Augusta Choral Society Staff
Dr. J. Porter Stokes, Artistic Director
Dr. William K. Dolen, Assistant Director
Dr. Rosalyn W. Floyd, Accompanist
Mrs. Carolyn C. Dolen, Executive Director

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Dr. J. Porter Stokes II is a native South Carolinian residing in Clinton, South Carolina. He holds two degrees from the University of South Carolina: a Bachelor of Arts in music education and a Master of Music in vocal performance. At USC Dr. Stokes was a vocal student of Donald Gray and received instruction in choral literature and conducting from Dr. Arpad Darazs. He also holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in choral conducting from The College-Conservatory of Music of the University of Cincinnati where he studied conducting with the eminent choral scholar, Dr. Elmer Thomas.

Between and around his formal study of the choral art, Dr. Stokes has received coaching in conducting and choral technique from such choral notables as Gregg Smith, Robert Page, Roger Wagner, Dan Moe, David Willcocks, Margaret Hillis, Donald Neuen, and William Mathias.

Dr. Stokes is currently the Chair of the Department of Music at Presbyterian College. At Presbyterian since 1998, Dr. Stokes directs the Presbyterian College Choir, a select touring ensemble, and the Chamber Choir. He also leads classes in conducting, music education, and oversees all vocal instruction, serving as a primary vocal instructor.

This is Dr. Stokes' tenth season with the Augusta Choral Society.
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Dr. Rosalyn W. Floyd, accompanist for the Augusta Choral Society, is a Professor in the Department of Fine Arts at Augusta State University, where she teaches piano, music theory, and humanities. A native of Charleston, SC, Dr. Floyd holds the Bachelor of Arts in music from Talladega College in Alabama, the Master of Music and Doctor of Music Arts degrees in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of South Carlina. Dr. Floyd's musical experiences include former membership in the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, rehearsal pianist for the Columbia Lyric Opera and accompanist to the USC Opera Workshop. Dr. Floyd was selected to accompany Martina Arroyo and Myrtle Hall in their performances for Pope John Paul II.