An accomplished singer and conductor, Dan Whitener has experience with solo and group vocal performance in both religious and secular settings. Dan has conducted instrumentalists and vocal groups ranging from 4-100 performers.
Dan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a focus on Voice from Bard College, where he was the recipient of the Paul J. Pacini Prize in Music. Later, Dan returned to Bard to pursue a Master of Music in Choral Conducting.
Schola Cantorum – St. Mary’s Church, Nutley, NJ
Video credit: Jonathan Ryan, director and organist.
Additional videos available via Jonathan Ryan’s Youtube page.
The Schola Cantorum of St. Mary’s Church in Nutley, NJ focused on performing a cappella choral repertoire, particularly polyphony and chant. Dan sang Bass in the Schola and served as a cantor during additional services.
C4 – The Choral Conductor/Composer Collective
Photo credit: C4.
Dan sang with and conducted C4 during their 8th Season, performing in their concert Music for People Who Like the Future. Dan conducted the North American debut of “Music for People Who Like the Future” (Andrew Hamilton) and was one of a number of conductors participating in “Lacks One Lacks Both” (David Harris). The collective is still actively enriching the New York music scene with their passionate advocacy of new choral works.
A Hudson Valley Holiday – The Opera Company of the Highlands
Dan served as conductor and chorus-master for the independent, non-profit, professional Opera Company of the Highlands’ winter 2011 concert, A Hudson Valley Holiday.
Opera Co. of the Highlands Gala last night: Elizabeth Futral, Jane Bunnell, Barry Banks, Marc Embree, Susan Caldwell pic.twitter.com/LeJBWP05
— Cori Ellison (@Fiorabella588) December 5, 2011
A Hudson Valley Holiday included Metropolitan Opera stars Elizabeth Futral (soprano), Jane Bunnell (mezzo-soprano), and Barry Banks (tenor), joined by New York City Opera bass-baritone Marc Embree, pianist Susan Caldwell, and The Opera Company of the Highlands Chamber Chorus. Dan Whitener conducted the chorus and soloists for a festive holiday-themed gala benefit concert.
Still Seeing the Beautiful Light – Alexander Thompson
Dan conducted a six-person chamber orchestra for Alexander Thompson‘s Still Seeing the Beautiful Light, a play which incorporates the mediums of dance, music, architecture and drama to facilitate an immersive theatrical experience.
Bard College Chamber Singers & Community Chorus
Composed and conducted by Dan Whitener.
Poem “Not Waving but Drowning” by Stevie Smith (1902-1971).
During Dan’s six years involved in the Bard College Music Program and Bard’s Conservatory, Dan sang, soloed, and conducted the college’s choruses. He debuted two original compositions: “Not Waving But Drowning” (2012) and “Isaiah 6:3” (2008).
Founder and Director of Bard A Cappella Group
Arranged a cappella by Dan Whitener.
Song “Do What You Gotta Do” by Pat Flynn.
Originally performed by New Grass Revival.
When Dan started at Bard, he was dismayed to discover a dearth of a cappella groups on campus. His solution? The Bard A Cappella Group, which he directed during his undergraduate years at the college. His experience with the group included arranging numerous works for 4-8 part voice as well as debuting original compositions such as “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” (2006).