Watch the interview!
Darren Dailey, President and Artistic Director of the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus and editor of the Darren Dailey Choral Series with Galaxy Music, shares his journey and vision for choral music in this insightful interview. With decades of experience as a conductor, educator, and series curator, Darren discusses the values that shape his work and the evolution of his choral series.
Throughout the conversation, Darren reflects on his path from public school in New Jersey to leading nationally recognized children’s choirs. He emphasizes the importance of grit, mentorship, and meaningful text in choral programming. The interview highlights how the Darren Dailey Choral Series has grown to include a wide range of repertoire, focusing on accessibility, excellence, and collaborations with composers such as Tom Shelton, Ken Berg, and Rollo Dilworth. Darren also shares his approach to commissioning new works, supporting local connections, and encouraging composers to submit fresh ideas and texts.
Directors and educators will find practical insights on programming, the value of text, and the impact of community in building a successful choral program. Darren’s passion for fostering new music and his commitment to both tradition and innovation offer inspiration for anyone working in the choral field.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What inspired Darren Dailey to pursue a career in choral music?
Darren credits his public school education, supportive mentors, and personal determination for shaping his path. He also highlights the influence of his musical family and early experiences in church and university choirs. - How does the Darren Dailey Choral Series select repertoire?
The series focuses on meaningful text, musical excellence, and accessibility for a variety of ensembles. Darren seeks out works that he would program in his own concerts and values pieces that offer something unique or address specific ensemble needs. - What role do collaborations play in the series?
Collaboration is central to the series, with ongoing partnerships with composers like Tom Shelton, Ken Berg, and Rollo Dilworth. Darren encourages composers to submit new works and enjoys working closely with them to expand the repertoire. - How does Darren approach programming for different types of choirs?
He considers the needs of various ensembles, from children’s choirs to SATB groups, and looks for music that is both artistically rewarding and accessible. The series includes works suitable for different occasions and skill levels. - What advice does Darren have for composers interested in submitting to the series?
Darren welcomes new ideas and encourages composers to focus on strong texts and creative approaches. He is always looking for pieces that bring something fresh to the choral landscape.
About Darren Dailey
Darren Dailey has been shaping The Jacksonville Children's Chorus into a world-class organization since 2006. Under his leadership, The Chorus has grown to serve over 500 First Coast children annually with seven choirs, multiple rehearsal locations, and outreach throughout Northeast Florida. He has introduced Chorus singers and audiences to renowned guest artists like Kristin Chenoweth and Amy Grant, and he has broadened The Chorus' opportunities to include performance tours in Canada, Germany, Estonia, Russia, Sweden, Italy, Greece, and Ireland.
Mr. Dailey has served as guest conductor in Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center and for All-State Honor Choirs. As the founding artistic director of the Boston Children's Chorus, Mr. Dailey and his chorus performed at the 2004 Democratic Convention, appeared as the host chorus on the television special, "Raising the Roof: A Celebration of the Life of Martin Luther King, Jr. in Song," broadcast nationally on WGN, and performed internationally in Japan.
Mr. Dailey has produced three recordings: "Come and Rejoice," "Sing!" and "Voices for Voices." His work may also be heard on "A Boston Christmas" (Back Bay Chorale), "Building Bridges" (Mystic Chorale) and "Amani Celebration," a limited-edition compact disc of holiday songs from 15 children's choirs to benefit African children who have been orphaned because of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Mr. Dailey received a Bachelor of Music Education degree with a concentration in Voice from Westminster Choir College and a Master of Music Education in Choral Conducting from Appalachian State University's Hayes School of Music.
View publications.
