Matthew Zabiegala
Artistic Director
Matthew Zabiegala is a dynamic musician, conductor, and educator dedicated to pushing boundaries in programming, fostering community engagement, and nurturing artistic growth among musicians. As the Artistic Director of the New Jersey Chamber Singers since 2019, Matthew has orchestrated diverse musical experiences and continues to elevate eclectic, thematic programming and amplifies underrepresented compositional voices. Matthew also is the Artistic Director of the Concord Singers in Summit, NJ, a community treble ensemble. Matthew recently lead a joint tour presenting concerts in Germany and Czechia and will tour with members of the NJ Chamber Singers, Concord Singers, and Summit Chorale to Portugal and Spain in July 2026.
With a passion for liturgical music, Matthew serves as the Principal Organist & Choir Director at St. Mary’s Abbey in Morristown, NJ. Matthew has served congregations for over 15 years in Ohio and New Jersey, leading these programs through offerings of Concert Series, major sacred works, weekly anthems, and solo vocal performances.
As a sought-after soloist and chorister, Matthew has had numerous engagements in Ohio, Georgia, New Jersey, and NYC. Matthew has recently performed as a featured soloist and chorister with the Summit Chorale and the Riverside Choral Society at Alice Tully Hall, and as a featured recitalist with Lyrica Chamber Music, performing the music of Lili Boulanger, William Grant Still, and Amy Beach. Matthew has been a performing artist with the professional chamber choirs, Kinnara Ensemble, VOCALA Ensemble, and Terpsichore Ensemble, presenting concerts in the greater New Jersey and Atlanta, GA areas.
Passionate about education, Matthew Zabiegala enjoyed careers as the Director of Choirs at Central Crossing and Worthington Kilbourne High Schools in Columbus, OH and at Morris Knolls High School in Rockaway, NJ. Matthew is a frequent guest clinician at middle school and high school programs. Matthew has served on faculty at Wagner College in Staten Island, NY and at Rutgers University teaching courses in aural skills, music history, vocal technique, diction, ensembles, and conducting.
Matthew is currently earning a Doctoral degree in Choral Conducting at Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, studying with Dr. Brandon Williams. Matthew serves as a Graduate Assistant Conductor for the Glee Club and Kirkpatrick Choir, and has been a co-conductor of the University Choir. Matthew earned a Master's degree from Rutgers University studying with Professor Emeritus, Dr. Patrick Gardner in 2019 and was a featured soloist and assistant conductor at Lincoln Center, Trinity Church Wall Street, National and Regional ACDA Conferences, and internationally in Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and in Germany at the Martkoberdorf Chamber Choir Competition. Matthew also holds a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from The Ohio State University and performed as a chorister and featured soloist with the OSU Chorale, Men's Glee Club, and Symphonic Choir, and studied under the tutelage of Dr. Robert J. Ward, Dr. Richard Schnipke, Dr. Kristina MacMullen, and Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt.
Karen Hill Miske
Accompanist
Karen Hill Miske is a versatile pianist who works with musicians of all disciplines, including choral ensembles, soloists, chamber music ensembles, musical theater orchestras, and as a church musician and teacher. Currently, she is the Music Director at the Waretown United Methodist Church, accompanist for The Island Singers and the The New Jersey Chamber Singers, a pianist with Ceremonious Strings, and teaches piano at her studio in Pine Beach. In addition, she regularly collaborates with various school and community groups.
She has held positions on the piano faculties of The College of New Jersey, Georgian Court College and Brookdale Community College as well as staff accompanist at The College of New Jersey, Mason Gross School of the Arts, The Boston Conservatory and The Aspen Music School. As a church musician, she has served as the Director of Music at Harvey Memorial United Methodist Church, St. Andrew United Methodist Church and Associate Minister of Music at The Presbyterian Church of Toms River.
Mrs. Miske holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from The Boston Conservatory and a Master of Music in Piano Accompanying and Chamber Music from The Catholic University of America.
Maddi Schille
Assistant Conductor
Maddi Schille serves as the Choir and Drama Director at Manasquan High School. She graduated summa cum laude from Rowan University in 2019 and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Music Education there. During her tenure at Manasquan High School, she has been recognized as Teacher of the Month on multiple occasions.
Under her direction, the Manasquan High School Concert Choir has attended the Music in the Parks competitions for many years, consistently earning superior ratings. She is committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive rehearsal environment and to creating a safe, supportive space in which students feel a sense of belonging and shared musical purpose. In March 2026, she will perform alongside her students as part of the Pederson Chorus in a concert of Kyle Pederson’s music at Lincoln Center. Through her work as Stage Director of the Manasquan High School Drama Club, Maddi Schille was nominated for Best Director, and the school’s production of Into the Woods received a nomination for Best Musical at the 2024 Basie Awards.
Outside of the high school setting, Maddi Schille serves as the Assistant Conductor of the New Jersey Chamber Singers and maintains a private voice studio with an emphasis on vocal health and longevity.
As a performer, Maddi Schille has appeared with the Rowan Opera Company as Belinda in Dido and Aeneas and Miss Wordsworth in Albert Herring, and has performed in numerous community theatre productions throughout Ocean and Monmouth Counties.
Lisa Romero, Conducting Associate
Lisa Romero has dedicated the past 15 years to pursuing her passion as a music educator in New Jersey public schools. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from The College of New Jersey and began her teaching career in Kearny, NJ, before returning to her hometown of Woodbridge, NJ. She currently serves as the choir director at Woodbridge High School, where she leads five choral ensembles that perform extensively throughout the community and consistently receive superior ratings at annual competitions.
In addition to her work in the classroom, Lisa teaches private piano lessons and serves as an accompanist and pit musician. She has also worked as the Vocal Director for musical productions at both Woodbridge High School and the West Hudson Arts and Theater Company. She joined NJCS in 2022, and is honored to be a member of this amazing community of musicians. Lisa currently resides in Howell, NJ, with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.
Joe Barton, Conducting Associate
Joe Barton has been a member of New Jersey Chamber Singers since 2024 and is music teacher at Community Middle School in West-Windsor Plainsboro. He attended Rowan University and received a degree in Music Education.