Messiah University graduate alumnus Ocie S. Banks honored with prestigious Choral Champion Award

Messiah University graduate alumnus Ocie S. Banks honored with prestigious Choral Champion Award

Messiah University proudly celebrates the exceptional achievements of Ocie S. Banks, a distinguished graduate alumnus of the university’s Master of Music (MM) and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Choral Conducting programs. On Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) recognized Banks with the esteemed Choral Champion Award during a ceremony celebrating his contributions to the choral arts in Prince George's County, Maryland.

The Choral Champion Award honors individuals who have demonstrated excellence in choral music and a commitment to diversity in the performing arts. CAAPA praised Banks for his efforts in "Bringing Color to the Classics!®" and his dedication to elevating choral music. He was honored alongside Dr. Jason Max Ferdinand, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Maryland and Artistic Director of the Jason Max Ferdinand Singers.

 “Messiah University is incredibly proud of Ocie’s accomplishments and his dedication to advancing the choral arts,” said Dr. Rachel Cornacchio, professor of music and director of the graduate program in conducting. “His passion for music education and commitment to promoting diversity in the performing arts exemplify the values we hold as a university.”

Banks serves as the Director of Choirs and Voice at Thomas G. Pullen K-8 Creative & Performing Arts School. His choirs consistently receive Superior Ratings, reflecting his emphasis on choral excellence. Banks also plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of musicians as the lead middle school chorus and general music curriculum writer for PGCPS and a frequent adjudicator and clinician.

An active member of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Banks holds several leadership positions, including President-Elect of the Maryland/DC Chapter of ACDA, Member-At-Large for the Maryland Choral Educators Association, and Eastern Region Representative on the NAfME Council for Choral Education.

Beyond his work in education, Banks is the CEO of OSB Music, LLC, where he provides private voice lessons, vocal health workshops and music theory training. He is also the Executive Pastor of Gifted Church, Inc.

For more information about Messiah University’s graduate programs in conducting, visit messiah.edu/conducting.

About Messiah University

Founded in 1909 and located near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Messiah University is a nationally ranked, private Christian university of the liberal and applied arts and sciences that enrolls 3,320 undergraduate and graduate students.