Bio (June 2021)
296 words:
Dr. Julie Ford (julieford.org) is a choral conductor, vocalist, and educator in the San Francisco Bay Area who specializes in classical, early music, jazz, and pop/commercial styles. Her professional activities focus on choral-vocal performance practices and cross-genre integration, and she is recognized globally for developing a non-genre biased, science-based vocal-choral pedagogical curriculum for higher education.
As Associate Professor at Saint Mary’s College of California, she teaches Vocal Science, Lyric Diction, Private Voice, and Conducting, and directs the Chamber Singers, Jazz Singers, and Glee. Her ensembles have received two Silver and two Gold Medals at the World Choir Games Championship competitions (2014 & 2018), and have performed at the California State Music Educators Conference (2016) and Carnegie Hall (choir showcase, 2015). As Director of Worship at the 2000-member Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church (“LOPC”, 2002-13), she conducted major choral-orchestral works with the Jubilate Baroque Orchestra, and led Interfaith services with Temple Isaiah in Lafayette. Under her direction, the LOPC Chamber Singers performed at the ACDA National Convention (2009). As Director of the Oakland Jazz Choir (1997-2002), she received the “Key to Creativity” award from the major of Oakland and performed several times at Yoshi’s.
Dr. Ford is certified as an Estill Voice Training Master Teacher, sings professionally (CDs: Moodswing’s “Laughing All the Way”, and Greg Murai’s Life’s Unveiling a Song”, “And Your Soul Will Dance”), and appears as a guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician throughout California. She has served multiple terms on the California Choral Directors Association, including Bay Area Representative (2017-2019) and holds degrees from San José State University (Bachelors in Vocal Performance), The Eastman School of Music (Masters in Conducting), and the University of Oklahoma (Doctorate in Choral Conducting). She is indebted to her principal teachers: Perla Warren, Charlene Archibeque, Jeanne Garson, Donald Neuen, and Dennis Shrock.
In the News
2023
- Vocal Music Program Becomes an Estill Educational Affiliate!
- The Sweet Sound of Music:
SMC Jazz Singers Win First Ever California Jazz Championship
2021
2019
2018
- SMC Chamber Singers and Glee Club Win Silver Medals at World Choir Games
- SMC Choir Heads to World Choir Games In South Africa
2017
- Saint Mary’s Chamber Singers Shine in San Jose
Performance for California State Music Teachers Association
2016
2015
- Gotham Sings!
Choirs perform at Carnegie Hall
2014
