Ross Berkley holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a minor in Education (cum laude) from North Central College, where he served as assistant conductor of the college’s renowned touring choir under the direction of Jeordano Martínez. There, he was recognized as the Fine Arts Department’s “Outstanding Music Major” (Clarence Junke Award). Mr. Berkley is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Educational Administration at Lewis University. A fervent educator and conductor, Ross is a member of the IMEA and of the American Choral Directors Association.
A celebrated singer, actor and sought after musical director, his recent performing credits include North Central’s Music and Opera Theatres, The Naperville Chorus, and Chicago’s Light Opera Works. As a concert musician, Berkley favorite appearances include tenor roles in: Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Gounod’s St. Cecilia Mass, Stainer’s Crucifixion, Vivaldi’s Magnificat, and Haydn’s St. Nicholas Mass. From the podium Mr. Berkley has recently enjoyed conducting Sondheim’s Into the Woods and Cole Porter’s Anything Goes. Recently, he was honored to be chosen as music director for the “Naperville Follies”—celebrating Naperville’s 175th birthday.
Mr. Berkley is an active clinician, guest conductor and teacher. He is currently on the conducting faculty at the Young Naperville Singers and director of choral activities at Lincoln Junior High in Naperville, where in 2005 he was recognized by the Naperville Community School District as an outstanding first year teacher (Arlo Schilling Nominee). Ross has served on the Music and Theatre faculty at the School of Performing Arts since 2002. Mr. Berkley is on the staff of the Naperville Chorus as conductor of their Chamber Singers.
Last Modified November 14, 2007