Dr. Benjamin Thorburn was awarded the Choral Impact and Artistry Award at the North Carolina Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association fall luncheon during the North Carolina Music Educators Association Conference in Winston-Salem. This award honors the work of educators in the state that are making an impact on their community through choral arts. “I’m grateful for this recognition,” shared Dr. Thorburn. “It’s a pleasure to be able to share the joy of choral music with Chowan students and the surrounding community.” 

As the Director of the Chowan Singers, Community Chorus, and Chamber Choir, Dr. Thorburn has led numerous performance tours, most notably and recently, traveling to Carnegie Hall.  He has performed throughout Virginia, the mid-Atlantic, and the Northeast. As a music scholar, he is a specialist in Baroque music and performance practice and has presented his research at national and international conferences.

Dr. Thorburn serves as Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Chowan University.  He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in music history from Yale University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from the University of Rochester. Dr. Thorburn joined the university in 2016 and is a singer with experience in art, song, opera, oratorio, and early music. He teaches courses in music history, conducting, and voice. 

“We are so proud to have Dr. Thorburn offer his musical talents and instruction to the students of Chowan University.” shared Dr. Jennifer Place, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences.  “Dr. Thorburn is an exceptional educator, and we are delighted that he has earned this honor from his peers.”

Please join Chowan University in congratulating Dr. Thorburn on this well-deserved honor.