Julian Ackerley
Director

Julian Ackerley, The Director

Director of the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus since 1980, Julian Ackerley has achieved international acclaim as an accomplished conductor and administrator of children’s choral performing arts organizations.

Dr. Ackerley has taken the Chorus on performance tours spanning five continents and over 20 countries. Under his direction, the Chorus has made numerous recordings and has collaborated with national symphony orchestras and opera companies.

Dr. Ackerley is an experienced teacher, having taught music at all levels from elementary to university students. He received his doctor of musical arts degree from the University of Arizona with special emphasis in music education, vocal performance and choral conducting. He has been a guest conductor and clinician at numerous choral festivals and has conducted All-State Choirs including the Arizona Cantaremos Honor Choir and Alabama All-State.

Dr. Ackerley is the National Boychoir Repertoire and Standards Chair for the American Choral Directors Association. In addition, he is vice president for the International Society for Children’s Choral and Performing Arts. Other professional affiliations include the Music Educators National Conference and Chorus America.

Heather Mitchell, Asst. Conductor

Heather Mitchell is a full-time resident at the University of Arizona School of Music. She is pursuing her doctoral degree in choral conducting, with an orchestral conducting minor. Accepted as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the university, she has been appointed as the Assistant Director of the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus. She also serves as the Repertory and Standards chair for Arizona State American Choral Directors Association, representing the TABC. Mitchell received a Master of Music degree in choral conducting at Saint Cloud State University in St. Cloud, Minnesota in May 2007. She was a full-time resident and served as the Graduate Assistant to the Director of Choral Activities.

In the spring of 2006, Mitchell earned the Emerging Conductor Award. She received the opportunity to conduct the Minnesota Chorale and score study with the Chorale’s conductor, Kathy Romey. Also in the spring of 2006, Mitchell received a scholarship to attend the American Choral Directors Association Convention in Omaha, Nebraska. For the 2005 – 2006 year, Mitchell served as the President of the SCSU Chapter of ACDA.

Mitchell earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, graduating with honors. She received the Outstanding Conductor and Outstanding Achievement in Choral Music awards for three consecutive years.