Lake Wales Chorale

History of the Lake Wales Chorale

The Lake Wales Chorale has been a cultural icon in Lake Wales since its inception in 1972, founded by local attorney Michael Crews. Over the years, the Chorale has traveled and entertained international audiences. Bok Tower Garden’s Carillonneur for thirty-four years, Mr. Milford Myhre, simultaneously dedicated 30 of those years as the Chorale’s first musical director, thus establishing a solid, quality foundation.  Succeeding Myhre with a passion for excellence was Dr. Gabriel Statom, Director of Music at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales.  He dedicated his time to three entities, the Church, the Chorale, and the Bach Festival of Central Florida.  Upon Statom’s departure, Mr. Robert Wilson, Choirmaster of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Lake Wales, and Dr. Virginia Davidson, renowned conductor in New York, provided strong yet short tenured leadership.  In 2015, the Chorale was under the direction of Rev. Charles Little, Minister of Worship Arts at First Baptist Church of Lake Wales for Bok Tower Gardens’ annual sunrise Easter service.

Mr. Vince Treadway was appointed Musical Director of the Lake Wales Chorale in September 2014 and served with distinction in this capacity.  Vince holds a Master’s degree in Church Music and a Master’s degree in Organ Performance from Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, New Jersey. When it was announced that Treadway was resigning his position as Director at the 2019 Spring concert, he received a standing ovation for the appreciation of his contribution to the Chorale.

Bill Doherty of the Central Florida Lyric Opera assumed the role of Director for the Holiday concert season in 2019.

Dana Hostrom succeeded him in Spring of 2019 and currently holds the position with high energy and esteem.

Lake Wales Chorale has appointed many accompanists over the years. Notable accompiasts include: Mrs. Tammy Little, pianist at First Baptist Church of Lake Wales; Dr. Jonathan Reed, Assistant Professor of Music at Warner University; Mrs. Terri Hofstrom, an accompanist for over 40 years for various church and school groups who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Anderson University (Indiana) in Music Theory and Composition.