Ryan Keebaugh ’03 (Master of Music in Conducting) was appointed choral director of the Valley Chorale of Front Royal, formerly known as the Front Royal Oratorio Society. Keebaugh is the first new conductor in 25 years for the area’s longest-standing community choir.
“I am honored to have been selected as conductor of the Valley Chorale of Front Royal,” said Dr. Keebaugh, who earned a Doctor of Musical Arts from The Catholic University of America. “The ensemble has been known for its passion, excitement and love for choral music and I am thrilled to be a part of this organization. I look forward to every opportunity to build musical relationships with the ensemble as well long-lasting connections with the local community.”
Praised by The Washington Post for his “energetic, expressive, concise, insightful, and sensitive” conducting, Keebaugh is well known to area audiences from his work with Clarke County Public Schools and Grace United Methodist Church (Middletown, Virginia). Further afield, choral ensembles under his direction have been invited to perform at the Kennedy Center, Washington National Cathedral and Carnegie Hall, as well as stages around the world. Keebaugh is also a highly regarded composer and arranger, as well as a choral clinician who works with singers to refine and expand their vocal skills.
Established in 1962, the Valley Chorale of Front Royal performs classical, popular and contemporary music throughout the year, including annual Christmas and spring concerts as well as other community appearances.
Visit www.ryankeebaugh.com and www.valleychoraleoffrontroyal.org to learn more.