Earlier this year, Jacksonville native Don McCullough was named director of the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus after longtime director Jon Carlson retired.
With more than 25 years of conducting and directing experience, McCullough brings a solid pedigree to the position. He has undergraduate degrees in vocal performance and organ and master's degrees in sacred music in conducting and vocal performance.
He also has written and published more than 30 vocal pieces, ranging from church anthems to symphonic works.
McCullough grew up on the Westside and served as music director of the Washington Master Chorale in Washington, D.C., for 13 years before he headed the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus.
It was in Washington, D.C., where he brought the chorale's 120-singer symphonic chorus to musical prominence. He returned in 2009 to Jacksonville to embark on composing full time and be closer to family.
He said he remained open to directing possibilities, knowing he would eventually need a "choral fix."
When the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus position became available, McCullough threw his name into the running. This past spring, the chorus's acclaimed performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, prepared under McCullough's tutelage, helped him clinch the position.
He now is focused on helping the nearly 140-member volunteer group reach higher levels.
He composes seven days a week to complete a number of commissioned pieces and took the chorus helm during a challenging season.
The fall and winter schedule included Christopher Rouse's "Karolju," Holiday Pops and Handel's "Messiah" concerts and spring concerts will feature Benjamin Britton's "War Requiem." The chorus also is preparing for February's grand opera performance of Giuseppe Verdi's "Otello."
"I am a teacher at heart and have always loved helping people create and experience a sound, and how it makes music come alive," said McCullough.
He said he keeps rehearsals light-hearted by using humorous analogies and voice impressions to convey important techniques like style, voicing and breath control.
"Choral works are among the most inspirational. I look forward to helping the chorus create powerful performances and communicate through singing so the audience will be transported," he said.
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