ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

TED von POHLE, MA

A lover of words and music, Ted von Pohle has sung since he could talk. It’s that love affair with song that matured into his passion for choral conducting.

Ted began taking piano lessons and singing in his school choirs when he was six. He continued private music studies in high school and began studying voice and organ as well. Due to his prodigiously developing keyboard skills, his teachers promted him to focus his attention there, but von Pohle was captivated by singing, so he accompanied the choirs in the lower grades and sang with his high school choirs. 

Mr. von Pohle went on to pursue music studies and graduated with a Bachelors in Music (vocal performance emphasis) from Pacific Union College in Angwin. Several years later he earned his Masters in Music (choral conducting emphasis) from San José State University where he studied with internationally renowned conductor and choral educator, Dr. Charlene Archibeque.

While at SJSU he was chosen to be Assistant Conductor of the international award-winning SJSU Choraliers. It was in choral conducting that von Pohle’s passion and skills in voice, keyboard, and choral music culminated. 

Von Pohle has been a music educator for over 30 years teaching all levels of music from early classroom music through collegiate ensembles and classes. Currently, Ted is Minister of Music and organist at Grace Episcopal Church, St. Helena. He is also in demand as a vocal instructor. Students current and past, have been  regularly cast as principals in their school musical theater productions, and several have gone on to professional musical careers, including one who has appeared on Broadway.  

In addition to teaching, von Pohle continues to perform in concert, recital, and musical theater productions. He’s appeared with San Francisco’s Lamplighters, Contra Costa Civic Theater, Napa Valley College Theater, The White Barn, and Dream Weavers Theater. 

In all his musical pursuits, founding Bel Canto and developing its many activities has been for Ted, the realization and reward of a long-time dream.

Singers – Mission – Organization – History