GAVIN HARPER

Gavin Harper is thrilled to be a part of the Giordano Dance Chicago team as Administrative Manager. Gavin is an active musician and performer, while also having a passion for arts administration and bringing the arts to the community. Born and raised in Virginia Beach, VA, Gavin recently made the big move to Chicago in January 2022. Gavin holds a Bachelors of Arts in Vocal Music from the University of Valley Forge and a Masters in Music Education from Old Dominion University. Gavin was Assistant Director for the ODU Choirs, organizing tours and managing daily operations, while also conducting and training the singers. He then started at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts as Education Manager overseeing the artistic educational programs at the Center and in the surrounding schools. Within his first year of employment, he doubled class enrollment and outreach programs. While in this role, he also started the Suffolk Children’s Chorus, a community chorus ensemble for students aged seven to seventeen. He was then promoted to Creative Director prior to the pandemic and pioneered the virtual programs throughout the shutdown creating a virtual performance season reaching over 20,000 people, and 120 arts educational videos for students in the community. He is also a professional vocalist who has performed in Carnegie Hall (NYC), Washington Cathedral (Washington, DC), St. Mark’s Basilica (Venice, Italy), and the Wells Cathedral (Wells, England). When not singing classical repertoire, Gavin enjoys being on stage and has over a dozen musical credits including, ‘Cinderella,’ ‘The Last Five Years,’ and ‘The Drowsy Chaperone.’ Although dancing isn’t Gavin’s forte, he has a deep appreciation for the art form and is what you call a “mover” in the dance world. His goal in life is to present opportunities for everyone to experience the arts.