Denis Allaire was the first vocalist to receive a B.M. degree in jazz studies from the University of Minnesota. He later completed his masters degree in choral conducting during which time he was appointed director of the University of Minnesota Men's Chorus. In 1989, he joined the University of St. Thomas music faculty as an adjunct lecturer and studio instructor. Besides his duties at St. Thomas, he serves as music director and arranger for Voice Trek, a professional vocal ensemble based in the Twin Cities. With Voice Trek, Allaire has appeared in music festival such as the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the Montreux (Switzerland) Jazz Festival. His work in the education field led him to be invited to perform at the International Association of Jazz EducatorsÍ convention. His composition, "The Glory of the Cross", was the national winner for the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.