Emmanuel Richard Espiritu was born in Dallas, Texas. A first-generation American, Emmanuel’s first experience with performing came in 3rd grade when he was asked to sing at a Filipino celebration called Santo Nino. Before graduating from Mesquite High School, he made the Texas All-State choir and was named Outstanding Soloist at the Texas State UIL competition.  He then attended the University of North Texas to study Music Education. 

While studying at UNT, he worked as a youth choir director at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Dallas as the Traditional Choir director for St. Mark Catholic Church in Plano.  He also had the privilege of conducting Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium for the world-renowned men’s chorus, the Turtle Creek Chorale. Soon after, Emmanuel began a master’s degree in Choral Conducting at the Boston Conservatory, where he studied voice under Victor Jannett and conducting under Dr. Bill Cutter.  Emmanuel worked at St. Monica Catholic Church for many years, serving in multiple roles such as Youth Director, Director of Youth and Music, Children’s Choir Director, and Associate Director of Music. He still leads the St. Monica Contemporary Band, but also teaches full-time as the Choir Director at John Paul II High School in Plano. Emmanuel worked with Youth Chorus for the Children's Chorus of Collin County several years ago and we are thrilled to have him join our team.

Emmanuel lives in Richardson with his wife, Jessica, and their two kids, Xander and Emmy.