News

Andy Baker to Lead Dalton State Chorus

06/20/18

Dr. W. Anderson (Andy) Baker, longtime choral director at Dalton High School, will join Dalton State College as choral director.

Baker has served 34 years at Dalton High where he has been named Teacher of the Year twice as well as Tom Jones Educator of the Year by the Dalton Education Foundation. In addition to his work as choral director, he also teaches Spanish for the high school.

Baker will continue to teach at Dalton High School while assuming new responsibilities at the College.

“I’m thrilled that Dr. Baker will be joining us at Dalton State,” said Dr. Ellie Jenkins, associate professor of music for Dalton State. “I know he’ll bring his tremendous energy and meticulous musicianship to our choir, and the students will love him!”

A native of Salisbury, N.C., Baker holds a doctorate in education from Georgia State University as well as a master of music in vocal performance from the University of Georgia where he was awarded a teaching assistantship. He earned the bachelor of music education degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Under his direction, the Dalton High Choir has been featured at the Georgia Music Educators’ In-Service Conference. He also served 15 summers as a choral clinician for the renowned Brightleaf Music Workshop College Scholars’ Program held each summer on the campus of Duke University.

“I am both excited and honored to become Dalton State's choir director,” Baker said. “I eagerly anticipate making music with choir members, both old and new and encourages any Dalton State student, faculty, or staff member who enjoys singing to join us in the fall.”