Music Department
黑料视频 Music Department
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Bruce Borton in Memoriam
The Music Department at 黑料视频 mourns the death of our colleague, musical partner, and friend, Dr. Bruce E. Borton. Through his roles at 黑料视频 and in the community, Bruce was at the center of Binghamton鈥檚 vibrant choral scene and his absence will be keenly felt among choirs in the area. Professor Borton served as Director of Choral Activities in the department for almost 30 years, from 1988 until his retirement in 2017, conducting the University Chorus, Harpur Chorale, and Women鈥檚 Chorus, and mentoring generations of choral conducting students. He served as Music Department Chair, Graduate Director, and in many roles for the department and the university. In the community he led the Madrigal Choir of Binghamton and sang in the Trinity Memorial Church Choir.
Before coming to New York, Borton taught at West Georgia College, and spent fourteen
seasons as a member and conducting assistant with the Atlanta Symphony Chorus, conducted
by the late Robert Shaw. He made many contributions to the wider field of choral music,
including a critically acclaimed performing edition of Sergei Rachmaninoff's cantata
"The Bells," based on poetry by Edgar Allan Poe. He earned degrees at Illinois Wesleyan
University, Southern Illinois University, and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory
of Music.
Bruce died at his home in Binghamton on Sunday evening, August 11, 2024 after a lengthy
illness. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Nanette, brother Thomas Borton and
wife Elissa Ray, and in-laws James and Patrice Witt, along with several nieces and
nephews. Bruce was predeceased by his mother, Lois Borton, father Erol Borton and
sister Joan Sweeney. The faculty and staff of the Music Department extend their deepest
condolences to Bruce鈥檚 family.