The Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Music Director Peter Stafford Wilson are pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Wilson as the new Director of the Springfield Symphony Chorale. With an impressive career spanning more than 30 years, Kevin Wilson brings a wealth of experience and a fresh vision to the chorale.
The Chorale has been a part of SSO history since the orchestra’s very first performance in 1944. Re-formed in 2006 under the direction of Basil Fett, the Chorale has been dedicated to delivering exceptional choral music performances. A search for a new director began when Basil retired after 17 years at the helm.
Having previously directed at Vandalia-Butler City Schools, Kevin has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for fostering musical talent. He also served the past five years as Assistant Director of the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Chorus.
Peter shares, “I am delighted that Kevin Wilson will be joining our staff in the capacity of Director of the Chorale! He brings vast knowledge and experience to our efforts, and I know that great music is in store with Kevin at the helm of the SSO Chorale.”
Kevin Wilson states, “I have been familiar with the work of the Springfield Symphony Chorale for many years under its direction by Basil, and I am excited for the opportunity to continue that choral excellence. We are already planning for upcoming performances, and I look forward to continuing to grow the chorus to bring an energized and exciting sound to the stage!”
Join us in welcoming Kevin Wilson to the Chorale this upcoming season, where the community will have the opportunity to experience the chorale’s renewed energy and artistic excellence under his direction. The Chorale is scheduled to perform for the season finale in May, 2025.
Want to join the Chorale?
For more information, please contact the Springfield Symphony Office at info@springfieldsym.org, 937-325-8100, or visit www.springfieldsym.org.
More about the new SSO Chorale Director:
Kevin Wilson grew up in Fairborn, Ohio, and graduated from Fairborn High School in 1984. He went on to Wright State University, where he earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Education, completing the latter in 1997. In 1990, he became the choir director at Butler High School in Vandalia, Ohio, where he taught Concert Choir, Women's Choir, Symphonic Choir, and an after-school Chamber Choir. He also taught AP Music Theory, Music Listening, and Class Piano. After 34 years of teaching, Kevin recently retired from Vandalia.
Throughout his teaching career, he also served as a part-time music director at four different churches from 1987 to 2019. Beyond choral conducting, Kevin is an avid drummer and frequently participates in various musical projects, including local stage musicals.
Kevin has been married to Keatha Wilson since 1990, and they continue to reside in Fairborn, where they raised their two children, Christopher and Amanda.