1072 W. 15th St. #3 San Pedro, CA 90731 Phone: (310) 548-7260 apetker@gmail.com
John Alexander
Artistic Director of Pacific Chorale since 1972, John Alexander is one of America’s most respected choral conductors. His inspired leadership both on the podium and as an advocate for the advancement of the choral art has garnered national and international admiration and acclaim.
Alexander’s long and distinguished career has encompassed conducting hundreds of choral and orchestral performances nationally and in 27 countries around the globe. He has conducted his singers with orchestras throughout Europe, Asia, the former Soviet Union and South America and, closer to home, with Pacific Symphony, Pasadena Symphony, Musica Angelica and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. Equally versatile whether on the podium or behind the scenes, Alexander has prepared choruses for many of the world’s most outstanding orchestral conductors, including Zubin Mehta, Pierre Boulez, Seiji Ozawa, Michael Tilson Thomas, Leonard Slatkin, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Gustavo Dudamel, Lukas Foss, Max Rudolf, Carl St.Clair, Gerard Schwarz, Marin Alsop, John Mauceri, John Williams, and Keith Lockhart.
A proponent of contemporary American music, Alexander is noted for the strong representation of American works and composers in his programming. He has conducted many premieres of works by composers such as Jake Heggie, Morten Lauridsen, Eric Whitacre, Frank Ticheli, and James Hopkins.
Alexander is nationally recognized for his leadership in the musical and organizational development of the performing arts. He is a board member and former president of Chorus America, the service organization for choruses in North America. Alexander also has served on artistic review panels for national, statewide and local arts organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts, the California Arts Council, and the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.
Alexander retired in spring 2006 from his position as Director of Choral Studies at California State University, Fullerton, having been awarded the honor of Professor Emeritus. From 1970 to 1996, he held the position of Director of Choral Studies at California State University, Northridge. Alexander continues his involvement in the pre-professional training of choral conductors. He is in demand as a teacher, clinician, and adjudicator in festivals, seminars and workshops across the United States. In 2003, Chorus America honored him with the establishment of the “John Alexander Conducting Faculty Chair” for their national conducting workshops.
Alexander is a composer of many works and serves as the editor of the John Alexander Choral Series with Hinshaw Music. His numerous tributes and awards include: The “Distinguished Faculty Member” award from California State University, Fullerton (2006); the Helena Modjeska Cultural Legacy Award (2003), presented in honor of his lifetime achievement as an artistic visionary in the development of the arts in Orange County; the "Outstanding Individual Artist" Award (2000) from Arts Orange County; the "Gershwin Award" (1990), presented by the county of Los Angeles in recognition of his cultural leadership in that city; and the "Outstanding Professor" Award (1976) from California State University, Northridge. In June 2008, Alexander received the “Michael Korn Founders Award for Development of the Professional Choral Art” from Chorus America.
A Carol Fantasy
Composer: Various Carols
Arranger: John Alexander
Author/Lyricist: Various Carols
Voicing: SATB
Season: Christmas
Released: January 2013
Difficulty: Medium Easy
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Want a Christmas Concert opener or closer to dazzle your audience? John Alexander’s A CAROL FANTASY hits the mark. Never has an arrangement of In Dulci Jubilo been so exhilarating. There’s even a dash of Personent Hodie thrown in. The instrumentation for Brass, Timpani, Percussion, Harp and Organ adds power and punch. The John Alexander Singers’ Choral Series is specifically for festival choirs and this entry is a splendid addition.
Buffalo Gals
Composer: American Minstrel Song
Arranger: John Alexander and Ryan McSweeney
Author/Lyricist: American Minstrel Song
Voicing: SATB, Divisi
Released: January 2011
Difficulty: Medium
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Absolute fun! That best describes this great arrangement of a classic American folk song. Esteemed conductor, John Alexander, with co-arranger, Ryan McSweeney, has created an excellent festival piece for high school, college and community choirs. The 4-hand piano score, string bass, xylophone and guitar add to the fullness of this playful piece.
Christmas Time Is Here
Composer: Vince Guaraldi
Arranger: John Alexander
Author/Lyricist: Lee Mendelson
Voicing: SATB
Season: Christmas
Released: January 2016
Difficulty: Medium Easy
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The John Alexander Series features arrangements by Mr. Alexander for large community choirs with orchestra. What a delight to release this ''Peanuts'' favorite on the heels of the recent ''The Peanuts Movie'' opening. John did a splendid job of capturing the fun of the song and voicing it for the larger forces. Easy to Medium.
Hymns Of The Heart - All Things Bright And Beautiful And When He Cometh
Composer: Alexander/Cushing
Arranger: Loren Wiebe
Author/Lyricist: Waghorne/Roote
Voicing: SATB
Released: January 2023
Difficulty: Medium Easy
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We are pleased to launch the John Tebay Choral Series with this collection of two hymn setting. First “All Things Bright and Beautiful” and then “When He Cometh.” Loren Wiebe’s settings are beautiful because they are unpretentious. They are not more or less than what you want to sing or hear. Perfect for worship and for the Christian college market.
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Composer: Veni Emmanuel
Arranger: John Alexander
Author/Lyricist: Latin, c. 12th Century
Voicing: SATB
Season: Advent
Released: January 2014
Difficulty: Medium Easy
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The John Alexander Choral Series is known for large festival works. This setting of one of Advent's standard carols is dramatic and enchanting. The beginning is mysterious and haunting but eventually gives way to a truly majestic rendering. For high school, college and community choirs.
On Music's Wings
Composer: Peter Boyer
Author/Lyricist: Peter Boyer
Voicing: SATB
Released: January 2010
Difficulty: Medium Easy
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We are proud to launch the John Alexander Singers Series with this joyful anthem. Originally commissioned by the Orange County's Pacific Symphony it was premiered by the John Alexander Singers and a festival choir of more than 600. The text celebrates the song that is within us and Peter Boyer's melody brings the song out for all to enjoy. High school, college and community choirs will find this song a wonderful concert opener. For a live performance video go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d94Ch7HZWUo
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