Belford Hernandez
Music Director
Belford Hernandez received his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Adventist University of Colombia and master in Choral Music Education from VanderCook School of Music in Chicago, IL. Currently, Belford is the Choir director and professor at Benedictine University, ILL, and Music Director at Hinsdale United Methodist church. Additionally he is the Jazz piano collaborator for the Illinois Music Educator Association (ILMEA).
Previously, Belford has served as Music Director at Montini Catholic Preparatory College High School, Piano Collaborator and Choir Director at Downers Grove South High School, Piano Collaborator for Anima Singers of Greater Chicago (formely Glenn Ellyn Children Chorus) and Chapel Choir Director at First United Methodist Church.
Matthew Loeb
Collaborative Pianist
Matthew Loeb is a versatile pianist and music educator in the Chicagoland area. Performing professionally from a young age, as a high school student Matt performed beside trombonist Joey Sellers and acted as guest soloist for Maynard Ferguson and the Big Bop Nouveau. He has also performed with the Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and as an onboard showband musician and headliner accompanist for Carnival Cruise Lines. During his contract aboard the cruise ship Carnival Pride, Matt regularly arranged big band charts and contributed to the score of Carnival Pride’s Las Vegas Style Review shows.
For the past several years, Matt has served as a high school band and choir director in the Chicagoland area. Today he works as a freelance musician, educator, music arranger, and piano technician while finishing his Masters of Music in Music Education at DePaul University, studying jazz piano with Jim Trompeter. In addition to Cantores Community Choir, Matt collaborates with the Benedictine University School of Music, is a regular pianist for the Illinois Music Educator Association, serves as associate director of music at the Hinsdale United Methodist Church and directs the HUMC Community Jazz Ensemble. Matt holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education from Northern Illinois University.
Don Dunham
Administator
Don Dunham has been the Business Administrator of the choir since its inception in 2010. He previously spent more than 30 years of his career in executive management positions with not-for-profit associations, mostly in the printing and graphic arts industry.
Cantores Board
Front row (left to right):
Jayne Wilkins - Fundraising
Michelle Cervantes - Secretary
Rafael Gonzales - Website Manager
Emily Schultz - Vice President
Backrow (left to right):
Kate Loeffler - Social Media & Scholarship
Bruce Hook - President
Don Dunham - Business Admin
Megan Roche - Treasurer
Belford Hernandez - Artistic Director