Don Conley was at the helm of the Singers for longer than anyone except Joy Johnsen, and longer if you include the 2 years he acted as Assistant Director under Mitch Howard. His broad experience as a conductor, performer and teacher fit like a glove with the Singers. Don was always ready with an amusing story to highlight or explain some detail in the music, often bringing to light some amazing thing that he did (like play a solo on the organ for royalty, for example).
Don, along with a very strong board, managed to navigate the lean years of Covid19, when the very existence of the choir was at stake. It took sacrifice, and a long term outlook to weather the storm.
Under his tutelage, Don took the choir from Broadway, to Brahms, to Beethoven, and back to Broadway, with every other letter in between. As with Mitch Howard, Don had a cancer diagnosis for several years of his tenure. Don was able to steer the choir with grace, wit and skill despite his disease, but in the Spring of 2025, Don decided to pass the choir to the next director, as his energy level was not up to his standards. We wish Don all the best in his retirement, and thank him from the bottoms of our hearts for all his work with the choir.
