Dan Hughes, Conductor/Chorus Master
Daniel Hughes is in constant demand as a conductor, accompanist, coach and choral clinician. He serves as the Artistic Director & Conductor of San José Choral Productions (SJCP), an organization whose vision is “to heal our world through music and words.” SJCP’s choral ensembles include: The Choral Project — an internationally award-winning mixed-voice ensemble specializing in dramatic, conceptual performance of high-level choral music from the medieval period to the contemporary, as well as ethnic and multicultural repertoire; and Menharmonics — a men’s chorus dedicated to celebrating diversity, creating community, and forming fellowship through quality musical performance. Under his direction The Choral Project has received international recognition, performing to standing ovation crowds in the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, England, Scotland, and Wales. The ensemble has also received top prizes in international competitions throughout the world. In October 2011, The Choral Project will be participating by invitation in the acclaimed Tolosa International Choral Competition. In addition to his work with the San José Choral Productions ensembles, Hughes serves as Chancel Choir director for Los Altos United Methodist Church in Los Altos, CA.
Hughes has directed sessions in Vocal Pedagogy and Conducting Technique for the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), the California Music Educators’ Association, and GALA Choruses. He has been a regular adjudicator for the California Golden State Choral Competitions, and has conducted honor choirs throughout the west coast. He regularly conducts the San José Chamber Orchestra and The Choral Project in an annual winter-themed program. Other collaborations include international performances with well-known ensembles such as Costa Rica’s Café Chorale, and creative work with award-winning Broadway composer & lyricist Stephen Schwartz. Hughes’s concert appearances include performances at Lincoln Center (New York City), Gusman Concert Hall (Miami), and Davies Symphony Hall (San Francisco).
Hughes began studying piano and composition at the age of four. He has extensive training in piano and voice, and holds a Master of Arts degree in Conducting. His awards include: 1st place ~ Conductor’s Choice Round, 2nd place ~ Required Pieces Round, and 3rd place ~ Folk Category (2007 California International Choral Competition); 2nd place ~ Mixed Choir competition (58th annual International Eisteddfod); 4th place ~ Small Ensemble Category (35th International Choral Competition, Gorizia, Italy); the 2nd place award (ACDA National Student Conducting Competition); the Christina Cadena Memorial Accompanying Scholarship; and the California Arts Scholar Awards for piano and composition. He is also a 2011 recipient of The American Prize Award for Choral Direction, and a 2010 Silicon Valley Arts and Business Award for 20+ years of excellence in the arts in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Hughes served three terms as the Repertoire & Standards Chair for Community Choirs for the Western Division of the ACDA, as well as Bay Area Representative for the California ACDA Board. He is an accomplished composer and arranger, and has his own choral series through Santa Barbara Music Publishing. Mr. Hughes’s biography is featured in Who’s Who in America. He maintains a private music studio in the Bay Area.