About Us
Board of Directors
President: Dennis Williams
President-Elect: Traci Davis
Treasurer: Alicia Jackson
Secretary: Rose Palazzolo
Past President: Melody Clay Sheffield
From the desk of the president:
Welcome to the Albany Chorale! 2026 marks sixty years since the Albany Chorale formally incorporated as 'Albany Community Chorus.' Many years before that beginning in 1929, choral music made it's mark in Albany, GA. First with The Albany Men's Chorus and years later, The Albany Woman's Chorus. Eventually the two groups came together to become the Albany Community Chorus. Today we are truly a community chorus. Independent of any school or church, we rely on members of our community to be our members. We proudly invite anyone aged 16 and older from the surrounding areas to join us. We will continue to be a source of live entertainment and education as we share the joy of singing through our free concerts. No need to be a music professional; many of our members embrace this as a valuable learning experience. If you have a passion for ensemble singing, join us at Covenant Presbyterian Church for rehearsals on Mondays from 6:30 to 8:30. And if singing isn’t your thing, you can still play a vital role in supporting our incredible group. Explore our website to find out how you can be part of The Albany Chorale.
Dennis Williams, President
Artistic Director
Cody Cone
Artistic Director Dakota (Cody) Cone of Moultrie, Georgia, is in his fifth year of choral directing in the public schools. Under his direction, his ensembles have consistently scored Superiors at various musical festivals. His students are regularly selected for the Georgia Music Educators Association All-State. A classically singer, Cody has sung under the baton of noted conductors and clinicians such as Dr. Karen Brunson and Dr. Amanda Quist. Outside of the choral realm, Cody enjoys the theatrical arts and is an avid lover of musical theater. He has music directed several productions, including shows such as Newsies, Godspell, Singing in the Rain, Pippin, and The Fantasticks. He is excited to continue this new journey as the Artistic Director of the Albany Chorale and looks forward to a wonderful 2026-2027 season!
Accompanist
Meri Beth Hillard
Meri Beth was born in Spokane, Washington, and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She began her piano studies at an early age and studied music at both the University of New Mexico and Calvin College. Currently, she is active as a teacher, performer, and church musician. For over 30 years, she was music/youth assistant at First Methodist Church in Albany, where she directed the youth choirs and assisted in worship services. She accompanied music majors as well as the college choir at Darton State College for twenty years and has operated a private piano studio as well. She has accompanied the Albany Chorale for over 20 years. Meri Beth lives in Albany with her husband, Dr. Claire Fox Hillard, they have three children: Jessica (and husband, Tim Morris), Kelsey (and husband, Blake Davis), and C.J. (and wife, Ann Marie); two granddaughters and six grandsons.