Choral Director Named
10/16/2025
Bluffton University Welcomes New Choral Director
Bluffton University is pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathon Blake Turner as the university’s new choral director in a part-time staff role.
Turner is a dedicated educator, choral conductor, musician and pastor with extensive experience in higher education, community engagement and faith-based initiatives. His expertise blends artistic excellence, pedagogical innovation and spiritual mentorship, with a focus on fostering vocal excellence, cultural exploration and personal development through music.
Turner is an administrator at Campus International High School in Cleveland, where he works to foster a positive school culture, build strong relationships with diverse student populations, and implement strategic initiatives to improve behavior and academic outcomes.
Additionally, Turner has served as adjunct professor of voice at the Cleveland Institute of Music. During his role as director of choral activities at Lutheran High School East, his leadership afforded students performance opportunities at venues including Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
He is also the founder and artistic director of the Urban Choral Initiative in Akron, Ohio, which improves the academics, musicianship and self-esteem of inner-city youth through music and cultural arts. In addition, Turner serves as choir master for Gospel Meets Symphony with the Akron Symphony Orchestra, collaborating with guest artists and leading a 200-voice choir.
Melissa Friesen, chair of Bluffton’s communication and fine arts department, expressed her excitement for Turner’s appointment. “We are thrilled to welcome Jonathon to Bluffton. His outstanding musicianship, dynamic rehearsal skills, recruitment experience and joyful presence will be invaluable in this next phase of choral excellence at Bluffton.”
Turner holds a bachelor of arts in music education from the Baptist College of Florida, a master of divinity at Virginia Union University, and a leadership certificate from Yale University. He is currently pursuing a master of music in black sacred music at the University of Arkansas.
Through his leadership, Bluffton University looks forward to continuing a strong tradition of choral excellence while also engaging students in new opportunities for growth, artistry and cultural exploration. Bluffton University is grateful for donor support making it possible to bring choral activities back to campus this year.