Hello! My name is Jordan D. Boyd (He/Him) and I am the Assistant Director of Choral Activities for the University of Texas at San Antonio where I conduct the UTSA Concert Choir, University Chorus, Lyric Theatre productions, and teach courses in vocal techniques and choral literature.
My work focuses on creating innovative concert experiences that lead audiences and singers alike to push the boundaries of what is possible in the choral space. I accomplish this through collaborating with partners both within the music world and outside of it. Most recently, we partnered with the UTSA Department of Physics and Astronomy. My esteemed colleague, Dr. Chris Packham, worked closely with us as we created an experience that drew attention to humanity’s relationship with the stars and the profound responsibility we have to be conscientious as we continue reaching into space. We created an immersive concert by pairing choral works with images produced by the James Webb Space Telescope and surrounding our audience with an array of colors and sounds. I am inspired by our students’ willingness to think outside the box and try something new. Our work together has garnered significant acclaim with one review calling our projects “comprehensive programs that tell his stories”.
I am proud to be based in San Antonio, Texas and be a resource for local choirs. Through invited clinics with numerous ensembles, I have come to appreciate the exceptional level of choral music in this great city. I am constantly impressed by the musicianship and artistry I encounter here. I look forward to continuing engaging with both standing choirs and honor choirs across Texas to help inspire and encourage the next generation of choral musicians.
Prior to joining the UTSA School of Music family, I was a doctoral student at the University of North Texas. At UNT, I directed the UNT Chorale (tenor-bass) and taught undergraduate conducting. In 2022, the UNT Chorale was recognized for our work by being named the Winner of the American Prize in Choral Performance (college/university division). In addition to my role at UNT, I served as the Assistant Conductor of the Dallas Symphony Chorus under the direction of Joshua Habermann. In the spring of 2023, I completed my doctoral dissertation titled “William Duckworth’s Southern Harmony: A Comprehensive Exploration into the Synthesis of Two Archetypal American Genres”. In this study, I traced Duckworth’s transformation of nineteenth-century shape-note tunes into minimalist material used for new compositions.
Before moving to Texas, I was based in Charleston, South Carolina where I served as the Director of Choral Activities for the Berkeley Center for the Arts at Goose Creek High School. During my tenure, our choirs were invited to perform at the South Carolina American Choral Directors Association convention, the South Carolina Music Educators Association convention, and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. The Goose Creek Choirs were lauded as “ambassadors of technique for high school singers” and praised for their “incredible precision and musicianship”. Prior to my time at Goose Creek, I was the Director of Choirs at Cane Bay Middle School.
From 2015–2018 I was the Associate Music Director of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra Chorus. In this role, I prepared the CSO Chamber Singers for annual performances of The Messiah. During this time (2015–2020) I also served the Taylor Festival Choir as their Associate Conductor.
My musical interests have always included more than choral music. I also enjoy conducting opera and musical theatre productions. Recent and upcoming appearances include productions of Songs for a New World (UTSA 2024), Massenet’s Cendrillon (UTSA 2022), Les Misérables (BCA 2019), Little Shop of Horrors (BCA 2018), and Amahl and the Night Visitors (Holy City Opera 2019). Outside of conducting, I enjoy composing choral music. My works have been performed by ensembles from high school through professional.
As a singer, I find great joy in singing with professional choral ensembles. Engagements have included performances with the Orpheus Chamber Singers under the direction of JD Burnett, Verdigris Ensemble of Dallas, the Cincinnati Vocal Arts Ensemble under the direction of Craig Hella Johnson, and the Taylor Festival Choir.
My fulfilling educational journey has led me to a bachelor’s in vocal performance and music theory/composition from the College of Charleston, a Master of Music in choral conducting from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, and a Doctor of Music Arts in choral conducting from the University of North Texas.
Jordan D. Boyd 