Billy Orton has been Music Director and Conductor of the Huntsville Community Chorus since 2002. Under his leadership, the Chorus has grown in both numbers and artistic impact upon the community. Marked by an energetic and creative approach to music-making, the Chorus concerts are well-received by a growing audience. Wide-ranging repertoire is a hallmark of the organization.
     As chorus master for HSO concerts, Mr. Orton has prepared groups for highly acclaimed performances of Carmina Burana, Mozart’s Requiem, Ravel’s Daphnes et Chloé, and Mahler’s Symphony No. 3. Debussy’s Trois Nocturnes Holst’s The Planets, Mozart's Mass in C minor and a joint HSO/HCC production of The Creation by Haydn.
     He has been conductor for numerous performances of North Alabama organizations, including concerts by the Huntsville Brass Band, a ballet with Pointe Station, Inc., and opera and stage musicals with Ars Nova. He has prepared and conducted church and community music groups in performances of such major works as Handel’s Messiah, Brahms' Requiem, Mendelssohn’s Elijah, and Vaughan Williams’ Hodie.
     Serving as Minister of Music and Worship at Huntsville’s First Baptist Church since August of 1998, Mr. Orton oversees a growing music program with more than twenty-five choirs, instrumental groups and ensembles. He conducts three choirs (youth, adult and senior adult) and the orchestra of the church. First Baptist Church's musical presentations such as the Living Christmas Tree and the Spring/Easter concerts are enjoyed by thousands in the region.
     In church music circles, Mr. Orton is frequently in demand as a conductor and faculty member for All-State groups, retreats, clinics and camps. He has led music events at the national and international levels. He most recently served as elected vice-president for the Baptist Church Music Conference. He is married to his childhood sweetheart, Jane, who is a social worker and therapist. They have two grown children, John and Mary.