing special opportunities to the students in the AU Chorus, including his positions with Chorus America, the Cathedral Choral Society of the Washington National Cathedral, and the Artifice music ensemble, of which he was the founding artistic director. Notably, Casey also led the AU Chorus through the heights of the pandemic, something the ensemble had never faced before. Even from a distance, Casey was able to build a community of singers, giving many an outlet during a stressful time, and many singers remember the joy they experienced when they met him and Barbara Wilkinson in person again in the Recital Hall. Casey and the AU Chorus have also been featured on local news station WUSA9, most recently in November 2025, spreading the reach and joy of the ensemble across the DMV region even further. From Bach to Gjeilo, from Schubert to Whitacre, from Sviridov to Bernstien, and from Orff to Brahms, to Beethoven, to Runestad, and many, many more; Casey challenged his "young singers" to expand their repertoire and knowledge of the choral world  - - - all while reminding us what a "schwa" is and his wife, Melissa, providing "Cookie Pillows" along the way. (And to email "CHORUS at american.edu" with questions...)