Alan Crabb, Artistic Director and co-founder of the Binghamton Downtown Singers, Inc., led the group from 1983 until his untimely death in September 2012.
A gifted singer himself, he was well known in both local and national music circles. As a conductor, he was known for his ability to inspire the musicians under his baton to the highest levels of musical excellence, a fact repeatedly confirmed by the favorable responses of audiences and critics alike.
He appeared with many of the major orchestras of North America, including those of Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, St. Louis, Denver, Seattle, San Antonio, New Jersey, and Vancouver, Canada, as well as in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A graduate of the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, New York, he was a vocal and choral teacher in this area for many years. He taught voice at Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell University, and Broome Community College, and was a guest lecturer with the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra.
He was a gifted musician, teacher, and conductor; an inspiration to all Downtown Singers who performed with him. We mourn the loss of his presence and influence.
In the meantime, the Board of Directors initiated a nationwide search for a new music director. After a lengthy search, and several interviews, the Board offered the position to Marisa Crabb, Alan’s wife. Marisa accepted, and the choir began a new chapter.