The Stockton Chorale Bids Farewell to Dr. Bruce Southard

Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters of the Stockton Chorale,

It is with bittersweet emotions to announce that the Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of our Artistic Director, Dr. Bruce Southard, effective December 31, 2024. He has accepted another Artistic Director position in the Bay Area and will continue in his full-time role at San Joaquin Delta College as the Professor and Director of Choral Activities.

Dr. Southard has served the Stockton Chorale as our Artistic Director for 10 years which is the second longest tenure (tied with Dr. Edward Cetto) in the 73 years of history in the organization. Under his leadership, the Chorale has transformed into an incredible organization focused on a culture of inclusion and opportunity for singing as well as excellence in vocal development and choral experiences. Here is the legacy he leaves behind:

• Artistic Programming: In his tenure, each concert represented a balanced program filled with tradition and modern music, a diversity of genres, both challenging and fun for all singers, and representative of music and composers that have not been historically elevated in choral music.
• Perseverance: Even during the time of the state’s shut down in the global pandemic, the Chorale continued singing and performing virtually and reached thousands more people across the globe through technology, both individually and collectively. The Stockton Chorale came out of the pandemic stronger than ever; challenging the status quo of the history of our organization and transforming to a more relevant presence in our community.
• Collaboration: Dr. Southard has exponentially increased our community partnerships with local high school and college programs and extended community organizations that include a professional all-female mariachi group, local community orchestras in full choral masterworks, and a first of its kind in our upcoming March 2025 concert, Music of Asia and the Pacific Islands.

The Chorale Family is deeply grateful to Dr. Southard for his years of leading and wish him the very best in his new chapter. The past 10 years have been such a gift of wonderful musical memories in the hearts and lives of our singers and community.

So, what’s next? The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that our Assistant Conductor, Michael Hernandez, will serve as the Chorale’s Interim Artistic Director while the Board conducts a search process for the next Artistic Director. Please click on the link to read more about Michael Hernandez. The organization is incredibly fortunate to also have Joan Calonico to lead our Youth Chorale and Valley Youth A Cappella and Ric Campero to lead our Stockton Singers as we continue the work moving forward in this exciting season. We hope to have a permanent Artistic Director in place July 1, 2025.

Thank you for your continued support to the Stockton Chorale and sharing our passion of singing and choral music with our community. Be sure to join us for our December performances as we celebrate the holidays and honor Dr. Southard. Click here to purchase tickets.

Truly yours,
Linda C. Luna, President/CEO
The Stockton Chorale