music direction
Most of Joseph Welch's music directing credits are at Blackburn College, where he conducts choral major works, musicals, operas, and anything else the students want to do (rock, folk, and more). He has also music directed for Arch City Opera Project, Marble City Opera, SIUE Opera, and Summer Showbiz. At Opera Edwardsville, he has music directed and performed the complete catalogue of John Davies' “Operatales”.
blackburn college choir
Under Dr. Welch's direction, the Blackburn College Choir has grown from 10 to 37 students in five years. Students often join with little to no choral experience. The Choir performed at Carnegie Hall in June 2023.
blackburn community choir
The Blackburn Community Choir creates an outlet for Carlinville-area singers to perform on stage at the Bothwell Conservatory of Music. This ensemble combines with the College Choir for major works in the spring.
educational productions
Inspiring the musicians and audiences of tomorrow, Dr. Welch directs many educational productions. Whether directing educational opera or leading folk song writing with kindergartners,
professional direction
Professional music direction credits include Arch City Opera Project, Marble City Opera, Summer Showbiz, Variety Theatre (AMD), and Opera Theatre of St. Louis SING OUT Camp.
