My name is Joseph Bates (brojo, to some). I grew up in Indiana and occasionally still exhibit redneck-like tendencies. I attended Duke University, where I studied music composition and got into vocal music. I lived in North Carolina for six years, working here, singing in this group and in a totally sweet renaissance choir, and otherwise engaging in musical snobbery. I currently reside in DC and sing in an early music group called the Suspicious Cheese Lords (phonetic translation of "suscipe quaeso Domine"). I also enjoy backpacking, cooking, reading/learning about the universe(s), expensive Apple products, Norway, and spicy food. My two half-baked personal goals right now are to complete an olympic triathlon and to learn Mandarin.

11.18.09 -- After a tough year, I have resolved to stop putting off my non-career-oriented goals. To that end, I have decided to raise five thousand dollars for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and to run a triathlon. If you feel so inclined, please visit my fundraising page.

08.22.09 -- I sat down and listened to Pärt's Berliner Messe in full, and it blew my mind.

I work with scholastic and professional groups, in a number of areas. I run onsite workshops, as well as studio recording and production. I also take commissions for vocal compositions and arrangements. If you are interested in an arrangement or commission, please follow the "arranging" link above. If you are interested in workshops or production, please contact me via email or IM. I am also working hard on a whole new catalog of original choral works for high school choirs, for Fall 2010. Please check back in for updates.