A resident and native of Oakland California, Alexander Taite holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Pepperdine University in music theory and composition with a main emphasis in vocal performance and a minor emphasis in jazz piano. Alexander has robust interests and musical skills including Opera, Choral, Spiritual, Barbershop, Jazz, Blues, Renaissance/Baroque, Vocal Percussion and Hip-hop. He has also studied classical and jazz piano since the age of 8, and has played in bands in varied styles ranging from jazz/funk/R&B to rock, hip-hop and pop. In addition to singing with the San Francisco Opera Chorus every season since 2007, he has sung roles with The Berkeley Opera Company, San Francisco Parlor Opera, Opera Parallèle, Livermore Valley Opera, Virago Opera, Island City Opera, Walnut Creek Festival Opera, and The Berkeley Chamber Opera. In 2015, Alexander was honored to be asked to direct, cast, and conduct a project with renowned baritone Lester Lynch. The gospel and spiritual album was recorded at the prestigious Skywalker Sound studio, and included a 16-person adult choir and 10-person children’s choir. Other special appearances include studying opera in Germany with accomplished tenor Dr. Henry Price III. Alexander also spent 4 years as a member of the Vocal Faculty at Oakland School for the Arts, teaching music theory and classical performance. He led master classes, directed several choirs, and helped to develop two curriculum for the high school: a senior recital program, and a music theory placement exam for vocal and instrumental students. He was a finalist in the James Toland Vocal Arts competition in both 2014 and 2016, and was a finalist in the East Bay Opera League vocal scholarship program. He was also selected as a piano finalist in the Young Performers Concert series in San Francisco. Mr. Taite thrilled and honored to fill the role of Director for Chorus Eclectic. Currently, he also directs the graduate level chorus at the San Francisco Boys Chorus, and Music Directs the Piccola Carolers. He is also finishing up publishing and recording a songbook of his own arrangements of Negro Spirituals in two volumes – one for solo voice with piano, and one for a capella chorus.

Photos

Taite headshot