Herbert Washington
The Harvey K. Smith Artistic Director
Phoenix Boys Choir
A Statement from Mr. Washington
"As an alumnus of the choir under the direction of Mr. Stangelberger’s predecessor, Dr. Harvey K. Smith," Washington states, “It is an absolute honor to lead and be deeply rooted in an organization that is synonymous with legacy and provides a fun and diverse music education. The Phoenix Boys Choir was an integral part of my upbringing. Beyond the introduction to the incredible choral music of the world, this uniquely male environment challenged me to be disciplined, committed, professional and a beacon of light in both words and action. These important characteristics instilled by Dr. Smith, along with Tom Jones and Georg Stangelberger, are continuously showcased in my adulthood as not only a music educator, but more importantly as a husband and father.”
- Herbert Washington
Herbert Washington Bio
With culture and roots deeply grounded in and molded by Arizona choral pedagogy, Mr. Washington is an alumnus of the Phoenix Boys Choir. Recognized for his dynamic teaching style and his ability to instill a love for the choral arts, he is a frequent choral clinician, conductor, lecturer, and adjudicator for regional festivals, workshops, and conferences around the country.
Beyond the scope of choral music education, Washington is a champion and an advocate for diverse styles of music. He has ongoing efforts in producing, composing, and arranging radio and commercial music. Mr. Washington has collaborated with leaders in the music industry, including Grammy Award-winning Tori Kelly, Jordin Sparks, Bret Michaels, and Jason Derulo.
While working toward his B.A., he was a tenor, counter-tenor, and soloist in the St. Olaf Choir, conducted by Dr. Anton Armstrong, and he directed “Voices of Praise,” the St. Olaf Gospel Choir. Upon graduating from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and earning a dual B.A. in Music and Fine Arts, Mr. Washington went on to receive an M.M. in Choral Conducting from the University of Arizona. While under the mentorship of Dr. Elizabeth Schauer and Dr. Bruce Chamberlain at U of A, Washington founded the all-male winning ensemble, Cat-Call A Cappella before graduating in 2009.
In previous capacities, Washington served as Church Music Director at Oro Valley United Church of Christ, instructed at Teleos Preparatory Academy, and directed for the Phoenix Boys Choir, and the Phoenix Children’s Chorus. He also served as the Director of Middle and High School Choral Activities at Gilbert Christian Schools.
Washington is a proud member of the Arizona Music Educators Association (AMEA), former ACDA Western Division Chair board member (WDACDA), and currently serves as the Repertoire and Resource Chair for Children’s Choirs & Community Youth for the Arizona American Choral Directors Association (AzACDA). Herbert resides in Phoenix with his beloved wife, Yadira, and their sons Yadian and Elian.
