Staff

Braeden Ayres joins Portland Gay Men’s Chorus from Black Hawk College in Moline, IL, where he served as a part of its vocal faculty.  Dr. Ayres holds degrees from Florida State University (Ph.D., Choral Music Education), the University of Northern Colorado (M.M., Choral Conducting), and Baylor University (B.M.E., Choral Music Education). Previously, Ayres served as the Assistant Artistic Director of Out Loud: The Colorado Springs Men’s Chorus and led a successful career in secondary music education. In addition to his work as a conductor, Ayres is also an active, award-winning composer, with works published through major houses such as Hal Leonard, Carl Fischer, Augsburg Fortress, Mark Foster, and MusicSpoke. Dr. Ayres is in demand as a commissioned composer, choral clinician, and guest presenter across the United States.