Florida Voices enjoy new director

SARASOTA — David Verdoni is picking up the tempo. He became a new father on Feb. 7. Less than a week later, he returned to two jobs and seven choral groups, one of which is Florida Voices. Verdoni, 26, is the conductor.

Unlike other choral groups, Florida Voices is singer-led. The singers choose the conductor. Most groups are formed by the conductor.

Verdoni started as a groupie and concert usher. He auditioned and was accepted while a junior at Riverview High School. After receiving a degree in music education at Florida Atlantic University, the tenor rejoined. When director Betty Mullett moved away last year, the group asked Verdoni to direct a concert. Pleased with his work, they invited him to become the conductor.

“I still have a lot to learn,” says Verdoni, who is working on a master’s degree in music education and choral conducting. He expects the additional education to serve him well for the small chamber group, as well as his full-time gig at Riverview High School where he’s in his second year as choral director.