Artistic Director, Mr. Dan McElrath
As Coast
Chorale wraps up an era with the retirement of Mr. Allen
Henson (see below), the Board of Directors is proud to
announce the appointment of Mr. Dan McElrath as the new
Artistic Director. Dan and his wife Christy, along with
their family moved from Alaska to the Mississippi Gulf
Coast in October of 2022. He joined the Coast Chorale as a
singer in January of 2023.
Dan says, “I had no idea when I joined Coast Chorale in January that I would be your new conductor for the fall season, but I am honored to follow in the distinguished footsteps of Allen Henson and hope to bring new energy and excitement as we move the group forward. I am very excited about returning to my choral roots and working with the Coast Chorale family.”
Dan has a degree in secondary music education from the Furman University School of Music, is a United States Air Force veteran, and a 40-year business owner including his current business as owner and concert piano technician at Macs Music Services. Dan has conducted both church and high school choirs as well as church orchestras, high school bands and was Musical Director of his own band – the Dan Mac Band in Alaska.
His conducting repertoire includes Bach cantatas, pieces by John Rutter, Vivaldi and excerpts from Handel’s Messiah. In addition, he has directed musicals such as Fame, Annie, Oliver, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, and Gold Rush Girls.
Coast Chorale is a community organization founded in 1992, made up of local singers, supported by local musicians, and funded by local benefactors. Dan would like to invite all interested singers to join him at the first rehearsal on August 22nd, 2023 at the Diamondhead Community Church, Diamondhead.
Dan says, “I had no idea when I joined Coast Chorale in January that I would be your new conductor for the fall season, but I am honored to follow in the distinguished footsteps of Allen Henson and hope to bring new energy and excitement as we move the group forward. I am very excited about returning to my choral roots and working with the Coast Chorale family.”
Dan has a degree in secondary music education from the Furman University School of Music, is a United States Air Force veteran, and a 40-year business owner including his current business as owner and concert piano technician at Macs Music Services. Dan has conducted both church and high school choirs as well as church orchestras, high school bands and was Musical Director of his own band – the Dan Mac Band in Alaska.
His conducting repertoire includes Bach cantatas, pieces by John Rutter, Vivaldi and excerpts from Handel’s Messiah. In addition, he has directed musicals such as Fame, Annie, Oliver, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, and Gold Rush Girls.
Coast Chorale is a community organization founded in 1992, made up of local singers, supported by local musicians, and funded by local benefactors. Dan would like to invite all interested singers to join him at the first rehearsal on August 22nd, 2023 at the Diamondhead Community Church, Diamondhead.
ALLEN HENSON RETIREMENT!
Mr. Dan Seliga, Chairman of the Board for Coast Chorale
Presents Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Allen Henson,
Artistic Director of Coast Chorale
After 14 years as
Artistic Director, 28 Seasons of Spring and Fall Programs,
70 Plus Shows, Concerts, and/or Appearances, and 10 plus
years caroling around Old Town BSL, Mr. Henson has decided
to retire.
At the awards ceremony held at Diamondhead Community Church, Mr. Seliga stated, “In appreciation for your exceptional work and in honor of your accomplishments for the last 14 years, it is my honor to present you with this award. We celebrate your life ahead and as you move on to the next amazing chapter of your life, know that our very best wishes and thoughts go with you. Your legacy is defined by dedication and commitment to excellence! You have set an example to be followed in the future and cherished by those of us that were fortunate enough to have experienced it for ourselves. Thank you for touching our lives in such a positive and meaningful way. May our Savior bless you with good health and enrich your retirement life.
You will be greatly missed. I want to present this plaque and monetary appreciation award with
love for a long and happy retirement.”
Mr. Henson leading the Chorale in Concert
Mr. Henson holds a Master of Music Education in choral and vocal performance and has taught at the university level. In his 20 plus years in Nashville, he was a song writer and producer as well as a vocalist with the world famous Jordanaires and RCA Record’s Tennessee Express. He is also the vocalist/vocals arranger and has 18 Grammy Award citations with the Jimmy Sturr orchestra in New York. He produced “Beyond the Call”, a commissioned Congressional Medal of Honor Tribute sung by James Rogers and Dolly Parton.
Coast Chorale is a community organization founded in 1992, made up of local singers, supported by local musicians, and funded by local benefactors. Mr. Henson would like to thank the Coast Chorale Board of Directors, the Chorale membership, and the community at large for their continued support whether it be monetary, attending a concert, or by being a performing member of the Chorale. Without their support, we would not have been able to continue. He would also like to personally thank Ms. Robin Young for her continued support of his vision and her outstanding skills as an Accompanist.
At the awards ceremony held at Diamondhead Community Church, Mr. Seliga stated, “In appreciation for your exceptional work and in honor of your accomplishments for the last 14 years, it is my honor to present you with this award. We celebrate your life ahead and as you move on to the next amazing chapter of your life, know that our very best wishes and thoughts go with you. Your legacy is defined by dedication and commitment to excellence! You have set an example to be followed in the future and cherished by those of us that were fortunate enough to have experienced it for ourselves. Thank you for touching our lives in such a positive and meaningful way. May our Savior bless you with good health and enrich your retirement life.
You will be greatly missed. I want to present this plaque and monetary appreciation award with
love for a long and happy retirement.”
Mr. Henson leading the Chorale in Concert
Mr. Henson holds a Master of Music Education in choral and vocal performance and has taught at the university level. In his 20 plus years in Nashville, he was a song writer and producer as well as a vocalist with the world famous Jordanaires and RCA Record’s Tennessee Express. He is also the vocalist/vocals arranger and has 18 Grammy Award citations with the Jimmy Sturr orchestra in New York. He produced “Beyond the Call”, a commissioned Congressional Medal of Honor Tribute sung by James Rogers and Dolly Parton.
Coast Chorale is a community organization founded in 1992, made up of local singers, supported by local musicians, and funded by local benefactors. Mr. Henson would like to thank the Coast Chorale Board of Directors, the Chorale membership, and the community at large for their continued support whether it be monetary, attending a concert, or by being a performing member of the Chorale. Without their support, we would not have been able to continue. He would also like to personally thank Ms. Robin Young for her continued support of his vision and her outstanding skills as an Accompanist.