Jon Timmons, Middle School and Upper School Choir Director was excited when he received an unexpected email - Central York High School was going to induct GA’s first-year choral music director into their Performing Arts Hall of Fame. This prestigious group was established in 2023 to recognize and honor Central York High School alumni, teachers, directors, and supporters who have achieved a high level of excellence and accomplishment in music, theater, and/or film, during their high school career and/or after graduating from Central York. Timmons was inducted on October 17, 2024.

Timmons was nominated by his high school band director for being not only dedicated to music and music education but also accomplished and recognized in his field 21 years after graduating. He has presented numerous choral pedagogy seminars at Pennsylvania Music Conferences. In 2020, his select choir was chosen to perform at the PMEA Annual Conference. Additionally, Timmons has led many seminars at several professional development events advocating for LGBTQ youth and faculty. He is a sought-after guest conductor and is slated to conduct the PMEA D12 Junior High School Chorus Festival and Perry County Middle School Festival in 2025.

 “As a student, I was in the band and sang in the choir, which is where I fell in love with singing," Timmons said. "Later in high school, I signed up for any performing arts option I could get - band, choir, show choir - you name it, I was in it, and the experiences were amazing. I went on to pursue music degrees at York College and the University of Delaware before singing for the Philadelphia Orchestra in their resident choir. Being able to perform in the Kimmel Center is one of the highlights of my career.”

Timmons’ journey to being a teacher happened a little later than most. "Although singing brought me great joy, I wasn’t prepared for how much I loved teaching!" Timmons continued. "After serving as a teacher at the Music Training Center in New Jersey, I went back to college, Temple University this time, and obtained my teaching certificate at 30. And now, I am also the Artistic Director of the Rainbow Chorale in Delaware - an adult choir for LGBTQ adults and allies."

Timmons, who just led his first Upper School concert with the 1759 Singers, will now begin his first season as the music director for the Belfry Club musicals. Working closely with first-year Belfry Club Director Sean Gibbons, the duo wants Belfry, the nation's oldest, continuously run high school dramatic club, to be seen on campus as much as any other activity or sport. “Mama Mia” was chosen because it’s a well-known show and it will hopefully bring out students that might not normally sing in GA productions.

“We want to make sure that any student who has an interest in theater has a place,” Timmons said. “For example, a few football players are going to be auditioning for “Mama Mia” which demonstrates you don’t have to be just one thing; you can be great at football, and you can also be great at singing in the school’s musical! It is our goal to develop well-rounded students, and I can’t wait to be a part of that process.”

Congratulations, Jon Timmons, on your well-deserved award, and for a great start to your tenure at GA.