About the Master Choir
The Central Florida Master Choir, under the direction of Harold W. McSwain, is an auditioned, volunteer chorus comprised of singers from the Central Florida region. Its purpose is to promote cultural awareness and enjoyment of serious music performed at a high artistic level.
It is the Master Choir’s goal to serve Central Florida region by offering the finest of both classical and modern, “complex choral literature.” Through its performances of a widely varied repertoire, the choir strives to reach, stimulate, and inspire a broad range of audiences, including opening the world of classical music to persons of all ages. Since its incorporation in 1998, The Central Florida Master Choir has performed works such as Johannes Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem, Carol Barnett’s, The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass; Benjamin Britten’s, Ceremony of Carols; Johann Sebastian Bach’s Cantata 4, Christ lag in Todesbanden; a collaborative performance of Karl Orff’s, Carmina Burana with “Dance Alive,” from Gainesville, Florida; and the world premiere of John Luker’s, Ascension.
The Central Florida Master Choir has achieved a reputation for its artistic excellence, spirited performances, and contributions to the community. Among its members are accomplished musicians, soloists, instrumentalists, musical directors, composers, and arrangers.
Our choir is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity volunteer choral community chorus. The Central Florida Master Choir does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.
The Central Florida Master Choir is a registered 501(c)3. All donations are tax-deductable.
Conductor
Harold W. McSwain, Jr.
“Hal”—has conducted The Central Florida Master Choir since 2008, and he is the pastor of First Congregational United Church of Christ of Ocala, Florida. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology (minor: music) from Lambuth University, a Master of Divinity degree and Master of Church Music degree (major: music composition) from Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and a Doctor of Theology degree (major: philosophy) from Boston University. He studied orchestral conducting for four years with Otto-Werner Mueller of Yale University, studied vocal coaching for two years with Marga Mueller, and composition for a year with Austin Lovelace.
While teaching on the adjunct faculties of Boston College and Andover Newton Theological School, Dr. McSwain founded and conducted the Waltham Philharmonic Orchestra (Massachusetts) and organized and conducted the first “AIDS Awareness Concert” in Boston. Before coming to Ocala, he conducted the Summer Serenade Orchestra in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For each of our concerts, Dr. McSwain composes or arranges a new work for voices, accompanied and unaccompanied.
Accompanist
GayLyn Capitano
GayLyn is the pianist and accompanist of the Central Florida Master Choir. Her degrees include a Bachelor and Master of Music along with doctoral studies in piano performance from the Florida State University, under Dr. Carolyn Bridger and Leonard Mastrogiacomo. Mrs. Capitano holds a Certificate of Performance from the International Institute of Chamber Music held at the Munich Conservatory and has studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music under Clifford Curzban and James Smolko. Joerg Demus and the Alban Berg Quartet have been among her coaches.
As a solo pianist, her performances have included solo and chamber works for piano, harp, and concertos with the Florida Orchestra and the Central Florida Symphony Orchestra. She has served as principal keyboardist for the Ocala Symphony Orchestra and Choir since 1989 and has played in the University Symphony Orchestra at the University of Florida. GayLyn is currently a vocal and instrumental accompanist and adjunct professor for The College of Central Florida, and she frequently serves as worship pianist for Grace Presbyterian Church in Ocala. Active memberships include the Florida State Music Teachers Association, Federation of Music Clubs, and the National Piano Guild. Mrs. Capitano has had thirty-one years of teaching experience and has presented a piano master class at the University of Florida.
As a zealous educator and performer, Mrs. Capitano has directed piano and pedagogy studies at the Capitano Music Studio in Ocala for over twenty-four years. Her students have been recognized nationally and traveled internationally to perform. GayLyn is a frequent judge at the local, state, and national levels and holds a permanent professional certification in piano teaching from the Music Teachers National Association. GayLyn is married to Greg Capitano and has three children, Kirsten, Ben, and Anna who play the violin, cello, and piano.