BY BTL STAFF
Out Loud Chorus, the non-auditioned, LGBTQA community chorus in Washtenaw County, has announced William Scott Walters as the chorus's next Artistic Director.
Walters enjoys a multifaceted career as a conductor, singer, and educator. Recently a student of Jerry Blackstone in the University of Michigan's Master of Music conducting program, Walters has studied privately with Robert Spano, Harry Bicket, and Kenneth Kiesler.
"I'm thrilled to be the new artistic director of OLC, and working with such a talented and dedicated group of singers," says Walters. "We will continue to promote diversity through music."
During his studies, Walters has served as conductor of the Orpheus Singers, assistant conductor of the Residential College Singers, Arts Chorale, and assistant conductor of the University and Chamber Choirs. Engagements include serving as assistant conductor for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's 2013 performance of Bach's B Minor Mass, and providing music direction for Ann Arbor Opera Guild's 2013 American premiere performance and recording of von Suppe's Light Cavalry. Walters has been a conducting fellow for Sarteano Chamber Workshop in Italy, and Conductors Retreat at Medomak in Maine.
A versatile performer, Walters has appeared as a soloist and section member of the UMS Choral Union and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chorus, as well as singing backup for Barry Manilow.
Walters was regularly sought out for vocal lessons and coachings in Atlanta and metro-Atlanta area before returning to Ann Arbor. Walters studied voice performance with Carmen Pelton and Valerie Walters. Before commencing graduate studies, Walters served as director of choral music and taught drama at Pepperell High School in Rome, Georgia.
Originally from Kennesaw, Georgia, Walters earned his B.M. in music education from Kennesaw State University, where he studied conducting with Leslie Blackwell.
The OLC Director Search Committee worked with the board of directors during the five-month-long nationwide search. The board brought in a highly-regarded expert from the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses, Eve Campbell, who regularly consults with GALA choruses throughout North America on director searches. The search committee was lucky to
be presented with an exceptionally strong list of candidates for the position. After a thorough multi-phase interview process and choir audition, the board was unanimous in its selection of Walters as the next artistic director.
The board is confident that Walters will build upon the OLC's reputation of choral excellence, raising the chorus to new levels and inspiring a new sense of engagement that our audience and supporters will no doubt enjoy. Walters is already working closely with the Music Selection Committee in planning the 2017-2018 season. Rehearsals begin in September for the January 2018 concerts.
