William Sawyer has been playing music for over 25 years. He is a Thornton Academy alumnus and earned his Bachelor's in Music Education and Bachelor's in Music Performance from the University of Maine in Orono in 2013. Since graduating, he has been teaching general music and piano at all levels.
While in Arizona, he built Empower College Prep's Music and Electives Program from the ground up for grades 3 through 12. While teaching, he accompanied multiple choirs, theaters, touring groups, and more. He was the lead Music Director at Phoenix Theatre's Summer Camp Program for 6 years and enjoyed Music Directing with professional theaters in All Shook Up, American Psycho, and many other productions.
When he moved back to Maine, he became the music director at Cape Elizabeth Middle School, directing their choirs and teaching general music alongside performance in Cape Elizabeth High School musical performances. Now he accompanies the Tri-City Community Chorus and many choirs throughout Maine, and he continues to play live music with his band, The Philonian, as well as solo performances and collaborations with other musicians in the area.
When Will is not teaching and directing, he enjoys video games, recreational soccer and basketball, composing and producing music, and collaborating with other musicians.
Christian Giddings is a conductor, composer, and passionate music educator from Unity, Maine. Christian holds a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from the University of Arizona and M.M. and B.M. degrees in Music Education from the University of Maine. He has taught and led ensembles of all ages and experience levels in Maine, Arizona, and North Dakota.
A firm believer in lifelong music-making, Christian has devoted his career to creating inclusive, welcoming musical spaces, especially in non-auditioned choirs. His work has taken him to conferences across the U.S. and abroad, and he currently serves as Music Director for the Tri-City Community Chorus in Biddeford, is a Co-Founder and Music Director of the Maine Music Collective, and Choral Director at Noble Middle & High School in North Berwick, Maine.
Under Christian’s leadership, the Tri-City Community Chorus is as musically enriching as it is welcoming. It offers high-quality artistry without sacrificing warmth, humor, or humanity.
Dr. Christian Giddings, Music Director
William Sawyer, Accompanist
