About our director

Our experienced Master Director, Rick Taylor, is a visionary. His ideas for our chorus encourage us to think big and learn fast. He is observant and enthusiastic. His vast knowledge of music continues to expand as he studies the craft of a 4-part a capella harmony. Listening to his insight has made us determined to show an improvement at every rehearsal.  In only his second year as our director, he has achieved the coveted status of Sweet Adelines Master Director. 

 

Rick's Bio, in his own words:

I started barbershopping soon after my birth (I wish). I joined the Barbershop Harmony Society officially in 1968 at the urging of my father. “Boy, I’m making you go to chapter meeting once. I don’t care if you ever go again, but you’re going once!” I attended my first meeting, heard that sound and never stopped going back for more! My dad was a barbershopper and a barber! I was compelled to be a barbershopper! What a great beginning! Through the years, I have competed at the division, district and international levels in quartets as well as choruses.

I sang baritone with The Virginia Gentlemen (MAD finalists), Preservation Quartet (International Semi-finalists), ARCADE (1992 MAD Champions & International Semi-Finalists), Free Trade Agreement (International Semi-Finalists), and BSQ (4 time International Top Five bronze Medalists). I then switched to the tenor part (the baritone slot was filled) with RIPTIDE (3 Time International Top Five bronze Medalists), and now with Old School, 2008 International 5th place Bronze Medalists. Since the very beginning I figure I’ve competed roughly 120 times. I actually skipped my senior prom to compete in my first quartet competition. I am the proud owner of two 3rd Place International bronze chorus medals, 1 International Champion Chorus Gold Medal with The Alexandria Harmonizers and 8 International Quartet Bronze Medals. 4 International bronze with BSQ, 3 International Bronze Medals with RIPTIDE and 1 International Bronze Medal Old School.

I am a quartet coach, chorus coach, men’s and women’s barbershop chorus musical director and I have served on the Harmony College East faculty since 1979. I have taught classes on tag singing, how to be a great baritone and how to be great tenor, written shows and act as producer for a CD by CAPRI, an International top 5 Sweet Adeline quartet!

I became the musical director for The Chorus of the Chesapeake 3 and half years ago. Since then, they have placed in the top 4 in Mid-Atlantic District and have returned to International Competition for the first time since 1971. The Chorus of the Chesapeake has placed in the top 15 in the world for the past 2 years.

In my daily life (and to support my barbershop hobby), I work for a home medical equipment company in Havre de Grace, MD as a repair technician. I live in Abingdon, MD with my very patient wife and barbershop brat/Sweet Adeline, Susan.