ABOUT OUR FOUNDER

Robert Dale Herrema

For over three decades as Associate Professor of Music at Marywood University, Robert Dale Herrema was a major force in regional music, leading the Marywood University Chamber Singers, Campus Choir and Orchestra. In 1977, he founded the Robert Dale Chorale, which bore his name until 2013, when it was changed to the Arcadia Chorale. For twenty-six years, he was its Music Director and a great friend to all who performed under his baton. Bob retired from the Robert Dale Chorale in 2004, and from Marywood University in 2005.

A graduate of Calvin College and the University of Michigan, Bob is listed in “Who’s Who in American Music”. Mr. Herrema has studied and collaborated with Helmuth Rilling, Robert Shaw and Alice Parker. He is an active member of Chorus America and a lifetime member of ADCA. Maestro Herrema’s genius for programming and keen musicianship have earned glowing reviews from critics and music lovers alike.

Bob now splits his time between Petoskey, Michigan and Naples, Florida, where he is the organist at the Bower Chapel in Naples. He is fondly remembered here by an appreciative, musical community to whom he gave his time, creativity, passion, and love.