Our Founder

Wallace E. Gordon was born and raised in Scranton. A graduate of Scranton Central High School, Keystone Junior College, and Susquehanna University, he pursued additional studies at Wilkes College and Alfred Music Institute.

Mr. Gordon directed choirs for the Asbury United Methodist Church, the Chinchilla United Methodist Church, and the Clarks Summit United Methodist Church. He was founder and director of the Key-Notes, a popular mixed chorus which performed over fifty local concerts and benefits, and appeared on Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour. He also directed the University of Scranton Singers for seven seasons and was the musical director for productions of Mame and The Music Man for the Abington Players. He was a director and soloist for the Regimental Glee Club on Armed Forces Radio and was a well known soloist on local WSCR-NBC Radio during the 1940’s and 1950’s.

Mr. Gordon was a member of the American Choral Directors Association, a three-term past president of the Community Concerts Association, and a member of its Board of Directors.  In 1977, he was the recipient of the William J. Connell, Jr. Award for “significant contribution and dedicated service to the cultural enrichment of the community.”

Because of his love of singing, he founded The Wally Gordon Community Singers in September of 1983 as a way to give local people a forum to pursue their love of choral music, regardless of their training or ability. Today the Wally Gordon Community Singers continues to thrive and is open to all singers 14 and older. The chorus owes many thanks to members of the Gordon family and to his friends for their continued support.