Dr. Julian Ackerley, Director of the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus since 1980, has announced his retirement at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 season. Ackerley was named Director in 1980 after two years as Assistant Director and a nationwide search. He succeeded previous directors founder Eduardo Caso, Jeffrey Haskell and Dr. John Davis. Dr. Ackerley achieved international acclaim as an accomplished conductor and administrator of children’s choral performing arts organizations. The Chorus is celebrating its 85th Anniversary.
Alumnus and current TABC Board President Kelly Burkholder announced the retirement this week: “Dr. Ackerley has led the Chorus for 45 years and has served as a mentor, teacher, tour-guide, leader, and excellent conductor/director representing Tucson and the southwest around the world while preserving one of America’s longest lasting musical traditions”.
Dr. Ackerley is an experienced teacher, having taught music at all levels from elementary to university students. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Arizona with special emphasis in music education, vocal performance and choral conducting. He has been a guest conductor and clinician at numerous state, national and international choral festivals and conferences.
Over the last 45 years, Dr. Ackerley impacted the lives of thousands of young men and families, directed countless concert performances, and travelled with the Touring Chorus throughout the United States, five continents and thirty countries, performing to international acclaim. The Chorus has made numerous recordings and has collaborated with national symphony orchestras and opera companies.
Under Dr. Ackerley’s direction, the chorus participated in significant events including being one of the first American choirs to visit China after relations were restored, four times lighting of the White House Christmas Tree, appearing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in New York, the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, singing the National Anthem at professional stadiums and homecoming at the University of Arizona, national television appearances including the NBC Today Show and ABC Good Morning America, plus significant performances in Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, appearing at the Great Wall and the torn down Berlin Wall in Germany, South Africa, Russia, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Under the leadership of the Board of Directors, a nationwide search will be conducted for a new Artistic Director to succeed Dr. Ackerley. There is great optimism for the future as the Boys Chorus is in a positive financial stage, has numerous collaborations established with other groups, will continue performing locally and nationally, and has current chorus families who will be the core of the organization’s future. Opportunities are endless as the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus continues its 85-year tradition of excellence.
Since 1939, the chorus has trained thousands of young men and has collaborated with and encourages musical education in schools, organizations, and youth endeavors to build good citizens and promote leadership training of youth through the study of music. The chorus has established an important legacy in the community with an enriched educational experience through the study and performance of choral music; and imparted musical, social and leadership skills that build self-esteem and have a sustaining impact on its members. For More Info: Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus (520) 296-6277 Ackerley Advertising (520) 850-7058.
