Artistic Director
Frank A. Watkins is an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Arizona State University. A native of Omaha Nebraska, Watkins taught secondary choral music in Texas for six years. He holds degrees in piano performance from Jackson State University (BM), the University of Arkansas (MM), and choral conducting from Northwestern University (MM) and Michigan State University (DMA).
Watkins is in demand as guest conductor and clinician. In 2016, he was appointed Conductor and Music Director of the Eau Claire Chamber Orchestra. Recent engagements include the Big Nine Festival Honor Choir, the Great Northern Conference All- Conference Choir, Cloverbelt All-Conference Honor Choir, the 2018 Men’s Choir Festival, Big 8 Choral Festival, Northwest Suburban Conference Choir, the 2021 WSMA State Honors Mixed Choir, and the 2022 WCDA State Treble Choir. He has presented workshops on choral methods for the International Music and Christian Arts Conference, Michigan State University, and the Ohio State University. He has presented workshops at both the Wisconsin Music Educators State Convention and the National Collegiate Choral Organization National Conference. Additionally, he has taught internationally with Village Harmony. Choirs under his direction have performed at the Wisconsin Music Educators State Conference (2018; 2023), Wisconsin Choral Directors Association State Conference (2023), and the North Central Divisional Conference of the American Choral Directors Association (2020; 2024).
In 2017-18, Watkins led an International Fellows Trip to Dakar, Senegal to study the use of hip-hop and rap as a form of non-violent political protest. In 2023, Watkins was a guest lecturer in Cape Town, South Africa. Watkins’ research interests include the intersectionality of race, class, and gender in the music of African-American Women in the 21st century.
Watkins joined the faculty at Arizona State University in 2025. A dynamic young conductor, Watkins’ love and passion are teaching. He believes that in order to educate, you must first inspire! It is his goal to make an impact…not just an impression on the lives of those that follow his baton.
Our Story
The Sonoran Desert Chorale is one of Arizona's premier community choruses. For more than three decades, the Chorale has inspired audiences through performances that combine artistic excellence with the power of human connection. Founded in 1994, the Chorale is entering an exciting new era under the artistic direction of Dr. Frank Watkins; expanding its vision with bold programming, new musical voices, and performances that invite every listener to see themselves reflected in the music. From timeless masterworks to contemporary works and new compositions, each concert celebrates the belief that music transcends our differences, enriches our communities, and brings people together. Through the dedication of its singers, volunteers, donors, and audiences, the Sonoran Desert Chorale is shaping the future of choral music in the Valley—one unforgettable performance at a time.
Director Emeritus
A note from the Founding Director Jeff Harris…
In 1994, a group of eight community-minded singers gathered in my living room in Mesa to create what would become the Sonoran Desert Chorale. Our excitement was tempered by the uncertainty of not knowing who would come to sing. Was there a niche for an auditioned adult chorus in the Valley? In the pre-Internet and presocial media days, we had to rely upon newspaper and radio ads as well as word of mouth to advertise auditions. So, with a nod to Field of Dreams, I can say that “we built it, and they did come.“ From that first auditioned choir of forty eight singers, the Sonoran Desert Chorale has gone on to be a musical family for hundreds of singers and has enriched thousands of listeners over the past twenty-five years
Looking back on the experience, there hasn’t been one night of rehearsal that did not lift my spirits and give back to me every bit of energy that I may have invested into the Chorale. It has been an honor to be associated with the many fine singers and community people who have nurtured and supported the Chorale in our efforts. Together, we have created wonderful musical memories.
I need to take a moment to extend my thanks to the mentors who made a difference in my career choice. I was fortunate to grow up in a small Iowa city where the arts were an integral part of the school system and the community. My high school choral director, Larry Mitchell, set the standard for achieving excellence when the Fort Dodge A Cappella Choir gave a life-changing performance at McAlester College at the invitation of Dale Warland. J. Eugene McKinley continued the development of my love for the choral art at Iowa Central Community College where I was introduced to the music of the Renaissance. Gene McKinley literally changed the course of my life when he connected me with Dr. Douglas R. McEwen, the Director of Choral Activities at Arizona State. Dr. McEwen taught me the art of conducting and how the conductor connects the music to the singer and the audience. During my course of study at ASU, I was fortunate to student-teach with a master teacher, Warren Dennis of McClintock High School, who went on to become a charter member of the Chorale and a life-long friend. And, the entire Chorale owes a debt of gratitude to Dr. David Bauer of the University of Nebraska Kearney who has been a source of creative and exciting repertoire over the years.
We are all the sum of our experiences and relationships. And so, from those rich foundations, I am proud to say that the Sonoran Desert Chorale has become one of the premiere choral ensembles in the state. It has been an amazing “ride.” I cannot express enough thanks to all of those who have given their time and talents in our musical efforts. Whether we were singing the complex polyphony of Renaissance master Gabrieli or the simple beauty of an American folk song, we have always striven for excellence. And, we have done so with joy. As I literally “pass the baton” to my successors, I do so with the confidence that the Sonoran Desert Chorale’s song will indeed go on. It has truly been a joyful journey.
God bless you all!
Jeff Harris