Vincent Oakes, a renowned conductor and music educator, marks his twenty-first year as Artistic Director of the Chattanooga Boys Choir. With a rich educational background, including a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Florida and a Master of Sacred Music degree in Choral Conducting from Emory University, Oakes has led the CBC to unprecedented success.

Under his visionary leadership, the choir has forged numerous community partnerships, premiered over a dozen new works, and embarked on international tours to Europe, Canada, Costa Rica, and Cuba, as well as notable domestic performances at iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall. Oakes’ dedication to innovation and excellence has cemented the CBC’s reputation as a premier choral ensemble.

As a respected leader in the American Choral Directors Association, Oakes has served as President of the Tennessee chapter and the eleven-state Southern Region, contributing significantly to the organization’s mission. He has also shared his expertise through various committees, interest sessions, and publications, including articles in the Choral Journal and ChorTeach, as well as chapters in esteemed textbooks on choral pedagogy.

In addition to his work with the CBC, Oakes has excelled as the Director of Choral Music at The Baylor School since 2006, earning the Glenn Ireland Chair for Distinguished Teaching and appointment as Chair of the Department of Fine & Performing Arts. His extensive experience as a conductor, clinician, and educator has taken him to international destinations, including the Bangkok International Choral Festival, VOCALIZZE Choral Festival in Portugal, and Cor Exaudi in Cuba. Oakes’ commitment to music in worship has led him to serve churches in Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee, and to lead children and youth choirs at prominent church music conferences.

Throughout his illustrious career, Oakes has received numerous accolades, including the Belz-Lipman Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education and the Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award, recognizing his tireless efforts to promote music education and excellence.