Gregory Hilliard, Jr.

Choir Director

Gregory A. Hilliard, Jr. serves as the Choir Director at First Methodist Lockhart. He has over 10 years of experience serving on the music staff of churches throughout North and Central Florida, where he served as Music Assistant for the large music ministry of choral, handbell, and steel pan ensembles at Trinity United Methodist Church in Tallahassee, Florida.

He recently earned his Master of Music in Choral Conducting at Texas State University, and held Graduate Assistant duties within the Texas State University Choral Department. Gregory holds teacher certification in K-12 Music in Florida and Texas, and has previously taught several music curricula (including chorus, keyboard, guitar, orchestra, handbells/choir chimes, musical theatre and drama, music theory, and general music/music appreciation) at the elementary through high school levels.

Additionally, Gregory also serves as the music director of Austin Harmony Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International. From 2011 to 2018, he was the music director of The Capital Chordsmen, the award- winning chorus of the Tallahassee chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. He currently sings in The Marcsmen, an international competition-level chorus based in San Antonio, and serves on the performance team as tenor section leader.

Gregory earned the Bachelor of Music Education in Choral Music Education and the Specialized Study Certificate in Sacred Music from The Florida State University. A member of ACDA, NCCO, NAfME, AGO, FUMMWA, Handbell Musicians of America, and an honorary member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, he maintains an active schedule as a baritone solo/choral vocalist, guest conductor/clinician, adjudicator, barbershop quartet/chorus coach, vocal jazz ensemble/contemporary a cappella group coach, and handbell musician.