Title: Vocal Teacher
Company: Waterford Township School District
Location: Atco, New Jersey, United States
Alan R. Blackford, Vocal Teacher at the Waterford Township School District, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements, and leadership in vocal education.
Drawing upon more than 30 years of industry experience, Mr. Blackford is an esteemed figure in the realm of music education, having most recently served as a vocal teacher at the Waterford Township School District in Atco, NJ, from 1985 until his retirement from the industry in 2017. Certified as a teacher of music for kindergarten through 12th grade in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, he was previously an organist and choir director at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Delran, NJ, from 1974 to 2016. He has been an accompanist, associate director and director of the Cinnaminson Community Chorus in Cinnaminson, NJ, since 1972.
Mr. Blackford has been interested in music since his formative years, having been influenced by his grandfather, who was a jazz band drummer in the 1920s. Enthralled with the record player in his childhood home, he also delved into playing the piano as a child until his parents secured piano lessons. Playing advanced piano throughout high school, he subsequently studied at the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in music education in 1980. He remained with the college soon thereafter and received a Master of Music in 1982.
The composer of the musical piece “Sanctus,” Mr. Blackford has maintained affiliation with the New Jersey Education Association throughout his career. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the music industry, he has accrued numerous accolades and honors. In 1988, he was presented with the Teacher Recognition Award from the New Jersey Governor, having formerly received the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts Alumni Graduation Award from the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts Alumni Association in 1980. Earlier in his academic career, he earned an Ezerman Piano Scholarship to the college due to his profound talent.
Although he has amassed myriad achievements, Mr. Blackford recalls several moments as being highlights of his career, such as his senior year piano recital in college and a concert he gave in spring 2012 with his adult choir. Celebrating their 40-year anniversary, the group played for the Burlington County Times, which was immortalized in a news article the following month. In addition, he received a proclamation from the mayor of the town.
Married to Susan C. Banyai, Mr. Blackford has three step-children, Bryan, Meghan and Sarah. Enjoying collecting rare and unusual records, vintage wristwatches, radios and photographs in his spare time, he has been highlighted in the eighth edition of Who’s Who in American Education and the 58th edition of Who’s Who in America.
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