Bill Osborne
Director of Circle Singers

Bill Osborne has been conductor of the Circle Singers since 2003. Formerly he directed the Kings Men, a well-established Cincinnati men’s chorus. Bill has immersed his life in the creation, performance and education of music since high school. He's performed and toured (nationally and internationally) as a singer in many musicals, shows and operas, including TV and radio appearances. He has directed many shows as well. Bill is also a composer, actor, music publicist, piano tuner, music educator and conductor of choruses and orchestras.

Osborne studied voice under Marta Spoel (the daughter of Arnold Spoel who taught Lotte Lehmann) and conducting with Roque Corderro (composer and conductor of international fame from Argentina.) He received formal training at state and private colleges in Florida, Georgia, New York, Washington DC, Michigan, Ohio, and Vermont. He holds a BA Degree in Music Education from Union Institute and a MA Degree from Vermont College. He is currently a doctoral student in Music Research, Psychology and Physiology of music. Some of his research studies the effects of sound and pulsation on the body as well as the effects of violent lyrics and music on youth.

Bill has been teaching music since 1961 in the genres of pop, bluegrass, country, rock, classical and jazz. He teaches voice, piano, violin, cello, guitar, trombone, trumpet, conducting and composition. Along with teaching privately, Bill has also taught at universities and music conservatories across the country and as a K-12 teacher.

In addition to his personal teaching, Bill has furthered the cause of music education and performance by founding and/or leading many institutions. These include the Tifton GA Conservatory of Music, Southeastern School of Fine Arts, Tiftarea Choral Society in GA, Ocilla GA Community Chorus, Tift County GA Arts Council, South Georgia Arts Alliance, Barton County AR Charter School of the Arts and the West Chester / Liberty Township OH Arts Council.

This long and illustrious career has been recognized by many arts organizations. These include the Music Educators National Conference, National Music Council, Screen Actors Guild and Actor's Equity, an In-resident Artist for Georgia Colleges as well as many music scholarships.

Bill Osborne was born in Columbus, OH and grew up in Clearwater, FL. Bill is married, has 10 children (2 of which have passed on); 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. His work has caused his family to live in 11 states in the United States and 1 foreign country, the Republic of Panama in Central America. When Bill is not composing music, or tuning pianos, you will find him reading and doing research in genealogy (his favorite hobby and pastime). His research has brought him the rewards of discovering some 41,000 documented names in his linage, which he claims he has traced back to Adam and Eve! On the wild side, Bill enjoys College and Pro Football, and NASCAR Cup Racing.

Obviously, Bill Osborne is a very experienced and well-rounded musician. Circle Singers is delighted to have him as our director.

For more information, call: (513)755-2741, (513)777-7167, (513)671-0818

Ohsung Bryan Kwon
Accompanist for Circle Singers

Accompanist Bryan Kwon joined Circle Singers this season after hearing about the chorus from the son of one of the Circle Singers. He is working on his dissertation for a Doctorate of Music Arts in Vocal Coaching and Accompaniment from the University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois. He already holds a Master of Music in Vocal Accompanying from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition from Chung-Ang University College of Music in Seoul, South Korea.

Bryan Kwon is an experienced pianist, choral director and vocal performer. A U.S. resident for the past ten years, he currently serves as the music director of Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati, Ohio. Bryan is proficient in playing several instruments including piano, organ, saxophone, and guitar. He teaches piano, voice and choral music. He is fluent in both English and Korean and reads German, Japanese, French and Italian. He has performed in various countries both as accompanist and vocalist. Kwon’s professional experience includes several vocal and piano recitals in the United States, Europe and Korea. Director of several choirs, in the U.S. and abroad, Kwon was pianist for both the stage production of the Kentucky Opera’s production of The Happy Prince and the WOUL 90.5 Radio Station, Louisville, KY’s, recording of the opera. He was the studio accompanist for the Lucca, Italy performance of the Mozart Opera "The Marriage of Figaro". The noted musician has appeared and performed in several prestigious music festivals including the Lucca Summer Music Festival in Italy, the Grandin Summer Music Festival, Cincinnati, Ohio and the Illinois State Youth Musicians Music Festival Musical Theater, Champaign, Illinois. An honor student, Bryan won a full tuition scholarship to Chung-Ang University of Music in Seoul, Korea.

The homeowner and Cincinnati resident, first came to the United States at the invitation of a friend. His family (parents and older brother, sister-in-law and toddler nephew) remain in Seoul, South Korea.

A self-proclaimed introvert, Bryan is motivated by meeting new people and sharing energy, especially involving music. An adventure lover, Bryan hangs out with friends and enjoys action movies, running and swimming as well as socializing with members of his church community. He continues to work on improving his piano skills. He aspires to become an opera coach and university/conservatory faculty member. He sees his new position as accompanist for Circle Singers as an opportunity to advance his knowledge and enjoyment of choral music.

Circle Singers is proud to have such a talented musician as our accompanist.