About Chorus Eclectic
We are business people, physicists, realtors, stay-at-home parents, students, bankers, voice teachers, accountants, family counselors, salespeople, nurses, etc.
Chorus Eclectic started as Pacific Masterworks Chorus in 2010 under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Greg Lyne. The organization evolved and changed its name under the inspiring leadership of James Toland beginning in 2014. And now, under the direction of Alex Taite, continues to explore eclectic music from multiple cultures and a mixture of musical styles.
We perform a wide range of music from past and present; and from classical, folk, and modern styles. We’ve wrestled with many languages, including Estonian, Japanese, German, French, and Gaelic, and we continue to stretch our imagination and abilities by presenting new works by living composers. We seek repertory that is fun, challenging and emotional.
Our Mission
We welcome singers of all levels and strive for vocal and musical excellence. We seek to develop eclectic performances for our audiences and build a supportive community.
Artistic Staff
Alex Taite, Director
A resident and native of Oakland California, Alexander Taite holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Pepperdine University in music theory and composition with a main emphasis in vocal performance and a minor emphasis in jazz piano.
Alexander has robust interests and musical skills including Opera, Barbershop, Spiritual, Jazz, Blues, Choral, Renaissance/Baroque, Vocal Percussion and Hip-hop. He has also studied classical and jazz piano since the age of 8, and has played in bands in varied styles ranging from jazz/funk/R&B to rock, hip-hop and pop.
In addition to singing with the San Francisco Opera Chorus every season since 2007, he has appeared onstage with The Berkeley Opera Company, San Francisco Parlor Opera, Livermore Valley Opera, Virago Opera, Island City Opera, Walnut Creek Festival Opera, and The Berkeley Chamber Opera.
In 2015, Alexander was honored to be asked to direct, cast and conduct a project with renowned baritone Lester Lynch. The gospel and spiritual album was recorded at the prestigious Skywalker Sound studio, and included a 16-person adult choir and 10-person children’s choir. Other special appearances include studying opera in Germany with accomplished tenor Dr. Henry Price III.
Alexander also spent 4 years as a member of the Vocal Faculty at Oakland School for the Arts, teaching music theory and classical performance. He led master classes, directed several choirs, and helped to develop two curriculum for the high school: a senior recital program, and a music theory placement exam for vocal and instrumental students. He directed the graduate level chorus at the San Francisco Boys Chorus for 7 years.
He was a finalist in the James Toland Vocal Arts competition in both 2014 and 2016, and was a finalist in the East Bay Opera League vocal scholarship program. He was also selected as a piano finalist in the Young Performers Concert series in San Francisco.
Mr. Taite is thrilled and honored to be taking on the role of Artistic Director for Chorus Eclectic in July 2020. Currently, he is a vocal coach for the Nova Youth Chorus of Cantare con Vivo and Music Directs the Piccola Carolers. He developed a one-man show and several choral arrangements of Negro Spirituals. www.alexander-rameses.com
Kevin Dong, Pianist
Kevin Dong is a music director, pianist, singer, and instrumentalist who performs all around the SF Bay Area. Kevin particularly enjoys playing in musical theater pit orchestras with a variety of instruments, primarily keyboard.
Recent credits include: Young Frankenstein (MD — Pittsburg Community Theatre), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Keyboard 2 — Children’s Musical Theater San Jose), RENT (School Edition) (Guitar 1 — West Valley Youth Theater), Into the Woods (Synthesizer — Mountain Play), and Matilda (Keyboard 1 — both Berkeley Playhouse and Youth Musical Theater Company).
Chorus Eclectic is welcoming and inclusionary. We are deeply thankful to all who support our musical mission.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tom Nolan, President
Paige D’Angelo, Vice President
Judy Grove, Treasurer
Debbie Bennett, Operations Manager
Lynn Davies, Secretary
Anna Watt, Marketing and Communication
Mirjam Dijkxhoorn, Board Member
Iggy Fernandez, Board Member
Patty Reynoso, Board Member
Board of Directors
Tom Nolan,
Director
Sopia Schwimmer
Damian Barkley
Director Emeritus
James Toland
James Toland, Director Emeritus, took over from Dr. Greg Lyne in 2013. He spearheaded our name change from Pacific Masterworks Chorus to Chorus Eclectic and led our first international tour to Ireland in 2019. Our membership tripled under his leadership. His infectious enthusiasm and fervent dedication to excellent music led the chorus to new heights. His masterclass approach to rehearsals cultivated the musical talent and abilities of each chorus member.
Dr. Greg Lyne (1946-2022)
Dr. Greg Lyne, Director Emeritus, founded the chorus in 2010. Dr. Lyne incorporated a female barbershop and several other choruses into a co-ed chorus focused on masterworks. Primarily recognized for his gold-medal award winning barbershop direction, Dr. Lyne stepped into the role of a masterworks director in accordance to his doctoral training.
