Donté Alexander Ford

Donté Alexander Ford is an Assistant Professor of Music and Associate Chaplain for Worship Arts at Wheaton College, integrating his roles as a musician, minister, and scholar. He teaches courses in worship ministry, coaches chapel bands, and directs the Worship Arts Certificate program.

• Education: Ph.D. in Musicology (University of Arizona), M.Div, M.M. in Choral Conducting, M.S.M. in Choral Conducting (Southern Methodist University), B.A. in Music (Pennsylvania State University).

His research focuses on the history and preservation of Black American concert/popular music, African American Pentecostal hymnody, and the intersection of theology and music. He contributes to academic and religious publications like The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology and History of Hymns, emphasizing cultural and spiritual narratives.

Recent publications highlight trends in gospel music historiography, sacred song analysis, and African American choral traditions. His compositions and performances, such as founding the Sankofa Chorale, bridge Western and African American choral canons.

• Professional Affiliations: American Choral Directors Association, American Guild of Organists, Chorus America, James Abbington Church Music Academy, Society of Christian Scholarship in Music.

Donté’s special performances include collaborations with the Essence of Joy, international tours as a percussionist, and roles in operas and choral workshops. His work underscores diversity in musical and theological expression.