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Russell Hammond Russell Hammond is excited to begin his first year as Director of the Chorale. A retired High School Choral Director he has over 30 years of experience directing choirs. The last sixteen years of his career he was Director of Choral Activities at Ledyard High School. In Ledyard Mr. Hammond taught Men's Chorus, Women's Choir, Concert Choir, Select Singers, Chamber Choir and the Ledyard Carolers and oversaw a program involving over 300 students, in ten choirs and six instrumental ensembles.
Professionally, Mr. Hammond served for many years and in many capacities at both the State and Division level for the American Choral Directors Association. Roles included Connecticut State President, and Eastern Division Repertoire and Standards Chair for High School Choral Music. In 2004, Mr. Hammond was named by ACDA as the outstanding Choral Director in Connecticut.
Russell Hammond holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Bradley University, a Master's in Music from the University of Connecticut and a 6th Year degree in Educational Leadership from Southern Connecticut State University
In addition to his role as Music Director of the Chorale, Mr. Hammond is a Student Teacher Supervisor at the University of Connecticut and sings professionally as a member of CONCORA (Connecticut Choral Artists) and the Hartford Chorale. He lives in Chester, Connecticut with his wife Michele, where they spend most of their time traveling and looking for trails to run.

Emma Bocciarelli Emma Bocciarelli from Griswold CT recently graduated from UConn studying Business Management and Piano Performance with Dr. Angelina Gadeliya. She was a member of the UConn Concert Choir and the accompanist for the UConntabile and Earthtones Choirs there and is currently a member of the Tim Fioravanti Jazz Orchestra. Emma has performed in various chamber groups and masterclasses with Renana Gutman, Vladimir Valjarevic, Yoshi Akimoto, Yi-heng Yang, and the Takacs Quartet as well as getting to study music abroad in France and Germany. She is also a recipient of the E.B. Piano Storrs Scholarship. Emma continues to perform, collaborate and teach while enjoying time with family and friends.