The Staff
Chris A. Bowman, Music Director
 Chris A. Bowman is a multifaceted musician with credits as a conductor, award-winning composer, arranger, organist, pianist, trumpet player and tenor soloist. He is equally at home with classical, popular or jazz styles of music. He is the Conductor of The Santa Ynez Valley Master Chorale; a musician, composer, arranger for WavePoint Productions; and the Organist/Director of Music at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Lompoc Valley.
Mr. Bowman has conducted and directed orchestras, choirs, and various ensembles at The Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara, the Aspen Music Festival, the Oregon Bach Festival, California Institute of the Arts, College of the Canyons, California State University-Northridge, the Los Angeles Music Center, throughout southern and central California, and in the great cathedrals in Europe and Quebec.
His award-winning Sanctus was selected to be recorded by the Kiev Philharmonic & Chorus. It is available on Masterworks of the New Era, Volume VI with world-wide distribution.
Helen Townsend, Accompanist
Helen Townsend has always enjoyed being part of the group in her role as accompanist. Her first “job” was playing for her Sunday school class. She went on to accompany the SYV Union High School choir when she was a student there. In addition, she played the cello and tympani. Helen earned a Bachelor’s degree from Pomona College in music. Although she was accepted at Julliard, she chose to attend the University of Michigan, where she received a Master’s degree in music.
She has lived her entire life in the valley with the exception of college and ten years in which she and her family lived in the Bay area. She taught school at Solvang Elementary for many years and also worked there with choral groups.
No matter what kind of music or how challenging, Helen comes through with a smile and an ease that is a reflection of her humility about her talent. Thanks Helen for over 25 years of great music!
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