Two African American Choral Conductors

Choral conductors who reliably and creatively lead choral ensembles to perform at the highest artistic levels have attained and regularly apply skills and knowledge that are derived from a set of standards or values. These values comprise the foundation of instructive and musical practices that permit outstanding choral conductors to bring music to life in such a way that the worth and emotion of the music are conveyed to singers and audiences. Traditionally, African American choral conductors have been acknowledged for having such expertise, but only as it pertained to their ability to interpret spirituals and other music by black composers. However, André Thomas and Judith Willoughby are just two of many African American choral conductors who are receiving acclaim for their ability to perform, in a stellar manner, music of the Western classical tradition as well as multicultural repertoires. Their accomplishments represent a zenith and a point of departure as their excellence continues to erode the lingering misconceptions about all minorities and women.