Douglas Mears

Artistic Director

Conductor - Adult Chorus

For 30 years, Douglas Mears has been instrumental, through his inspiring musical leadership, in bringing the Fairfax Choral Society to the forefront of Washington choruses. He joined FCS in 1980 as accompanist and, soon thereafter, became Associate Director.

Dr. Mears completed his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City and earned a doctorate of organ performance from The Catholic University of America. He also received a diploma from the American Conservatory in Fontainebleau, France, after studying with the late celebrated composer and teacher, Nadia Boulanger, whose other American pupils included Aaron Copland. In 1991, Dr. Mears earned a second doctorate, in choral conducting, from the renowned Eastman School of Music, under Donald Neuen.

In addition to serving as the FCS Artistic Director, Dr. Mears is the Director of Music at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Bethesda, MD. As a composer and an arranger, he has published numerous works for chorus, handbells, and organ. Dr. Mears lives in Kensington, MD with his wife, Diana, and their children, Sarah and Daniel, and a Welsh springer spaniel named Calon.

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